Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a powerful and natural way to support your dog’s health by boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and detoxifying the body. This gentle technique stimulates the lymphatic system, helping flush out harmful toxins, balance hormones, and enhance overall well-being. It’s especially beneficial for dogs over five, those on regular medications, or dogs with conditions like arthritis or dysplasia.
Why Your Dog Needs Manual Lymphatic Drainage and What is the Lymphatic System?
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that filter waste and pathogens from lymph fluid. Part of the lymphatic system, they play a vital and crucial role in immunity by capturing toxins and sending white blood cells to defend against infections, helping keep the body healthy by managing fluids and removing harmful substances.
Here’s how MLD benefits your dog:
1. Enhanced Immunity
MLD improves lymph flow, helping move white blood cells where they’re needed most. This is particularly helpful as colder months increase respiratory illness risks from dog parks, trails, and daycare.
2. Reduced Inflammation
MLD promotes waste removal and reduces fluid buildup, soothing inflamed joints—especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia.
3. Comprehensive Detoxification
Our pets are exposed daily to a surprising range of toxins:
- Indoor Toxins: From household cleaners, air fresheners, hair sprays, scented lotions, and deodorants to toxic residues, many household items can burden your dog’s liver and kidneys.
- Outdoor Toxins: Car exhaust, residual rat poison near buildings, and toxic plants in city settings (see our upcoming Soul Paws blog on dangerous indoor and outdoor plants) are hazards that accumulate in your dog’s body over time.
- Stress-Related Hormonal Toxins: High cortisol levels from Halloween’s spooky decorations, costumes, firecrackers, and fireworks can impact your dog’s mood and cause hormonal imbalance. MLD gently assists in regulating cortisol levels, helping reduce anxiety and its effects on the body.
4. Supports Injury Recovery
MLD encourages blood flow to injury sites, aiding in the healing process by removing cellular waste and reducing swelling.
5. Improved Energy
By reducing bodily stress and enhancing toxin elimination, MLD leaves dogs feeling lighter, more active, and happier.
Who Can Benefit Most from Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
While MLD is beneficial for any dog, it's especially recommended for:
Dogs managing any chronic condition with pain and/or inflammation
Dogs managing arthritis, dysplasia, IVDD, OCD or chronic or degenerative health issues
Dogs on regular medications including monthly flea treatment that leads to toxin buildup
Dogs needing immunity support
Dogs recovering from surgery or recent injuries
TIPS: Extra Ways To Boost Your Dog's Immunity This Fall & Winter
To complement MLD, here are tips to keep your dog healthy this season:
Immune-Supportive Foods: Add pumpkin, turmeric, and blueberries to meals for natural antioxidant support.
Probiotics: Support a healthy gut to enhance immunity.
Adding Zeolite powder to your dog's daily meals for a week.
Limit Exposure in High-Risk Areas: During viral and bacterial infectious outbreaks, avoid high-traffic dog parks, pack walks with dogs from other households traveling in a van and daycare/overnight boarding.**Note** Do not eliminate your dog's social or exercise needs, but rather choose private or semi-private adventure walks, or go in groups with dogs that your dog knows and you know to be healthy, and opt for in-home boarding instead of kennels.
Hydrate! Encourage steady water intake to help flush out toxins.
Consider a 60-minute MLD session with Soul Paws for a powerful wellness boost, followed by a recommended massage/acupressure or near-infrared session within 3-7 days. Together, these treatments build your dog’s resilience and provide balance for a happier, healthier season.
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