Candice Williamson
The liver is an organ that is involved in all important processes. It helps cleanse the blood, eliminate harmful substances from the body, and participates in indigestion. The liver helps a dog metabolize fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Due to its participation in various functions of the body, this organ can suffer from many diseases. We will soon explore some of the top natural liver health solutions for your dog.
Liver disease in dogs has many different causes, depending on the type. Acute liver disease refers to a problem that suddenly arises, which affects the liver’s ability to function. A viral, fungal, parasitic, or bacterial infection such as leptospirosis can also cause chronic liver problems. Chronic active hepatitis can also result from an infection, toxins, or other damage from which the liver cannot fully recover from.
Certain liver problems are more serious than others. Learning to participate actively and react before becoming full-blown diseases can prevent liver damage and nurse a sick dog back to full health.
Natural Solutions for Liver Health
Natural liver health solutions can be an alternative and substitute for prescriptions, which can help you achieve the wanted results with your furry friend. These remedies have grown popular as they mitigate pain and bothersome symptoms. They don’t burden the body but help it heal itself and fight disease. The following natural liver remedies strive to soothe liver dysfunction symptoms and strengthen the dog’s overall liver health.
Homeopathic Treatments
Sometimes homeopathy and herbal treatment can also be a good alternative to managing your dog’s liver health. Homeopathic formulas have shown to be efficient liver support for dogs, working to soothe liver dysfunction, enlargement or inflammation, gallbladder problems, and jaundice and help your dog feel better.
Some natural remedies can restore damaged liver cells and help with blood detoxification. In hepatitis A, it is useful to add various infusions and decoctions of herbs to the herb’s water – sage leaf, oregano, chamomile, licorice, blueberries. Some of the natural remedies can restore damaged liver cells and help with blood detoxification.
Herbal Treatment
- The Alfalfa herb contains minerals and vitamins A, B, D, E, and K, as well as chlorophyll, beta-carotene, and calcium. Apart from its antiseptic, diuretic, and laxative effect, alfalfa, among other benefits, also detoxifies your dog’s system, improving their liver function and purifying their blood. If your dog has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), do not give them alfalfa products. Otherwise, chop up some alfalfa sprouts and give your dog two teaspoons with their daily meal. If you use an organic alfalfa powder, give your small dog 1/8 teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon to your medium-sized dog, or 1/2 teaspoon to your large dog.
- Globe artichoke is a versatile herb for dogs. It drives the regeneration of the body’s cells, streamlines the liver and kidneys’ function, and increases the excretion of bile. The substances in the globe artichoke help the digestive organs to digest the nutrients more efficiently, and it is also used to balance disorders in the digestive system. The active substances in artichoke can reduce nausea and vomiting, cramps, and gas problems. They also increase the production of mucus in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby protect the gastric mucosa.
- Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum or Silymarin, is a popular herb used mainly for natural liver treatment. It can aid in protecting the liver from damage caused by exposure to toxins. It is highly suitable for treating liver problems in dogs, but one must be careful with taking the correct dose.
- With its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, garlic helps stimulate the function of your dog’s liver and eliminate the body of toxins and improve the immune system. While you can give your dog fresh garlic or dried garlic powder, please do not use excessive amounts in the diet or give it in small amounts during a longer period of time since it can break down red blood cells and cause anemia.
- The dandelion root is also a really excellent remedy for liver diseases, stimulating bile production and circulation in the liver. As it is loaded with potassium, it stimulates the appetite and is the perfect choice for dogs with liver conditions.
- Bupleurum Chinese belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is used to treat liver stagnation (Qi), irritability, and liver disease.
- Schisandra is a Chinese plant used as an adaptogen. The herb has a tradition of being a well-known liver-strengthening natural remedy. It is liver-supporting and is used in liver diseases such as hepatitis (including fatty liver) and protecting it from poisoning.
Homemade Diet
Liver disease can cause loss of appetite, vomiting, and many other symptoms in dogs. Food processing can become a burden on the liver, especially if it is of low quality and filled with additives and non-nutritious ingredients. Switching to a healthy diet that helps protect the liver is important to improve your dog’s condition and ensure they heal faster.
Feeding your dog on a homemade liver treatment diet is possible, but you should first talk to your veterinarian. Ask them for a safe recipe for your dog’s liver and meet all of their other nutritional needs. The consensus is that dogs with liver disease should eat a reduced protein diet, as proteins produce ammonia, which strains the liver. Fish and organic meats like chicken and beef are a good choice because they are free of hormones and pesticides.
Increasing the fiber intake in the form of beet pulp, broccoli, or other vegetables can also improve the liver and make your dog feel better. Fiber serves as an excess ammonia absorbent and contributes to good bacteria’s growth, cleansing the liver.
Dietary Supplements
At different stages in their life, dogs may require feed supplements like vitamins and minerals. In diseases such as liver disease, kidney failure, urinary tract infection, feed supplements can sometimes prevent and alleviate pain. B vitamins are a group of important vitamins that play a role in your dog’s well-being.
Certain veterinary nutritionists and veterinarians highly recommend supplementation with Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe). Vitamin K helps regulate the process of blood coagulation and also helps your dog’s body deal with the byproducts of changed liver metabolism. Zinc has shown to have antioxidant properties, and it is good for binding copper, which improves the liver’s functioning.
These can lead to less inflammation in the liver. However, it is important to stress that the exact mechanism of dosing and efficacy of these supplements is still being tested and examined.
Final Thoughts
While keeping your dog healthy involves routine check-ups with the veterinarian, there are other ways to ensure liver health. Homeopathic remedies incorporate naturally effective healing methods, treatments, and foods to help prevent or heal ailments ranging from itchy skin to a host of serious diseases in dogs.
In addition to this advice, refrain from feeding your dog fatty foods and make sure you introduce plenty of exercises. Add supplements, some of which we mentioned above, to your dog’s diet for an overall “cleansing” that guarantees improved and balanced liver function.
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