Quite a few people have asked me what to do to protect your pets from RADIOACTIVE FALL OUT and if they should use Potassium Iodide for their pets. While the risks of increased radiation in North America are low, it never hurts to learn the important facts.
What does Iodine do?
Following a radiological or nuclear event, radioactive iodine may be released into the air and then be breathed into the lungs. Radioactive iodine may also contaminate the local food supply and get into the body through food or through drink. When radioactive materials get into the body through breathing, eating, or drinking, we say that “internal contamination” has occurred.
In the case of internal contamination with radioactive iodine, the thyroid gland quickly absorbs this chemical. Radioactive iodine absorbed by the thyroid can then injure the gland. Because non-radioactive Iodine acts to block radioactive iodine from being taken into the thyroid gland, it can help protect this gland from injury.
What an Iodine supplement cannot do
Knowing what a good source of Iodine cannot do is also important. It cannot prevent radioactive iodine from entering the body. It can protect only the thyroid from radioactive iodine, not other parts of the body. It cannot reverse the health effects caused by radioactive iodine once damage to the thyroid has occurred. An iodine supplement cannot protect the body from radioactive elements other than radioactive iodine.
How does Iodine Supplementation work?
The thyroid gland cannot tell the difference between stable and radioactive iodine and will absorb both. The good iodine source works by blocking radioactive iodine from entering the thyroid. When a pet is given a stable iodine source, the stable iodine gets absorbed by the thyroid. The thyroid gland becomes “full” and cannot absorb any more radioactive Iodine from the environment.
Can my pet be given Potassium Iodide?
Yes, you can, however this medication may cause undesirable side-effects. Considering that the radiation fallout in most parts of the world is low, I would not recommend it at the present time in North America. Even in most areas of Japan, it may be safer to go for a natural Iodine source alternative with the exception of areas where radioactivity is high.
If you live in an areas seriously affected by radiation, the dose of Potassium Iodide for dogs and cats is similar to humans 65 – 130 mg/day
Some general side effects caused by KI may include intestinal upset, allergic reactions (possibly severe), rashes, and inflammation of the salivary glands.
Can GreenMin reduce the chances of harm caused by radioactive Iodine?
While GreenMin has not been tested for blocking radioactive Iodine out of your pet’s thyroid gland, we know that it is a source of stable Iodine. It is safe to assume that if you give GreenMin on a regular basis, its iodine will “fill up” the thyroid gland with healthy Iodine and prevents radioactive iodine from “entering” the thyroid gland. In addition, GreenMin has many other health benefits.
Where can I learn more about GreenMin?
To find out more about GreenMin – the all natural full spectrum broad spectrum mineral and phytonutrient supplement and receive FREE SHIPPING (USA, Canada) until April 15, 2011 with your purchase click here.
PS: Please share this blog with your friends and especially those you know that have animals, especially in Japan. I hope this will bring clarity into the current situation in Japan and around the Pacific Rim.
© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM
