Think of the liver as the sewage treatment plant of the body. It converts everything your dog takes in orally to more biologically appropriate chemicals. This includes food, medications, supplements-everything. It does the same thing for chemicals produced by every cell in the body during the process of living, 24/7/365. 

So, what are those duties?

1. Dietary protein contains ammonia which is toxic. The liver changes ammonia to urea which is safer than ammonia until it can be voided in the urine (urine gets its name from urea)
2. Convert the active molecules in essential oils to safer molecules for disposal
3. Convert the active chemicals in supplements to safer forms until disposal
4. Convert sugar to fat when it is excessive
5. Convert muscle protein to sugar when blood sugar is low
6. Convert the toxins created by every cell during regular function to promote life
7. Change the molecules in medication in order to eliminate them from the body

The liver never gets time off. That is why it is impossible to “detoxify” it. It will even detoxify the supplements used to detoxify it. This constant work with toxins takes its toll as the years pass.

But there are dietary changes and supplements that repair or reverse the damage done to the liver and support it as it goes about its detoxification job.

How do you know if your dog’s liver needs help?

Liver damage is easily detected in blood work. Elevations in blood enzymes with the initials ALT, AST, ALP and GGT are specific to liver damage for whatever reason. The combination of abnormal enzymes helps veterinarians identify the area of the liver likely to need help. This helps determine the type of diet or supplements will most likely support liver function.

The liver is one of the few major organs that can repair itself and even regrow if necessary. That is why we recommend that all dogs over the age of 8 have annual senior blood profiles done. We can pick up signs of problems sooner and initiate proper support with supplements, Chinese herbs, and essential oils and provide your dog a longer, healthier life.