Early Signs of Liver Disease in your Dog

Many years ago, I was just about to move house when my little shih-tzu took a turn. She somehow managed to swallow a whole chicken wing, then regurgitate it. After a couple of trips to the vet, we discovered it was a tumour on her liver. It also happened to be the Thursday before Easter, so the surgeon wouldn't operate till the following Tuesday. She pulled through the operation like a trooper - but you can guess the size of the vet bill. And what timing!

The Liver is the body's Detox Centre

The liver is an incredibly vital organ, for producing and storing nutrients and minerals, and for detoxifying the body. This is where this special organ can get into trouble. Everyday toxins like pesticides on foods, pollution and even conventional pharmaceuticals can put enormous stress on the liver.

Signs of Liver Stress

Dogs Naturally Magazine offers a great checklist of symptoms for detecting a liver in distress:

• Digestive disorders (constipation, diarrhoea, gas or bloating)
• Dry, brittle or infected nails
• Dull eyes
• Eye discharge or a pinkish eye
• Corneal or retinal disorders
• Sinus issues
• Dark urine
• Poor appetite
• Fatigue
• Ligament and tendon issues
• Irritability or aggression

You can read up on how the liver works, and what you can do to protect your dog's liver here.

Use Himalaya Pets LIV.52 to support your pet's liver.