the side effect from side effects: the ugly side of pharma

We typically don’t think much about it, or question it, when something is prescribed to our pets, we just tend to nod our heads and go with it, without asking questions.
Of course, I am not anti-vet, nor am I anti-drug, however, with that being said, I also don’t believe in just throwing my pet on ‘whatever’. Especially with some of the newer medications that are out there, you’re basically making a deal with the devil, in my not so humble opinion.
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For instance, if you blindly throw your pets on a deworming medication without first testing to see what they actually have, you could be wasting your time, energy and money, and not to mention, these types of medications may cause dysbiosis and gut microbiome imbalances when needlessly administered.
Also, we all hate flea and tick season, and with this year being such a terrible season for it, some might be tempted to put their pets on the medications, especially this year.

Firstly, not every pet is suited for these types of medications, especially those susceptible to having seizures, auto-immune conditions, and those that are on the ‘sensitive’ side of things.

Having an awareness to all side effects of medications makes you, well, aware of them, and so at least you know what to expect when or if something happens.
Also, knowing that flea and tick medications are not true flea and tick deterrents, rather treatments, so basically it only ‘works’ when the host gets bitten, not if. The if part relies on true deterrents.
Some side effects of medications are actually worse than the condition in and of itself, so really consider if long-term medications are right for your pet, because these types come with a cost.
I’m not talking about pain meds or antibiotics that your pet has to take for a short period of time, it is more of the longer term pharmaceuticals, such as flea and tick medications, that can wreak havoc on your pets immune system, and once it does, vets seem to just label everything as ‘allergies’ these days, but I have found that pets suffering from true allergies are actually far few in between.

So, let’s start reading the fine print.
If your noticing that all of a sudden your pet is having certain issues, look up the side effects of the medications they are on, or have been on, because sometimes the remnants of the effect of the drugs last even long after the pet stops taking it. What I have found is that everything is connected.
If you notice that your pet all of a sudden has this rash that won’t go away, look up the side effect of the medications they are on. And yes, I am using a real life example here.
So, what to do?

Maybe you had no choice but to use medications on your pets. Perhaps they are still on it.

If you look after your pets’ organ systems, then it will look after your pet.
The job of the liver and kidneys is to filter out everything in your pets systems, and the gut also playing a very crucial part, and the more sophisticated (and toxic) these medications become, the more sophisticated detoxing our pets will need.
Here are some recommendations consider adding to your pets daily routine;

Our pets naturally produce glutathione in the body, it is the body’s most powerful antioxidant as it is in charge of detoxing the whole body. However, side effects of most medications disrupt the body’s natural defenses.
It contains three amino acids that are important for detoxification; cysteine, L-glycine, and L-glutamine. Glutathione has been identified as playing a crucial role detoxifying harmful drug residues and environmental pollutants. It also supports a strong immune system. This is one of the most important antioxidants for detox at a cellular level.

Broccoli and broccoli sprout naturally contains an antioxidant called sulforaphane, which is a very potent antioxidant shown to increase certain enzymes in the body for numerous benefits. This directly impacts the Nrf2 system in the body. The NRf2 system in the body helps to support cellular function by activating genes that are responsible for protection against oxidative stress. 

Naturally found in lecithin like soy or sunflower, and is part of the B-complex family.
Such a simple, and yet impactful nutrient for dogs and cats. Citocoline (or choline) that comes from phosphatidylcholine, has been originally used as a drug to help improve memory and brain function after a stroke, according to WebMD. Along with cognitive health, this is such an essential nutrient to keep the liver happy, as it prevents fat accumulation in the liver, aiding in fat metabolism, and it help to emulsify toxins so that the liver can better catabolize them.
It is also a potent antioxidant aiding in detoxification. Choline from lecithin has been shown to significantly thin the bile, making removal of toxins from the liver more efficient. Lecithin, such as from soy or sunflower lecithin is protective against liver damage from pesticides. 

Most toxins are eliminated through the gut, otherwise, if the gut and liver and kidneys are clogged, this is where we start seeing skin issues, because the skin is a secondary detox organ, not the primary, when the primary ones like the liver, kidney and G.I. get compromised, this is when we start seeing skin issues.
The skin is a mirror of the digestive tract, so make sure your dog and cat is on a good probiotic supplement, especially during detoxing. 
Particularly one that contains both humic and fulvic acid as these are chelators that bind to heavy metals and pesticide residues.

Knowledge is power, and the more we know, the more we can help our beloved four-legged family members live a comfortable and healthy life.
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Make sure you speak with your veterinarian or holistic veterinarian before adding new things to your pets’ diet.