My Top Seven Natural Remedies for Liver Disease in Our Dogs
Understanding Liver Disease in Dogs
Liver disease in our dogs is more common than you might think. The liver is one of the largest and most important organs in your dog’s body, located just underneath the rib cage. It plays a crucial role in digestion, detoxification, storage of sugar (glycogen), breakdown of red blood cells, hormone production, and blood clotting. One of the remarkable things about the liver is its ability to repair itself after injury or disease. In many cases, if the right conditions are provided, the liver can regrow the damaged area.
Signs of Liver Disease in Dogs
The signs of a dog with liver disease can be varied. Initially, you might notice a decreased appetite, lethargy, or depression. As the disease progresses, gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea may appear. Many dogs with liver disease exhibit increased drinking and urination (PU/PD). Advanced stages of liver disease can lead to low protein levels in the blood, causing fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) and swelling of the limbs. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, gums, and whites of the eyes, is a classic sign of liver disease. Less commonly, dogs may show neurological symptoms like circling, head pressing, ataxia, or even seizures.
Diagnosing Liver Disease in Dogs
Diagnosing liver disease typically starts with blood tests to check for elevated liver enzymes, specifically ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and ALP (alkaline phosphatase). However, elevated liver enzymes alone do not confirm liver disease, as they can also be elevated due to other conditions like pancreatitis, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or certain medications. Further tests, such as bile acids, ultrasound, or liver biopsy, may be required for a definitive diagnosis.
Causes of Liver Disease in Dogs
Liver disease in dogs can have various causes, including medication reactions, ingestion of toxic substances like moldy compost, viral infections like hepatitis, leptospirosis, congenital conditions like portosystemic shunts (PSS), or copper storage disease in certain breeds like Bedlington Terriers and Westies.
Top 7 Natural Remedies for Liver Disease in Dogs
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Milk Thistle: The most studied herb for liver disease in dogs, milk thistle contains silymarin, which is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic. It supports liver cell regeneration and enhances detoxification. The typical dose is 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight once or twice daily.
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SAM-e (S-Adenosylmethionine): A key antioxidant and regulator of metabolic pathways, SAM-e has been shown to have clear benefits for dogs with liver disease, including antioxidant properties and speeding up liver cell regeneration. The typical dose is 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
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Curcumin (from Turmeric): The bioactive ingredient in turmeric, curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce liver inflammation and damage. The dose is 250 mg per 50 lbs of body weight daily, given with food and fat for better absorption.
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Dandelion Root: Traditionally used to support liver health, dandelion root has been shown to be hepatoprotective and aid in liver cell regeneration. It can be given as a decoction, with a typical dog dose of 1/8 cup per 10 lbs of body weight once daily.
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Burdock Root: Similar to dandelion root, burdock root is hepatoprotective and beneficial for dogs exposed to toxins. It is prepared and given similarly to dandelion root.
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Vitamin E: A fat-soluble vitamin that concentrates in the liver, vitamin E has been shown to be especially helpful in dogs with liver disease due to its antioxidant properties. The dose is 50 IUs per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
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Vitamin B12: Many dogs with liver disease have low levels of vitamin B12. Supplementing with vitamin B12 can speed up liver cell healing and improve liver function. The typical dose is 250 micrograms for 20 lbs of body weight daily.
In conclusion, if your dog has liver disease, consider incorporating these natural remedies into their treatment plan, in consultation with your veterinarian. Remember to ensure a proper diagnosis before starting any new supplements.
My dog had an autoimmune disease in June. I-M H A (IMHA)
Her stomach is big and hard – vet says liver damage/disease
Four months later and she is better but far from well. Has lost a lot of her hair. She is still on lots of medications.
However, I want to start her on natural products. I will run all this by her vet.
Also, and article that can be very helpful:
SIGNS
There are a large number of autoimmune diseases. Most common is when the red blood cells are attacked, causing anemia. This is called Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA). In cases of AIHA your pet will be pale, lethargic, and often have difficulty breathing.
If the joints are attacked, then it is known as Autoimmune Polyarthritis. In polyarthritis, the joints are swollen. Your pet will be painful, reluctant to move, or will be lame, and may even be inappetant (lack of appetite).
When the skin is attacked, you will see conditions such as Pemphigus Foliaceous. This disease causes thick crusted areas of infected skin. Often the mucous membranes are inflamed. You may see inflamed, red ends on the muzzle, inflammation around the eyes and gums.
CAUSES
Anything that causes an abnormal immune system response can produce these diseases. Often they can be seen after vaccines or in response to certain prescription medications. Other causes can be after your pet has been fighting a viral or bacterial infection, and their immune system over-responds. At times even a certain food ingredient may trigger the immune system. But, often there is no obvious underlying cause.
