Toxin Buildup & Detox
Any abnormal foreign chemical can result in a buildup of toxins in the body. These can come from flea sprays, shampoos, drugs, flea collars and heartworm drugs. When and if you “detox” your dog, remember that toxins in the body are mainly released through the skin and not through the feces or urine, so you may see increased skin problems even during a detox.
Dry Pet Foods
Chemicals from preservative agents used in dry pet foods (Ethoxyquin, BHT, PABA etc.) that are added to increase the shelf life of the product allowing the food to be exposed to the environment for months without spoiling affect the immune system.
Fungicides
It is theorized that fungicides are the precursor to cancer, and it may be possible to actually destroy a fungicide (and prevent cancer) by raising the PH with sodium bicarbonate. I mention this now because of the negative effect that fungicide has on the immune system and being a foreign agent in the body.
Drugs
A double-edged sword. We love to see the scratching stop but using drugs such as cortico-steroids and antibiotics destroys the bacterial flora in the gut (both good and bad bacteria), and long-term use is very damaging to the body. It’s little wonder that these inflammation reducing agents are called Band-Aid fixes and should only be used for short application.
Environmental Exposure
Our water, food and air cause major issues for our animals. Our pets indiscriminately search for food and water and drink whether it is contaminated or not. Air pollution affects our pets in the same way that it affects you and me. All these cause immune decline and inflammation.