Vitamins for dogs with liver disease are meant to improve liver function and reverse liver damage. Canine liver problems arise due to different reasons. While some dogs suffering from hepatitis and bodily infections develop liver problems, other pets that have been exposed to toxic chemicals suffer from liver damage and even liver failure.
Since the liver can regenerate on its own if the pet is given good food and dietary supplements, the vet may recommend the administration of certain vitamins to treat liver problems in your dog.
Treatment of Liver Diseases in Dogs
If your dog is suffering from a liver problem he may become severely debilitated and may require IV fluids and hospitalization for a few days. The vet may also prescribe a few medications to control the vomiting and diarrhea. Since the dog’s liver cells get partially damaged when the pet suffers from a liver problem, the vet will have to prescribe medications in low potencies to prevent the liver from getting further damaged.
Antibiotics are prescribed to dogs that have secondary bacterial infections while corticosteroid medications are given to pets that suffer from inflammation.
Administering Vitamins for Liver Disease in Dogs
If your dog is given a multivitamin once a day, his liver will be on the way to recovery. Some pets also suffer from copper storage disease. Such pets should be given supplements or vitamins that don’t contain copper. The multivitamin you purchase should be a good source of vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K.
There are several commercially available vitamins that are formulated for use in dogs but you must find out which vitamin is best suited to your pet by discussing the same with the vet.
Commercially Available Vitamins for Liver Support:
- Denosyl
- Denamarin Tabs
- Marin for Dogs
- Denamarin Chewable Tabs
Administering Vitamin Supplements to Your Pet
To safeguard your pet’s life you must read and follow the instructions that are listed on the product you buy. It’s best to administer vitamins only according to the vet’s guidelines. Some vitamins contain ingredients that can cause drug interactions when they’re paired with other drugs. You should therefore keep the vet informed about any other medications that your pet is taking.
Dogs suffering from liver problems should be kept on a diet. If the vet doesn’t recommend the use a prescription diet you must avoid giving your dog certain foods like sugary treats, onions and bell peppers. Don’t give your pet any table leftovers and give him meals that are free from preservatives, additives and artificial food colors. Give your pet plenty of fresh water and take him on walks to improve his blood circulation.
Dogs suffering from liver problems require frequent vet checks as the vet may have to modify the medication that’s been prescribed. Since many dogs succumb to liver problems, you must diagnose and treat liver problems as soon as possible.