SOLUTIONS
TO THE VET. In cases of autoimmune disease, especially immune mediated hemolytic anemia (AIHA), and polyarthritis, you need to have these confirmed by diagnostic tests. AIHA can be fatal if not treated quickly – so if you suspect this, have see your vet ASAP. They can do blood tests to determine the cause of the anemia, or joint taps to see if your dog has autoimmune polyarthritis. In conjunction with your veterinarian, you can discuss the additional alternative remedies.
HYPOALLERGENIC DIETS. It is theorized that many of the autoimmune diseases start via allergens that ‘leak’ from the gut and cause the immune system to react. This means changing your pet’s food to an entirely different type which she has never eaten before. The most important part is a unique protein source. There are a number of commercially available allergy diets for pets. One that I prefer for dogs is Fish and Potato. For cats, it can be more difficult, but one I have had luck with has duck as the protein source. These diets can also be made at home, with the following recipes:
Home Allergy Diet for a 50 lb Dog
Boiled white fish – 1 cup
Boiled potatoes or Cooked rice – 4 cups
Calcium carbonate or Tums – 1 teaspoon
Corn Oil – 1 tablespoon
Potassium chloride (light salt) – 1 teaspoon
Multivitamin – 1 tablet
Mix all ingredients together and divide into equal portions, feeding 2 1/2 cups in the morning and 2 1/2 cups in the evening.
Feline Home Allergy Diet for a 10 lb Cat
Canned Turkey – 1 cup
Cooked White Rice – 1 cup
Cod Liver Oil – 1 tablespoon
Calcium Carbonate or Tums – 1/2 teaspoon
Potassium Chloride – 1/4 teaspoon
Multivitamin – 1/2 tablet
Taurine – 500 mg
Mix all ingredients so they are well blended together. This will make 2 cups of food, enough for 2 days. Feed 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup in the evening.
Whatever food you choose, it must be fed for 12 weeks. If after 12 weeks your pet is still scratching, then she probably does not have a food allergy.
NATURAL COMMERCIAL DIETS. Your pet can be allergic to anything in the food. Some pets will do well with a more natural, simple diet that is naturally preserved. Refer to Pet Food, Section III, for recommended foods.
THE SUPPLEMENT CONNECTION. Fatty Acid supplements are very helpful in decreasing the level of inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are most important. You must give a high enough dose in order for it to be effective, and the ideal dose is 1000 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
A great, inexpensive source for dogs is flax oil; give 1 tablespoon per 50 lbs. For cats, use flax or fish oil, at a dose of 1000 mg per 10 lbs daily. Other sources include primrose oil and specific veterinary supplements.
ANTIOXIDANTS. Vitamin E and Vitamin C may help: the Vitamin E dose is 100 IU per 10 lbs of body weight once daily; the Vitamin C dose is 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight once daily.
PROBIOTICS. There are helpful bacteria which may slow the inflammatory response in the autoimmune diseases. Get a good quality probiotic, such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium, and feed a high dose: 1 capsule per 40 lbs daily.
VITAMINS. B vitamins are an important component of the blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen. A vitamin B complex liquid elixir can be purchased at your local pharmacy. Give it twice daily.
NATURAL PAIN CONTROL. In polyarthritis, your pet will have painful joints, so ensure that he is as comfortable as possible. You can use an herbal comfrey joint compress (see more details in the Arthritis section), along with a cold compress if only 1-2 joints are affected.
ACUPRESSURE:
Some veterinarians have had success using acupressure in nitrating a variety of immune-related disorders. To help strengthen the immune system, apply pressure for 1 minute three times daily to the GV14 point, located at the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades.
HERBAL:
YUNNAN PAIYAO. A Chinese herb, the most advised herbal formulation for bleeding. The dose of the herb is 1/2 capsule per 10 lbs 3 times daily.
TO THE GARDEN. Three herbs can be helpful: NETTLE, RED CLOVER and BURDOCK ROOT. These can be purchased at most health-food stores. Give 1 tsp per 10 pounds of body weight once daily. Burdock is the most important of these 3 herbs.
HOMEOPATHIC:
PHOSPHORUS. A common remedy for many types of bleeding. I would dose it at 1-3 pellets of Phosphorus 30C twice daily for 3-5 days.
ARNICA MONTANA. In cases of autoimmune polyarthritis, you should add in Arnica Montana 30C – 1 tab per 30 lbs every 4 hours. It will help symptomatically with the joint swelling, along with some cases of anemia.