Answer: Dogs experience “detoxification sickness” after transitioning from kibble to raw. This is one of the main reasons why some people do not stick to raw die. Raw diet is the most natural diet to give to your dog and provide them with a healthy life. Unfortunately, everyone expects a fast miracle when transition to raw and do not give time for the dogs to adjust to the new diet.
Some symptoms of detoxification are:
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Itchy skin ( hot spots)
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Itchy ears( mild ear infections)
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Loose stools
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Constipation
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Strong odor from your dog’s skin, or anal glands
Do not be alarm! They usually go away in a few days or weeks. Some dogs may experience symptoms lasting longer ( if they were fed kibble for a long time) and some dogs might not have symptoms at all.
Some things you can do to help reduce these symptoms:
An oatmeal bath helps relax and nourish their skin and relieves itchy skin.( to make an oatmeal bath: Take a cup of organic non flavored oat and grind it with the blender. Fill a bathtub with a lukewarm water and mix in the oatmeal. Let your dog sock in for 10/15 minutes and gently massage into the skin . Remove your dog from the tub, without rinsing and softly pat it dry.)
For itchy ears, you can make an ear wash using 1 part organic apple cider vinegar and 1 part purified water.
If the dog has runny poop you can fast them for a day, or give them a cup of boiled, baked, or canned organic pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), or you can give them boiled or baked sweet potatoes (yams). You can also feed pumpkin or yams if they are constipated as a way to normalize their stool. These help to normalize their digestive system.
Also, avoid giving herbal supplements during their detox period. You can continue the supplements a week after the symptoms subside.