Glyphosate & Pet Health

Everwell Pets
Mar 10
11 min read

Updated: Jun 27

What Is Glyphosate?

As spring approaches, here's a PSA, if you see beautiful, lush green grass, don’t let your dog run, play, roll around, or even walk on it. It’s likely been treated with pesticides, and the one most people recognize is Glyphosate. Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide in the U.S., found in over 750 products, according to Oregon State University's National Pesticide Information Center. This chemical is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it kills almost all plants. It works by blocking an enzyme pathway called the Shikimate pathway, which plants, algae, fungi, and even bacteria rely on to produce essential amino acids.

History Of Glyphosate - A Timeline

1961: Glyphosate was originally patented in the U.S. by Stauffer Chemical Co. as a descaling and chelating agent. Its powerful ability to bind metals made it effective for cleaning out calcium and other mineral deposits in the pipes and boilers of both residential and commercial hot water systems. Descaling agents work by grabbing onto minerals like calcium, magnesium, and heavy metals, making them water-soluble and easy to remove. Unfortunately, this same property continues to play a role today when glyphosate binds to these essential minerals in both humans and pets, which can disrupt their health.

1970 - Glyphosate was discovered to be a herbicide (weedkiller) by Monsanto scientist John Franz and was patented as such.

1974 - Monsanto began selling Roundup – the main active ingredient of which is glyphosate.

1996 - The first genetically modified (GMO) otherwise known as a "Roundup Ready" foods made their debut.

2001 - Glyphosate made the top as the most heavily applied pesticide on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's list, based on the total pounds of active ingredient used. In 2001, a staggering 90 million pounds of glyphosate-based herbicides were sprayed, outpacing the second-place pesticide, atrazine, which totaled 80 million pounds.

2005 - Glyphosate herbicide use spiked dramatically with about 160 million pounds of glyphosate-based herbicides, applied that year.

2013 - A study by Samsel & Seneff, argued that glyphosate may be a key contributor to obesity as well as other health problems like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, infertility, depression, and cancer.

2015 - The World Health Organization’s (WHO) cancer agency has classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans." Yet, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly tests Americans for exposure to over 300 chemicals, glyphosate isn’t one of them.

2017 - There was enough glyphosate sprayed in the U.S. for about three-quarters of a pound of active ingredient to be applied on every acre of harvested cropland in the country. Worldwide, enough glyphosate was sprayed in 2017 to apply about two-thirds of a pound on every harvested acre on the planet.

2018 - Monsanto (August 11, 2018) was ordered to pay a record $289 million in damages to 5000 claimants, due to failing to warn consumers that glyphosate in its weed-killing products was a known carcinogen. The jury found that Monsanto knew the chemical was dangerous and failed to warn consumers properly.

Bayer, a German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company acquired Monsanto in a deal that was completed in June 2018, which was before the $10.9 billion lawsuit payout. The acquisition was finalized in the same year that the lawsuit payout was agreed upon. Bayer’s purchase of Monsanto included not only Monsanto’s agricultural business but also the legal liabilities, including the lawsuits related to glyphosate and its alleged link to cancer. [1]

2020 - The lawsuit payout came in 2020, as part of Bayer's efforts to resolve ongoing litigation following the acquisition. [2]

As the federal agency responsible for regulating pesticides, including glyphosate, the EPA reaffirmed its position, stating that glyphosate doesn’t pose a cancer risk when used as directed on the label. They then set what’s known as a "tolerance level"—basically, the maximum amount of glyphosate allowed in food. For example, grains have a limit of 0.1 ppm, while certain fruits and veggies can have up to 5 ppm. Interesting, right? [3]

Glyphosate & GMO Crops

The first crops to become Roundup Ready were cotton, corn, and soybeans, and since 1996, the list of genetically engineered foods has only grown. Here are the top four:

Corn: 88% of corn grown in the U.S. is GMO.
Soy: 93% of soy is GMO. Soy can show up on labels under names like lecithin, tocopherols (a vitamin E supplement), soybean oils, and soy protein. (Note:: Cottonseed oil was originally developed for oiling machinery, not for human consumption.)
Cottonseed: 94% of cottonseed is GMO. This is often found in vegetable oils. (Note: Cottonseed oil was originally developed for oiling machinery, not for human consumption).
Alfalfa: 50% of. Alfalfa grown is GMO. Commonly found in animal feeds this ends up accumulating in the tissues of the meats your dog eats.

Other foods like apples, potatoes, squash, rice, plums, flax, tomatoes, and beets have recently been genetically modified as well. Every year, more foods are becoming Roundup Ready, and it’s estimated that nearly 70% of processed human foods contain GMO ingredients—and the percentage for pet foods is likely even higher.

