Liver Support for Dogs and Cats

Liver support and cleanses are all the rage in the natural health world. Detoxing is a popular seasonal fad for losing weight and increasing energy. But detox is something that the body naturally does every minute of the day. If liver is the body’s major organ of detoxification, doesn’t it cleanse itself? It is a hard-working organ, responsible for metabolism, cleansing blood, and removing toxins from the body. This may not seem like much, but that includes over 500 separate functions. Because it has so many roles, environmental chemicals and drugs slow the liver down and things get backed up. Therefore, regular liver support is important for extending your pet’s life.

Milk Thistle

Liver Support and Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is the ultimate herb for liver support. It plays several important roles inside the liver. Active chemicals in milk thistle draw toxins out of liver cells and remove them from the body. Antioxidants, like glutathione, protect the liver and surrounding tissues from toxic damage. These protective molecules also help to repair damaged liver cells. Milk thistle has been used for close to 2000 years to decrease and reverse liver damage. In conventional medicine, it is studied for it’s ability to protect against damage done by prescription drugs, antibiotics, and environmental toxins.

What are the benefits of liver support in pets?

Lethargic pets, pets with allergies, and pets on medications can all benefit from liver support. One of the many roles of the liver is in energy production. If your pet is unusually lazy or is not interested in regular activity it might be due to a sluggish liver. This can be due to irregular blood sugar levels as the liver also balances blood sugar. Another role of the liver in digestion and metabolism is to create enough cellular energy. A stressed liver won’t produce as much energy, leaving your pet lethargic and tired.

If your pet suffers from seasonal or environmental allergies, milk thistle will help to reduce symptoms. It does this by reducing inflammation, histamine, and allergic reactions. Sensitivities and itchy skin conditions will also improve due to milk thistle’s soothing quality. Allergy symptoms also occur when the liver is sluggish, and toxins are able to sneak out into the blood.

Prescription medications and over the counter drugs are also detoxified through the liver. One of the liver’s main jobs is to remove these chemicals from the body. These are not naturally occurring compounds that can be detoxified like foods or internal toxins. Medications and drugs are more complex and are harder for the liver to expel. This creates a back up of toxins that start to damage liver cells. Pets that get medications daily will have more liver damage. Milk thistle will help to prevent and repair that damage.

Long term liver support for dogs and cats

Milk thistle is an herb that is safe to use long-term. Used daily it helps prevent accumulation of toxins in the liver. This will increase vitality and extend the life of your pet. Consult your vet to discuss how milk thistle can work to lessen side-effects of medications. They will be able to suggest an appropriate timing for dosing of both substances.

NaturPet’s Liver Care is an extract of Milk Thistle that can be given daily or seasonally to flush out toxins and to protect and repair liver cells. It is often recommended by vets for pets on regular NSAIDs or steroid medications.