Its been 28 days and doodle detox is still happening. This detoxification period is not for the faint at heart…

In September I switched the Boys to an “alternative to raw” diet. Air Dried dog food.

Deliberation was lengthy – but my motivation is to rid Harley from his toxin burden. The effects are taking its toll on his little body. Since the move to Charleston, he’s suffered terribly with environmental allergens. I can no longer watch him dig, bite and tear into his skin so vigorously.

Yet the doodle detox road to toxin free life is a serious uphill climb.

THE HEALING CRISIS –

That’s how some describe the detox period – a “healing crisis.” 

A healing crisis is a natural occurrence and is part of detoxification. The process is referred to as a crisis simply because the body displays illness-like symptoms at a time when it is actually healing itself and the vital energy begins to repair and rebuild clogged or damaged internal organs. In a healing crisis, what happens is that the all the body systems are now working to eliminate waste products/toxins which is setting up the body for regeneration. Old tissues are being replaced with new. Source: The Whole Dog

As fate would have it – only I could be blessed with two doods whose detox reactions are at different ends of the spectrum.

Jaxson’s ears cleared up in about 17 days. No more waxy gunk to clean out and we’ve gone days without those violent head shakes.

Harley on the other hand is at the opposite end. #extremeopposite

As I’ve read countless times –

The detoxification period can be quick with hardly any visual symptoms or it can last for several months and be a bit of a nightmare. Source: Surepets

You got that right!

SYMPTOMS –

In a healing crisis the diet has finally been improved with healthy foods and other nutrients which work to increase the body’s vitality and the ability to heal itself. During this healing process, while the body is throwing off toxins, you will see temporary symptoms what are similar to those the dog may have been suffering with before you made the choice to help it heal. Source: The Whole Dog

While I haven’t seen any vomiting / diarrhea / stronger smelling urine, Harley has been experiencing –

• Itchiness – scratches all day and all night.
• Dandruff – flying everywhere, like Charlie Brown’s friend Pig Pen.
• Excessive tearing – eyes are always draining.
• Smelly itchy ears –  the gunk is never ending!
• Increased doggy odor – #sweetbabyJesus

They say these symptoms are normal. The toxins are being driven out through his skin. #cantheyhurry

But the odor is the absodoodle worst…

On October 14th they both had a full groom.

Seven days later (October 21st) Harley’s stench overwhelmed us. I had no recourse but to take him to the $10.00 “do it yourself” doggy wash because he smelled so foul…

Jax joined in as a willing supportive brother (that and the fact that he loves water!)

I’m using a medicated shampoo and conditioner that smells A-mazing…

Sleeping more is also part of this healing crisis…

Especially for Harley!

Probably because his nights are interrupted with all the scratching, licking, twisting and turning…

Though what we are enduring is both disturbing and upsetting – it’s the necessary evil towards a path that will lead to a healthier happier lifestyle.

This is the first opportunity Harley’s had to fight off the toxins that have been building up in his body. As his immune system strengthens – it’s forcing the toxins out at the same time.

I’ve got to be strong and allow him to battle through these symptoms and fully detox.

I cannot go back to the way we were #nowaygladysknight

OILS AND ALOE –

So how do I help?

Naturally!

I’m using grape seed oil to ease the itching sensation and it seems to sooth the insides of the ear lobe. I follow up with Aloe Gel on a cotton pad.

I’ve also found a topical plant base/essential oil  skin spray that provides fast relief when the scratching gets insane.

HOW’S THE DIET GOING? –

Doodletastic!

No complaints from either of them. Ziwi Peak continues to provide educational support.

I’ve even changed their treats. No more commercial cracker / cookie pre-boxed goodies. They’re either raw, air dried or fresh. Having lots of fun discovering online stores to order what I need.

I DIDN’T COME THIS FAR, TO ONLY COME THIS FAR –

My Nana used to say –

Nothing worthwhile in life comes easy, If it does come easy, it really isn’t worthwhile.

With that engrained in my mental rolodex, I’ll continue to do whatever I can to help him over this hump.

When life gives you Monday, dip it in GLITTER and SPARKLE all day ❤️