Glyphosate & Non-GMO Crops

Roundup is often used on non-GMO crops like wheat, barley, oats, beans, peas, flax, rye, buckwheat, millet, beets, potatoes and other crops only before harvesting. This dries the crops out and speeds up harvesting. Even organic crops may be desiccated with Roundup. So even if your food label claims it’s non-GMO or organic, there may still be glyphosate in it. This pre-harvest practice could account for the doubling of glyphosate residues in human urine in the last decade.

Your dog isn’t just exposed to Roundup when he walks on treated grass. Dogs and their people are exposed to glyphosate every day. It’s in our food, in the air and in water. [11]

Regulation in Animal Feed

Glyphosate is also used in crops that make up animal feed, and as such, the herbicide can be found in meat and dairy products. The FDA and USDA regulate pesticide residues in animal products, but glyphosate use in animal feed remains controversial. In some cases, glyphosate has been found in animal tissues, which could potentially affect pets that consume conventional meat products. As with human food, there are no specific bans on glyphosate in animal feed, but the issue continues to spark debates about safety standards and consumer protection. [4]

Additional Glyphosate Brands

Glyphosate is sold by multiple companies under various brand names, though the most well-known and widely used glyphosate-based products, including Roundup, come from Bayer.

Several other companies also produce glyphosate-based herbicides under different brand names, such as:

Syngenta – A Swiss multinational agrochemical company that sells glyphosate under brand names like Touchdown.
DowDuPont (Corteva) – Another major player in the agrochemical industry, offering glyphosate products under names like Durango and Honcho. [1]

Bombshell Glyphosate Study

In 2019, a lab at the University of California, San Francisco, dropped a bombshell: a staggering 93% of humans have glyphosate in their urine! The average level? A modest 3.096 parts per billion (PPB)—but here’s the kicker—kids were found to have the highest levels. Meanwhile, a pilot study by Health Research Institute Laboratories (HRI) took it a step further, measuring glyphosate in pet urine and working to determine if there is an acceptable daily level of this chemical for companion animals (the answer is NO). The HRI's findings are as follows,

Cats are averaging 8 ppb which is 16 times more than that found in the average of human urine.
Dogs are averaging 15.8 ppb which is 32 times the human average.
Dogs that eat raw food have virtually no detectable glyphosate.
Those that eat canned food have more.
Those that eat dry kibble have higher levels.
Those that eat grain-free kibble have the highest levels. It is believed that the movement to grain-free diets using ingredients such as oats, pea protein, chick peas and lentils may be a cause. These are some of the foods with the highest levels of glyphosate (even organic) that may play a role in the Taurine deficiency/DCM debate that has plagued the veterinary world for years. What if glyphosate is the disruptor in the grain free foods, NOT that grains fix the cardiac issues the vets are claiming.

Health Issues Linked to Glyphosate Exposure in Pets

Cancer Risk

As detailed in the timeline above, Glyphosate has been classified by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cancer agency as "probably carcinogenic to humans." Although direct studies on pets are limited, the implications for long-term exposure are troubling. Research suggests that glyphosate may be linked to the development of various cancers, particularly lymphoma and other cancers of the blood. [5]

Endocrine Disruption

Glyphosate has been shown to disrupt endocrine function in both humans and animals. Studies indicate that it interferes with hormone levels and the endocrine system, which regulates processes such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. This could lead to issues like thyroid imbalances, decreased fertility, and abnormal development in pets.

Pets exposed to glyphosate may experience developmental issues or changes in behavior. Specifically, there is concern about the disruption of estrogenic pathways, which are critical for normal growth and development, potentially leading to reproductive issues or abnormal behavior in pets.[6]

Neurological Issues

Neurological disorders are also a potential side effect of glyphosate exposure. Glyphosate has been shown to impair neurological function in both humans and animals. In pets, long-term exposure can lead to symptoms like confusion, irritability, seizures, and even more severe neurological diseases.

Furthermore, recent studies suggest that glyphosate may interfere with neurotransmitter function, leading to potential cognitive decline and behavioral changes in pets. This has been particularly concerning in pets exposed to herbicides during key developmental stages or with chronic exposure.[7]

Gastrointestinal Disturbances

The microbiome in pets plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall health. Glyphosate has been linked to gut microbiome imbalances in animals. Exposure to this chemical disrupts the balance of gut bacteria, leading to conditions like gastrointestinal distress, reduced immune function, and even autoimmune disorders.

Studies have shown that glyphosate can significantly alter gut bacteria, making pets more susceptible to infections, digestive issues, and a host of chronic diseases. Pets with compromised gut health are at risk for inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut syndrome, and other chronic gastrointestinal conditions.[8]

Kidney and Liver Damage

There is increasing evidence suggesting that glyphosate exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage in pets. Both organs play a vital role in detoxifying the body, and glyphosate has been shown to impair their function by accumulating in these tissues. Chronic exposure can lead to liver fibrosis, kidney failure, and other related diseases in pets.

