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Milk Thistle for Dogs
This page looks at milk thistle for dogs - Is milk thistle safe for dogs? What are the health benefits of milk thistle for dogs? Read on and
find out!
Milk thistle is well known as a "liver herb" both for humans and pets.
Milk thistle contains a flavonoid compound called "silymarin" which itself is a combination of several other active compounds.
Extensive studies around the world have found that silymarin is safe and effective in treating a variety of liver diseases and other conditions, from kidney disease to
mushroom or lead poisoning.
Holistic veterinarians (and some conventional ones as well) have long been using milk thistle to treat dog liver disease. It has an excellent safety record and no known
adverse drug interactions, although taking too much of the herb at a time can sometimes cause an upset stomach, gas, or mild diarrhea.
Milk Thistle for Dogs - Common Uses in Canine
The silymarin constituent in milk thistle has numerous functions and can be used to treat a variety of dog health problems:
Liver Protection
Silymarin and other related compounds support and protect the liver. Specifically, they strengthen the liver cell resistance to harmful toxins and stimulate new cell
reproduction. As such, milk thistle is very effective in treating dogs with liver problems
and related diseases, such as:
- Chronic inflammatory liver disorders (e.g. hepatitis)
- Liver tumors or cancer
- Skin problems secondary to liver disease
- Leptospirosis
- Pancreatitis
- Fatty liver
Detoxification
Because of the powerful antioxidant properties of the silymarin compounds, milk thistle is an ideal herb for
detoxification. In particular, dogs who have been on allopathic medications, dewormers, chemotherapy, vaccinations, and heartworm medications can benefit from milk thistle
supplementation. It can also be given to dogs who are recovering from parvovirus.
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Milk Thistle for Dogs - Dosage
The standard dosage of milk thistle extract is based on a silymarin content of around 80 percent. Most supplements of milk thistle contain about 100 to 200 mg of the herb.
As mentioned above, milk thistle is very safe on dogs. For dogs with advanced liver disease, a dosage as high as 200 mg per 10 pounds of body weight is possible.
For other liver problems or health conditions, 75 to 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight per day is sufficient to see results.
If milk thistle causes upset stomach, gas, or mild diarrhea in your dogs, simply reduce the dosage.
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Milk Thistle for Dogs - Precautions
Despite the fact that milk thistle is hailed as "the" herb for the liver, it should NOT be given to healthy dogs as a daily supplement.
Some studies show that long-term use of very high dosages of milk thistle will eventually suppress liver function.
Milk thistle should therefore be used only as a medicinal herb for the treatment of liver disorders and other health problems as mentioned above.
Additionally, silymarin is not recommended for use in pregnant women. It is probably a good idea not to use milk thistle in pregnant dogs until more information
has become available.
Milk Thistle for Dogs - A Great Natural Product
Integrative Therapeutics Super Milk Thistle
This milk thistle product contains a superior form of milk thistle that is highly absorbable. It also includes extracts of dandelion, artichoke, and licorice - all
beneficial herbs for the liver. Many dogs with liver problems have had excellent results after using this natural product.
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Related Topics:
Safe Herbs for Dogs
Unsafe Herbs for Pets
How to Make Herbal Remedies
References
J.A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing (Rodale Books, 2000).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
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