Causes Of Liver Damage In Dogs
Here are some factors in liver damage …
Liver disease is more common in dogs than you might expect. Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to liver disease because of a genetic difficulty to excrete copper. Among them are Labrador retrievers, Dalmatians and Great Danes.
Signs Of Liver Damage Or Disease In Dogs
Milk thistle is a flower in the Aster family. It’s native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Humans have used milk thistle for medicinal purposes for over 2000 years … especially its roots and seeds. Conventional medicine accepts milk thistle as one of the few herbs with medicinal value.
There are three important chemicals isolated from the milk thistle …
Together, these three substances are known as silymarin.
Humans usually use milk thistle as a liver tonic. And silymarin can help dogs and other pets with …
Giving Your Dog Milk Thistle
Since milk thistle is not a drug, you don’t need a prescription to get it. But as with all supplements for dogs, you should speak to your veterinarian about dosing recommendations for your specific pup.
“Milk thistle comes in capsules, liquid, or powder,” says Krause.
For dogs, silymarin is given as an oral supplement, usually via a pill or capsule.
How much milk thistle for dogs is appropriate? According to Krause, “Milk thistle can be given 2-3 times daily.”
If you’re hoping to use a milk thistle supplement formulated for humans, you should be extra cautious. Speak to your veterinarian before using any human-grade supplement for pets, since they may contain other additives or the dose may not align with your dog’s needs.
“It depends on the concentration of the product and the size of the dog,” says Krause. “For example, a 5-pound poodle may not be able to consume a supplement meant for a 150-pound human, while a 75-pound dog may easily be able to be dosed from the same bottle as their guardian.”
Milk Thistle For Dogs Liver – The Perfect Liver Flush (Here’s How)
Vaccines, commercial flea and tick medications, monthly heartworm, other medications your veterinarian prescribes, and even kibble are all potentially toxic to your pet. Your dog’s liver filters those toxins from their blood. Because the liver works so hard to eliminate all these toxic substances, it is highly susceptible to serious damage.
Detoxification is such an important process for our pets. Pores clogged with toxins will not allow essential nutrients to pass. That causes a weakened immune system which can lead to a multitude of problems.
Signs of liver damage or disease include loss of appetite, lethargy, Jaundice, dark urine, pale gums, and sudden unexplained weight loss.
Milk thistle helps treat and prevent liver disease. Researchers found that milk thistle can prevent or reduce medication induced liver damage. Milk thistle will flush chemicals out of the body. The liver removes histamines from the body to combat allergies. If it is weakened and congested with toxins, histamines build up leading to allergic reactions.
This herb is not a preventative, or “just in case.” You should use it to cleanse the liver after exposure to toxins or as a remedy for liver damage.
Milk thistle stimulates the growth of new liver cells to replace those that are dead or dying. And it helps protect against toxins which could cause further damage.
Remember, you should not use medicinal herbs for extended periods of time. milk thistle should not be used as a daily food supplement. Milk thistle is a medicine that is reserved for situations in which the liver is already under abnormal stress.
Most holistic doctors feel milk thistle should be administered for only 3-6 weeks, after which take a 1–3-week break. Discuss with your veterinarian about dosing for your particular dog. Always consult with your veterinarian before beginning any new supplement.
Animal Essentials has a single tincture of Milk Thistle. They also have a Detox Blend and Liver Defense, which include other herbs to support healthy liver functions. These supplements are designed for both dogs and cats.