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Liver diseases in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatment

Liver diseases in dogs

The liver is an important part of the metabolism and is involved in numerous processes in the dog's body from nutrient utilization to detoxification. However, various liver diseases can impair the functioning of the organ and, in the worst case, even be life-threatening.


In the following, you will learn how liver disease develops in dogs, what symptoms you should be aware of in your four-legged friend and what is necessary for successful treatment of the symptoms.

Functions of the dog's liver

Just like in humans, the liver plays a central role in the metabolism of dogs. Among other things, it is responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. In addition, it serves as a store for glycogen and vitamins. 


In addition, the liver produces bile acid, which the dog's intestines need for the digestion of dietary fats. Finally, it is also important for detoxification. 


This is because it is responsible for the breakdown and excretion of metabolic waste products, residues of medication and other harmful substances that can accumulate in the dog's body.

Possible liver diseases in dogs

Based on the numerous tasks of the liver, it quickly becomes clear what effects functional disorders of the vital organ can have. Unfortunately, dogs can indeed suffer from various liver diseases.


For example, so-called liver insufficiency is particularly common. This is a disease-related restriction of the liver's performance capacity, which is caused by increasing damage to tissue.


In addition, dogs can also suffer from inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) or fatty liver. Untreated chronic liver diseases often lead sooner or later to fatal liver cirrhosis.

Causes of liver disease in dogs

Liver diseases in dogs can have very different causes. In some cases, congenital problems can impair the performance of the liver. These include, for example, copper storage disease and Portosystemic Shunt (PSS), for which there is an increased risk in some dog breeds due to genetic factors.


In most cases, however, liver disease in dogs is an acquired condition, the causes of which can be at least partially avoided.

Liver disease in dogs can have the following main causes:

  • Fat deposits in the liver as a result of overweight in dogs
  • Feeding errors such as the use of inferior products or too high a protein content 
  • An overload of the liver by pollutants such as antibiotics, parasite protection agents or environmental toxins
  • An infection with hepatitis canis 
  • Excessive stress 

Detect a liver disease in the dog

If the functionality of the liver is limited as a result of inflammation or other problems, a number of symptoms can be observed in affected dogs. Among other things, liver disease in dogs leads to diarrhea and vomiting as well as fever. 


In addition, affected animals often suffer from fatigue and loss of appetite, which in turn leads to increased weight loss. Increased thirst and the associated frequent urination are also typical signs that can indicate liver disease in dogs.


In addition, as the disease progresses, water accumulations often form in the abdomen. In addition, jaundice and muscle cramps may occur, as well as neurological disorders and behavioural problems. 

Diagnosis of liver disease in dogs

The liver is a vital organ. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from liver disease, you should always consult a vet. A blood test will help the vet to determine whether you are right about your fears. 


Further tests will reveal the exact nature of the problem and the cause of your dog's liver disease. This is necessary in order to be able to initiate the appropriate treatment measures.

Treating dogs with liver disease

As a general rule, you should be aware that once liver tissue has been damaged, it is usually irreversibly destroyed and cannot be repaired. This means that liver insufficiency is a permanent problem for your dog and he will have to live with the reduced performance of the organ in the future.

Dog with Landgut-Menu wet food


The treatment of your dog's liver disease therefore has the primary goal of preserving the remaining tissue and relieving the liver as much as possible. To this end, your four-legged friend will very likely receive injections or tablets that stimulate the metabolism of the liver and promote its blood circulation.

Feeding dogs with liver disease properly

However, much more important than the drug treatment of liver disease is the correct nutrition of affected dogs. A change in diet is intended to help relieve the liver and is therefore a central component of the therapy.


An effective liver diet contains slightly less protein, but at the same time it should be of a particularly high quality and easily digestible. In addition, complex carbohydrates can help to keep the dog's blood sugar level stable despite liver disease.


In order not to jeopardise the success of the therapy, it is important to follow the liver diet prescribed by the vet consistently. Your dog will have to do without additional dog snacks or other treats, such as the occasional piece of liver sausage, in the future due to his liver disease.


From the Bellfor range of products, our tasty country estate menu, for example, is very suitable for your dog's liver diet. The food contains particularly easily digestible insect protein as well as digestible carbohydrates from carrots and sweet potatoes and optimally supplies your liver-ill quadruped with all important nutrients.

Useful food supplements for dogs with liver disease

In addition to exclusive feeding with an easily digestible food such as Bellfor Landgut-Menü, it can make sense to support your four-legged friend with special food supplements.

For dogs with liver disease we recommend the following products from our range:

  • Bellfor Nierenkraft supports the detoxification processes with a selected herbal mixture and can thus help to relieve your dog's damaged liver.
  • Bellfor Shiimun Gastro with shiitake promotes digestion and helps to counteract typical symptoms of your dog's liver disease such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

Further tips for dogs with liver disease

Bellfor Vermal Powder

Since your dog's immune system is already working at full speed due to the liver disease, you should avoid stress for your four-legged friend as much as possible. Important vaccinations should generally continue to be given to dogs with liver dysfunction in order to avoid infection with dangerous diseases.


This also applies in principle to prophylactic worming. However, we recommend that you refrain from chemical preparations and instead use a natural product such as Bellfor Vermal.

Consequences and prognosis for dogs with liver disease

Liver diseases often have fatal consequences for affected dogs. Among other things, they lead to an increased concentration of ammonia and other harmful substances in the body. 


In addition, functional disorders of the liver have a negative effect on the animal's nutrient supply, which in combination with loss of appetite can quickly lead to dangerous deficiency symptoms and significant weight loss.


For a positive prognosis, it is therefore very important to detect any liver disease in your dog as early as possible. With a consistent and permanent treatment, in which the correct nutrition is particularly important, your dog will then, with a little luck, have a few good years ahead of him.

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