Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a well-researched herb used to treat hepatic disease, detoxify the liver and heal liver cells. The liver's function, in both dogs and humans, is to remove toxins from the body, but some toxins can become "lodged" within the cells of the liver. Milk thistle blocks absorption of these toxins and flushes them from the liver cells into the bile and urine, thus detoxifying the liver.
-
When to Use Milk Thistle
-
Herbalists recommend using milk thistle for liver detoxification in dogs that have been on chemotherapy, antibiotics, heartworm treatment, anti-inflammatory medications, flea treatments, cortisone or anti-seizure medications. Some proponents believe the dog's liver needs to be detoxified after consumption of foods containing preservatives or dyes, or when exposed to environmental toxins such as heavy metals or pesticides. Milk thistle detox will heal damaged liver tissue and regenerate liver cells, allowing the liver to resume its job of removing toxins from the dog's body with peak efficiency. Contact a holistic or naturopathic veterinarian before administering milk thistle to your dog. Research has been favorable toward the use of milk thistle in treating liver issues, but studies are inconclusive as to all possible side effects and drug interactions.
Dosage Recommendations
-
Although silymarin is the flavonoid compound in milk thistle that helps heal liver cells, herbalists recommend using whole milk thistle preparations instead of isolated silymarin. Other unstudied compounds within milk thistle may add to the herb's effectiveness.
Liquid extracts, or tinctures, of milk thistle typically contain 80 percent silymarin. An eyedropper included with the tincture will have markings at 1.0 mL and 0.5 mL; 1.0 mL is equivalent to 20 drops. At this concentration, one manufacturer's recommendation is to give your dog a daily dose of one drop for every 2 pounds (1 kg) of body weight up to 50 pounds (25 kg). Dogs heavier than 50 pounds (25 kg) need an additional drop for every 4 pounds (2 kg) over 50 (25). Thus a 50-pound (25-kg) dog would take 25 drops per day, but a 74-pound (33.5-kg) dog would need 31 drops per day. Dividing the total daily dosage into three to four smaller doses is recommended; the doses don't have to be equal if the daily dose is an odd number of drops.
Milk thistle supplements in capsule or tablet form range from 50 to 500 mg per pill, but average around 175 mg of silymarin. Capsules can be opened or tablets crushed and mixed with soft, easy-to-eat foods. The recommended daily dose your dog should be spread out in multiple small doses throughout the day.
Veterinarian Jean Hofve says that dogs who suffer from liver damage at acute levels may need higher initial doses of milk thistle to detox the liver. The amount needed can be double or triple the average dosage, up to 200 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. (Reference 3) Consult with your veterinarian on the appropriate dosage for your dog's situation.
Duration of Use
-
Russell Swift, DVM says that milk thistle can be given to detoxify the liver for two to three months, regardless of dosage level. However, he cautions not to give milk thistle continuously during that time but to follow an intermittent schedule of five days with the drug and two days without for six weeks, followed by a week of rest before re-starting the cycle. While conducting a milk thistle detox, be sure to reduce the toxins that your dog is exposed to in his food and his environment at the same time.
-