Supporting lung health and organs of detoxification

This article was written following the 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles, but the recommendations also apply to general lung and detoxification support for pets.

In this post, I cover basic diet and nutritional supplement protocols for pets who may have been exposed to environmental toxins, including wildfire smoke.

Even pets outside the immediate burn areas may still be exposed to airborne toxins from smoke, ash, and environmental contamination in the air, water, or on their skin. The following steps can help maintain healthy detox pathways to support their overall health.

Diet: Supporting Detox with Whole Foods

If your pet eats primarily processed food or kibble, now is a great time to incorporate fresh, whole foods to increase their intake of antioxidants. Antioxidants play a critical role in detoxification by neutralizing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting liver function. This helps protect cells from damage while enhancing the immune and lymphatic systems—both essential for removing toxins from the body.

Easy Antioxidant-Rich Food Toppers for Kibble or Processed Food:

• Cooked ground turkey or low-fat ground beef – while these may not have as many antioxidants per se, they help to make the fresh food more palatable and easier to mix in high antioxidant foods listed below

• Boiled or lightly steamed fresh vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, or zucchini)

• Fresh or frozen antioxidant-rich fruits (blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries)

These food toppers can be prepared in advance, stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen in small portions for easy use.

🌿 Milk Thistle: Liver & Kidney Support

Milk thistle, known for its active compound silymarin, is a powerful antioxidant that supports both liver and kidney health. While not a direct detoxifier, it helps the body’s detox organs work more efficiently by:

• Protecting liver cells from damage and promoting regeneration.

• Supporting kidney function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

• Helping process and eliminate environmental toxins, including those from wildfire smoke exposure.

🌟 Recommended Organic Milk Thistle Supplements for Pets:

1. Herbsmith Organic Milk Thistle for Dogs & Cats – Pure, 100% organic milk thistle for detox support.

2. Animal Essentials Milk Thistle Herbal Capsules – Supports liver cell regeneration and digestion.

3. Pet Wellbeing Milk Thistle Liquid – Gentle, glycerin-based formula for long-term use.

Note: In my experience, milk thistle is well tolerated by most pets. However, when introducing any new supplement, watch for digestive changes (soft stool, nausea, etc.). If any issues arise, stop use and consult your veterinarian.

Probiotics & Gentle Detox Support

I frequently recommend Four Leaf Rover Protect probiotic for pets, as it contains soil-based probiotics (which are more resilient than traditional probiotics) along with bentonite clay, chlorella, and humic/fulvic acids—all of which support detoxification by binding to and removing environmental toxins, heavy metals, and pesticides.

Additionally, organic blueberries in the formula provide antioxidants that benefit gut health, brain function, and cellular repair. This makes Four Leaf Rover Protect a great option for supporting overall detox pathways in pets exposed to environmental pollutants.

Lung Support for Pets Exposed to Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke contains toxic particulate matter (PM2.5) that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, affecting both respiratory and detox organs like the liver and kidneys. If your pet was directly exposed to wildfire smoke, consider lung-supporting herbs to help soothe irritation and restore respiratory health.

Smoke exposure is dehydrating, so it’s important to counteract this dryness with moisturizing and cooling herbs like:

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)- Has some expectorant properties, may help ease coughing, reduce inflammation, and assist in clearing mucus from the lungs, making it potentially beneficial for various respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and upper respiratory infections

Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis)- forms a protective, gel-like coating over irritated mucous membranes in the throat and lungs, helping to alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions such as coughs, sore throats, and bronchitis while promoting healing and reducing inflammation

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): Rich in mucilage, mullein coats and soothes inflamed tissues, providing relief from irritation and cough1. It’s particularly useful for conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and dry cough1.

• Pet Wellbeing Lung Support or Throat Support – These OTC herbal formulas contain cooling and soothing herbs that support the respiratory system.

Binders: Assisting the Body in Toxin Elimination

Binders are substances that attach to toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating their excretion and preventing reabsorption. Incorporating binders can be especially beneficial for pets exposed to environmental pollutants, such as wildfire smoke.

Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP):

Modified citrus pectin is a soluble fiber derived from the peels of citrus fruits. Unlike regular pectin, MCP is altered to have a lower molecular weight, enhancing its absorption and efficacy. MCP has been shown to:

• Bind to heavy metals like lead and mercury, aiding in their removal from the body.

• Support digestive health by regulating bowel movements and promoting a healthy gut environment.

Dosage and Administration: One brand we recommend is Pectasol. You can read their article here that talks about how to give this supplement to pets. https://econugenics.com/blogs/news/are-you-doing-enough-to-support-your-pet-s-health.

For PectaSol® MCP here are the doses:

• Mid-sized and large dogs: 1 scoop daily
• Cats and small dogs: 1/2 scoop daily1

Other Binders to consider:

• Activated Charcoal: Known for its porous surface, activated charcoal can adsorb a variety of toxins, preventing their absorption. It’s particularly useful in acute toxin ingestion scenarios. However, it should be used under veterinary guidance, as it can also bind to essential nutrients and medications.

• Bentonite Clay: This natural clay has been studied for its ability to bind certain mycotoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals like cadmium and lead. Its effectiveness can vary based on environmental pH and the specific toxin involved. Caution is advised, as some studies suggest it may interfere with nutrient absorption and thyroid function.

• Chlorella: A freshwater alga rich in nutrients, chlorella has demonstrated potential in binding heavy metals and aflatoxins. It also offers additional health benefits due to its high content of vitamins and minerals.

Usage Guidelines:

• Duration: For general detox support, administering binders for a few months every year is often sufficient. In cases of known toxin exposure, such as after the recent wildfires, you may want to give the binders for 4-6 months. The one downside of binders is they may also bind healthy minerals in food. Most of the binders mentioned above have minimal effect on healthy minerals, however, long-term, it could become problematic.

Binders may also create constipation in some pets. If this occurs, decrease the dose or frequency of the binder and add in more fiber in the form of pumpkin or cooked, non-starchy vegetables. Make sure your pet is receiving adequate water and moisture in their diet when you are using binders. If needed, add some bone broth or additional fluid into their food during this time to entice them to drink a little more.

• Monitoring– If you know your pet had exposure to heavy metals, but you also want to give binders, you can also check their mineral levels. General labwork (performed at most vet clinics) can miss certain mineral deficiencies and also toxicities. We have found good results at our clinic with this fur mineral test: https://vdilab.com/mineralanalysis/. You may need to work with a local integrative veterinarian to perform this test on your pet.

Next we will discuss how to support your pet emotionally, in the last article of this series called: Flower Essences for Grief, trauma and life changes.