A Holistic Approach to Treating Liver Disorders
Be aware that seemingly unrelated patterns of behavior and
health problems can come from the same root source, such as
a liver imbalance, and the root source can be effectively treated
holistically.
Provide good general health maintenance for your dog, includ-
ing feeding the highest quality food possible and offering the
purest water.
Provide moderate exercise for your dog on a regular basis. The
liver maintains the smooth flow of blood and qi in a dog’s body,
and exercise keeps the liver efficient.
Minimize the sources of frustration and emotional upset in your
dog’s life.
Address health problems with a holistic veterinarian when they
first occur. That’s when they are easiest to fix.
Learn acupressure techniques for use at home in preparation
for a visit to a healthcare professional. Holistic support can help
tip the scales in your dog’s favor at the very start of a problem.
Make sure your dog has regular access to direct sunlight.
Sunlight initiates chemical reactions in the body that
stimulate the liver in a healthy way. However, monitor your
dog’s time in the sun to avoid overheating or overexposure.
RECOGNIZE AND MINIMIZE THE TOXIC INSULTS SUSTAINED BY
YOUR DOG’S LIVER:
Avoid elective surgical procedures that require anesthesia, or
group them together. For instance, have a radiograph of your
dog’s hips taken at the same time your dog receives anesthe-
sia for a dental procedure.
Don’t overvaccinate your dog. Consider testing your dog’s titer
levels to check her existing antibody levels before vaccinating
her (see “Take the Titer Test,” WDJ December 2002).
Minimize the use of environmental toxins, such as lawn chemi-
cals, carpet cleaners, carpet and fabric deodorizers, and insect
sprays in or near your home. Use nontoxic alternatives when-
ever possible. (See “Good Safe Housecleaning,”WDJ November
2002, and “Danger Signals,” August 2002.)
Minimize the use of pharmaceuticals known to have a signifi-
cant, negative impact on the liver, including Rimadyl and
prednisone. Consider using alternative treatments, especially
on young dogs, like acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and nutri-
tional supplements like MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) or
glucosamine. Use the pharmaceuticals, if needed, in your dog’s
later years.
FEED YOUR DOG’S LIVER:
Use good nutrition to help keep your dog’s liver healthy, or to
help mend an imbalanced liver. Avoid feeding fatty dry foods
that are difficult to digest. Generally, veterinarians suggest that
a dog with liver involvement in his health problems should re-
ceive a low-fat, low-protein diet.
Feed more than once a day, preferably two (or three times for
sick dogs) to manage and balance the load placed on the liver.
Choose easily digestible foods that nourish the liver and blood,
such as non-oily fish, rabbit, chicken, beets, spinach, chard,
kale, squash, broccoli, and cabbage.
Consult with your veterinarian about adding B-vitamins and leci-
thin to your dog’s diet.These nutritional substances support the
liver by helping to digest fat and assisting in circulation.