Pets that consume food or water contaminated with glyphosate are particularly at risk. Glyphosate’s ability to accumulate in tissues over time means that it could lead to long-term health problems in dogs and cats.[9]

Reproductive Issues

Exposure to glyphosate has been shown to affect reproductive health in both male and female animals. It can disrupt the production of sex hormones, resulting in reduced fertility or abnormalities in reproductive organs. Female pets may experience issues with ovulation, pregnancy, or birth defects, while male pets may suffer from low sperm count or reduced sperm motility.

Research suggests that glyphosate's impact on the reproductive system can lead to developmental issues in puppies and kittens, as well as potential long-term fertility issues for both male and female pets. [10]

Detox Options for Glyphosate Exposure in Pets

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, is known to accumulate in the body over time, and prolonged exposure can lead to a range of health issues in pets, including liver and kidney damage, gastrointestinal disturbances, and endocrine disruption. Fortunately, there are several strategies pet parents can use to help detoxify their pets from glyphosate exposure.

Support Liver Detoxification with Antioxidants:The liver plays a critical role in detoxifying the body, and supporting its function is crucial when trying to remove harmful substances like glyphosate. Certain antioxidants can help to boost liver detoxification and combat oxidative stress caused by glyphosate exposure.

Milk Thistle: This herb contains silymarin, which has been shown to protect the liver and aid in detoxification. Studies suggest that milk thistle helps increase glutathione production, a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in detoxifying harmful substances. Regular use can help the liver process and eliminate glyphosate more effectively. [12]

Dandelion Root: Dandelion root is another herb commonly used to support liver function and stimulate bile production. Studies have indicated that dandelion root has detoxifying properties that can help the body eliminate toxins, including glyphosate. [13]

Detox with Clay and Bentonite: Certain types of clay, particularly bentonite clay, have natural detoxifying properties. Bentonite is known for its ability to adsorb toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. By supplementing with bentonite clay, pets may help expel glyphosate and other environmental toxins from their systems. Be sure to use food-grade clay and consult a member of your animal care team for proper dosage. [14]

Rebalance the Microbiome: Glyphosate is known to disrupt the microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. Rebalancing your pet’s gut flora via a raw dog food diet, seasonal eating, fermented foods and a rotation of different probiotics can help restore normal digestive function and improve their ability to detoxify.

High-Quality Hydration: Glyphosate is water-soluble, meaning it can be eliminated through urine, so making sure your pet has access to clean, filtered water is key for flushing out toxins. Using a high-quality water filter, like a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter, is a great way to reduce your pet’s exposure to glyphosate and other contaminants. These filters purify the water, helping support your pet’s detox process and keeping them healthy and hydrated.

Switch to Organic and Non-Toxic Products: The best way to minimize the impact of glyphosate on your pet’s health is by reducing their exposure to it. Choosing organic, non-GMO food for your pet whenever possible is a great start since glyphosate is commonly used on conventional crops. Additionally, switching to non-toxic cleaning products and avoiding the use of herbicides, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals in your home and yard can help create a safer environment for your pets. Opting for natural alternatives is a simple yet effective way to protect their health from potential toxins.

In Summary

As glyphosate has saturated our environment, the risk of exposure for our pets remains high. From cancer to neurological disorders, the potential health issues related to glyphosate are deeply concerning. Current evidence shows that this chemical negatively impacts our beloved pets.

As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial that we minimize glyphosate exposure by choosing organic or pesticide-free food, using non-toxic products in our homes, and avoiding areas treated with herbicides. By being mindful of its impact on our pets’ health, we can help protect them from the long-term effects of glyphosate.

To further mitigate its risks, consider supporting your pet’s detox with strategies like milk thistle and dandelion root for liver health, using bentonite clay, promoting gut health with diet strategies, ensuring filtered water, and reducing glyphosate exposure overall. By taking these steps, we can help keep our furry friends happy, healthy, and protected from the harmful effects of glyphosate.

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Citations:

[1] Bayer Completes Acquisition of Monsanto. Bayer. (2018)

[2] Bayer to pay $10.9 billion to settle glyphosate cancer claims." Reuters. (2020)

[3] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). "Glyphosate: Pesticide Reregistration."

[4] U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2020). "Pesticide Data Program." USDA.

[5] Samsel, A., & Seneff, S. (2013). Environmental Sciences Europe.

[6] Benachour, N., & Seralini, G. E. (2009). Chemical Research in Toxicology.

[7] Clair, E., & Kegley, S. (2015). Journal of Environmental Science and Health.

[8] Shehata, A. A., et al. (2013). Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology.

[9] Bolognesi, C., et al. (2013). Environmental Toxicology.

[10] Alavanja, M. C., et al. (2013). Environmental Health Perspectives.