Does your dog have liver disease? This guide, thanks to Mike Steve, will explain just what causes liver disease and what you can do to treat it…
Liver disease in dogs and its symptoms
Liver disease in dogs is so widespread and many dog owners are always worried and begin to think of what their dogs are going through and what they should do to solve the problem. Many, however, do not know that their dogs are faced with liver disease. Are you facing this with your dog? Here’s all you need to know…
The dog’s liver
The liver is a very vital organ that is often overlooked by most dog owners, but that should end today. A dog’s liver is considered to be susceptible to a wide variety of issues. All these issues eventually pile up to threaten your dog’s health.
When a dogs liver doesn’t work like it’s supposed to, a lot of unfavorable health conditions are likely to surface. Early detection, however, to a great extent determines the survival of your dog.
What is liver disease?
Liver disease is a health condition that is common in dogs. Liver diseases are caused by a number of reasons. Liver disease is a condition that negatively affects the overall health of your dog. However, let’s take a look at the major symptoms of liver disease.
Symptoms of liver disease in dogs
The most obvious sign that liver damage has progressed to liver disease, is jaundice. This is yellowing of the skin, gums, and eyes. If you notice that your dog has yellowing of these body parts, it is essential you visit a veterinary promptly. The main list of symptoms of liver disease including the following:
- Developing of allergies
- Sinus problems
- Thyroid disease
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Blood in urine
- Blood in feces
- Weight loss
- Confusion
- Behavioral changes including depression
- Vomiting
- Blindness
- Increased urination
- Lethargy and weakness
- Increased thirst
- Excessive drooling
- Seizures
- Blood clotting
- Loss of appetite
Types of liver disease
It is also important to note and understand as dog owners that there two types of liver disease: acute and chronic. Let’s get a basic understanding of these two liver diseases.
Acute liver disease
This type of liver disease is one that develops suddenly without much warning. One of the major causes of this type of liver disease is poisoning.
Chronic liver disease
Unlike an acute liver disease, this liver infection develops in the dog over a span of time. The gradual nature of this liver disease sometimes makes it even harder for the symptom to detect early on.
Read more: 6 Common Health Problems in Dogs
Causes of liver disease in dogs
To prevent liver problems in your dog, it helps to understand what causes this disease to develop. The causes of liver disease in dogs include:
Hepatic Lipidosis
Some breeds are particularly prone to liver disease and extra care needs to be taken for them. Such breeds include;
- Chihuahuas
- Yorkshire terriers
- Fox terriers.
When a dog experiences liver shunt, it prevents the circulation of blood in the liver, not promptly attended to, it may lead to even more complicated liver disease.
Age
It may be sad to accept but, as your dog grows older, they become more open to a great deal health issues. Liver disease in dogs is often a result of old age. However, there are certain measures that can be taken to ensure your dog’s liver stays in good health.
Copper storage disease
This is as a result of stored up copper in a dog’s body; this eventually accumulates in the liver. This accumulation results in significant damage to the dog’s liver, thereby leading to liver disease.
How to prevent liver problems in your dog
Your dog stands a good chance of staying clear from liver problems if some measures are considered and put into place. Let’s consider some of these preventive measures.
Control your dog’s diet
The diet of your dog is so important. Making sure your dog is routinely fed the very best food is a step in the right direction of preventing liver disease. Along with other healthy diet directives, serving your dog processed or fatty foods should stop completely.
Antioxidant supplements
These are supplements made available for dogs in order to help improve your dog’s liver health and overall well being.
Avoid certain medications
As a dog owner, you must do your best to limit the amount of exposure your dog has to toxins commonly added in certain medications. Organic alternatives will be an even better option to take.
Do Regular check-ups for your Dog
Regular check-ups give ground for early detection or prevention. Scheduling regular check-ups with a vet can go a long way in ensuring and maintaining the health of your dog.
How to treat liver disease in dogs
Treatment of liver diseases usually varies, based on the stage at which it is diagnosed and also the actual cause of the disease in the first place. Treatment includes the following;
- Surgery
- Dietary changes/ improvement
- Supplements
- Prescribed medications
Conclusions on liver disease in dogs
We understand how much your four-legged friend means everything to you. We are truly sorry if your dog is going through a liver disease right now, and we hope this article has been of great help to you.
Early detection is the key; it can help save your dog’s life. Therefore, if you notice any symptoms of liver issues play out on your dog, it is important that you consult the adequate medical attention as soon as possible.
About the author:
Mike Steve is a Pet lover & passionate blogger and writer from the U.S. I’ve worked at the Alpha Dog Training Center, I love to write about pet. I started this blog to provide advance materials for choosing the right products for your dog. Check out my Latest post here.
Note: Pet Problems Solved takes no responsibility for the medical advice described here. If you are worried about your pet, please consult a veterinarian.