Dogs' liver disease can be caused by a number of health issues and can be difficult to detect until the end stages of failure. There are many traditional and conventional treatments for this condition. Not only can these cause significant side effects, but sometimes they just don't work. Alternative medicine is becoming more and more popular as people understand that there are other forms of treatment that can help to alleviate symptoms and lessen the effects of certain illnesses and disease. Natural treatments for dogs' liver disease may be an alternative that can help restore your dog's liver and overall health.
Dogs' Liver Disease
A dog's liver is responsible for hundreds of different functions within the body. It's primary focus is to deliver toxins and waste material out of the body during digestion. The liver also helps to store nutrients and regulates many important functions within the body. An improperly functioning liver, whether due to cancer, infection, inflammation or otherwise, will begin to work more slowly and can even shut down entirely. This leads to illness, poisoning of the body and possibly even death.
Natural Treatments for Dogs' Liver Disease
There are many forms of natural treatment available for dogs' liver disease and it's important to research carefully before making a decision to try something new. Because dogs have unique physiological needs, vitamins and herbs that you can find at your local health food store may not always be appropriate. Search carefully for remedies that are created and formulated especially for dogs.
A Special Diet
Changing the diet can be beneficial for treating dogs' liver disease. There are several goals that you should keep in mind when selecting the type of diet that will help to restore proper functioning of the liver. First, you'll want to include foods that can supply necessary energy and nutrients. Also, it's important to limit further liver damage, encourage regeneration of liver cells and to minimize complications due to liver failure. A diet that is high in the right kinds of protein and fats can help considerably, as this will trigger the liver to process normally. Fiber and certain vitamins like vitamin B, C, E, K and zinc are also beneficial to the liver. Chicken breast, rice, carrots and wheat bran are excellent foods to encourage prevention and healing of liver disease in dogs.
Milk Thistle and Other Remedies
Milk thistle is one of the best natural remedies for treating dogs' liver disease. This herb has been accepted by the traditional medical industry as having properties which can provide healing and promote restoration of the liver. Milk thistle is also helpful for digestive disorders. The active ingredient in milk thistle is called silymari, which displaces toxins, encourages regeneration of liver cells, discourages the growth of free radicals which lead to cancer, and stabilizes liver membranes. Since this is a natural remedy without side effects, it can safely be used alongside traditional medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, antibiotics, corticosteroids and other medications. You may also find alpha lipoic acid and natural product brands, such as LiverAid, to be helpful.