Natural clays for pets, such as bentonite and montmorillonite, are often used to supplement the diet of cats and dogs, and help to care for wounds. Here’s a look at the benefits of using clay to complement your pet’s care and boost their overall health and wellbeing.
What is bentonite and montmorillonite clay?
Montmorillonite and bentonite are both types of natural mineral rich clays, but they have some differences in their composition and characteristics. Bentonite clay is formed from volcanic ash and named after Fort Benton in Wyoming, USA, where large deposits were first discovered.
Bentonite clay is primarily composed of montmorillonite, but it contains other minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron, and has a different composition. It’s a highly absorbent material, and when mixed with water it forms a paste with a negative electrical charge.
Montmorillonite clay is a specific type of bentonite clay, named after Montmorillon, France, where it was first discovered. As you might expect, it has similar qualities to Bentonite clay such as high absorbency and it can attract and hold positively charged particles.
The role in detoxification
Both types of clay can be used to detoxify the body, and are often used to treat poisoning or exposure to toxic substances. Dogs can often be prone to eating things they shouldn’t, leading to stomach upsets and discomfort. The unique structure of the clays acts to bind with the harmful substances and help to expel them from the body.
The role in skin care
Other types of natural clay such as kaolin and green clay, are traditional remedies for soothing skin irritations and minor wounds. They can be mixed to a paste and used in poultices, or applied directly to the skin or mixed into bath water. The clays are gentle yet rich in minerals that soothe and promote the repair of the skin cells.
The clays can draw out impurities to help heal abscesses, fungal infections, and minor wounds, reducing inflammation and keeping the area clean. The clays should be used to complement rather than replace any treatments that are recommended by your vet, and you should always carry out a patch test first to check for any adverse reactions.
The role in digestive health
Natural clays may also be used to supplement your pet’s diet and support their digestive health. Bentonite clay has superb binding properties that makes it ideal for treating diarrhoea, and it can also help to cleanse the gut and remove the build up of toxins.
You should always use natural clay treatments in consultation with your vet to establish if they are right for the type of pet and the ailments that they have. Start by using small doses mixed with water and gradually increase the amount in accordance with the vet’s and supplier’s instructions.
