Signs of a Pet with Liver Disease: Top Holistic Remedies
Understanding Liver Disease in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Natural Remedies, and More
Hello everyone, Dr. Andrew Jones here. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of natural pet health and wellness, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into an essential topic: liver disease in dogs and cats. I’ll cover the early clinical signs, why the liver is crucial for your pet’s health, and some natural remedies that may help.
Why Is the Liver So Important?
Think of your pet’s liver as a powerhouse. It manages, filters, and processes nearly everything that enters their body. Here are a few key functions of the liver:
- Filtering Blood: The liver filters all blood coming from the digestive tract, removing harmful toxins, including the side effects of some conventional veterinary drugs.
- Metabolizing Hormones and Drugs: Before they circulate through the rest of your pet’s body, the liver processes them.
- Bile Production: Essential for normal fat digestion in the intestinal tract.
- Blood Clotting: Produces proteins necessary for normal blood clotting.
- Sugar Metabolism: Excess sugar is stored in the liver as glycogen.
- Vitamin and Protein Storage: Stores vitamins such as A, D, E, and B12, and produces albumin, crucial for maintaining normal blood pressure and fluid volume.
Early Signs of Liver Disease
Liver disease can be stealthy, with early signs being quite vague:
- Decreased appetite.
- Intermittent vomiting or diarrhea.
- Lethargy and decreased energy.
- Increased thirst, especially in cats.
- Tenderness in the abdomen; the liver lies just under the rib cage, and palpation here might reveal discomfort.
As liver disease progresses, more pronounced signs appear:
- Fluid accumulation in the abdomen or swelling in the extremities due to low protein levels.
- Jaundice, evident as a yellowing in the whites of your pet’s eyes, gums, and skin.
When to See a Veterinarian
If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnosis.
Feeding Your Pet with Liver Disease
A critical aspect of treating liver disease is ensuring your pet continues to eat:
- High-quality protein and easily digestible foods are vital.
- Many dogs respond well to high-quality canned food; most cats do too.
- In severe cases, a feeding tube may be necessary to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.
My Top Natural Remedies for Liver Disease
- Milk Thistle: Known for stimulating liver repair and blocking further damage, with minimal side effects. Dose: 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
- S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe): Important for liver function and regeneration. Dose: 50 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
- 95% Curcumin: Offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, protecting against oxidative damage. Dose: 250 mg per 50 lbs of body weight daily.
- Dandelion Root: Acts as a mild appetite stimulant and protects against acute liver damage. Dose: 0.5 ml of tincture per 20 lbs of body weight twice daily.
- Slippery Elm: Helps alleviate digestive upset, making it easier for your pet to eat. Dose: 400 mg capsule per 20 lbs of body weight twice daily.
