Herbs for Dogs With Liver Problems

Alfalfa

• Alfalfa ("the father of all foods") contains minerals and vitamins A, B, D, E and K, as well as chlorophyll, beta carotene and calcium. Aside from its antiseptic, diuretic and laxative effects, alfalfa also detoxifies your dog's system, improving his liver function and cleansing his blood.

  If your dog has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), do not give her alfalfa products. Otherwise, chop up some alfalfa sprouts and give your dog two teaspoons with his daily meal. If you use an organic alfalfa powder, give your small dog 1/8 teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon to your medium-size dog or 1/2 teaspoon to your large dog.

Dandelion

• Use dandelion to help rid her body of toxins from the liver, as well as to maintain your dog's potassium levels. A wild-minerals- and vitamins-rich plant found in lawns, dandelion's root stimulates the flow of bile from the liver, as well as other digestive juices. Dandelion's flowers contain high levels of lecithin, which could help if your dog needs a pain reliever.

  Gather some fresh leaves from your garden or another area free of chemicals or pesticides use, and incorporate them into your dog's daily diet; you can do so for months or even years. Dry the greens and crumple onto your dog's food. For every 20 pounds of your dog's body weight, give him one teaspoon of the dried herb daily. You also can boil the greens in unsalted meat or vegetable broth to make a leaf tea.

Garlic

• With its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, garlic helps stimulate the functioning of your dog's liver, as well as rid the body of toxins and improve the immune system. While you can give your dog garlic either fresh or as a dehydrated powder, do not use excessive amounts in her diet or give it to her for a long period of time, as it could break down red blood cells and cause anemia.

  According to Gregory Tilford, author of "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets," you safely can give your dog 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder per pound of food three to four times a week. Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D., author of "The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats," says you can feed your dog the following amount of fresh garlic daily, according to his size: half a clove (10 to 15 pounds); one clove (20 to 40 pounds); two cloves (45 to 70 pounds); two-and-a-half cloves (75 to 90 pounds); three cloves (100 pounds and up).

Milk Thistle

• Whatever liver problems plague your dog, milk thistle, which belongs to the sunflower family, helps in healing. Milk thistle contains a flavonoid compound called silymarin, which supports and protects the liver, strengthens liver-cell resistance to harmful toxins and stimulates new cell reproduction.

  If your dog has an advanced liver disease, give her daily as much as 200 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. For other liver problems, give him 75 to 100 mg daily per 10 pounds of body weight. You can also brew milk-thistle seeds as an infusion, grind them and add to your dog's food.

  Do not use the herb as a tonic or liver stimulator for a healthy dog; only use when your dog's condition requires it. Do not give to your dog if she is pregnant. If you use milk thistle haphazardly, you could negatively impact your dog's condition, and the herb eventually could suppress liver function. Reduce dosage if your dog experiences diarrhea, gas or upset stomach.