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Rising Liver Disease in Dogs: What You Need to Know
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Rising Liver Disease in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Prevention, Protection, and Natural Solutions

For several months, my team has been nudging me:

"Peter, you have to write on liver enzymes and liver disease. We are getting so many questions from our community on the topic."

So today, I asked my dog Pax “for permission” not to join him and my partner on a dog walk and write on the topic of liver disease, elevated liver enzymes, and natural solutions instead.

Liver disease is on the rise

Liver disease is on the rise in dogs and people and significantly risks shortening their lifespans.

Researchers in a recent study that followed 90 dogs identified key predictive factors for two-year survival in dogs with liver disease.

The one-, two-, and five-year mortality rates were 28.9%, 45.6%, and 78.9%, respectively, which is quite concerning.[1]

Sadly, this means that nearly 8 out of 10 dogs with liver disease will not survive 5 years post diagnosis.

What to watch for in your dog’s bloodwork

Elevated liver enzymes such as gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), hypoalbuminemia (low albumin protein levels), and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), a blood clotting factor, are significant predictors of liver disease prognosis.

Male dogs also showed a greater incidence of liver disease. 

Why is liver disease on the rise?

The liver is a very complex and important organ. One of its main functions is to neutralize and eliminate toxins and heavy metals coming from the environment, food or household chemicals, drugs and water.

Industrialization, pollution and the never ending introduction of foreign toxic chemicals into the environment or food put tremendous stress on the liver.

This is the main reason why liver disease in pets and people is on the rise.

What is our goal?

Ultimately, our goal should be to help dogs suffering from liver disease.

It’s also vital to emphasize prevention and protecting our dogs from this challenging health condition with the best, ideally natural, and drug-free methods available

For years, I've recommended a semi-annual liver cleanse with LiverTune for dogs and LiverTune H+ for people.

The cleanse aims to support liver function and help the body eliminate heavy metals and toxins from the environment, food or household chemicals, and pharmaceutical drugs.

Exciting results, more work to be done

We now have dogs in our community who have fully recovered from liver disease or have been surviving and thriving well beyond the predicted life span, which is exciting, and I am very grateful to see these results.

I have also noticed that LiverTune can be helpful for other health conditions, such as chronic ear infections and inflammation, allergies, immune system agitation, and cancer treatment support. 

There is a connection between liver and ear infections.

For example, Yuliya L's rescue dog, a beautiful pit bull cross with a history of chronic ear conditions, has been ear-infection-free for over four years, thanks to LiverTune. 

She now knows that every time her dog's ears turn even slightly pinker than normal, the only thing she needs to do is start a course of LiverTune to calm the ears and the immune system down. 



An important adjustment in my recommended liver cleanse protocol

I have been using Livertune for Pax and LiverTune H+, and while testing different protocols, I decided to adjust my recommendations.

Initially, I recommended using LiverTune as a month-long semi-annual cleanse, which can still be done.

Still, taking LiverTune for one week each month may provide even more significant benefits. 

You can mix it into your dog's food or use it in something palatable like yogurt or blended-up fish— the options are limitless! 

The daily dose of the human LiverTune H+ is four capsules, to be taken once a day or divided throughout the day, depending on your preference. 

Here is what the calendar looks like: 


LiverTune is formulated with the following herbs and superfoods that protect and support the liver and prevent hepatocellular injury: 

  • Organic Barley Grass
  • Organic Milk Thistle
  • Organic Dandelion Root
  • Organic Artichoke
  • Organic Cilantro:
  • Organic Ashwagandha
  • Organic Broccoli Sprout
  • Organic Turmeric Root

We say yes to Certified Organic!

LiverTune® is the only USDA-certified organic fermented liver detox on the market. Achieving this has been challenging, but I have always enjoyed pushing the limits because our dogs deserve the best.

Nature ferments and we do too!

I am also focused on fermented products because, based on research, fermentation increases the bioavailability and efficacy of ingredients 7 - 10 times.

If you are curious, read our community's stories and experiences. Some of the transformations are mind-blowing.

Click to read them here.

Do you enjoy Prosecco, summer cocktails or a glass of wine?

LiverTune is also suitable for people who want to finely tune their liver after going on holidays or like to socialize with a glass in their hand.

Most of us do from time to time and research shows that socializing is good for us but alcohol not so much. 

That's it for today!  Take care and hug your dog for me. We are on this journey to better health together.

 

References

[1] Assawarachan, S. N., Ongvisespaibool, T., Hakhen, B., Chuchalermporn, P., Maneesaay, P., & Thengchaisri, N. (2023). Predictive factors for two-year survival in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases: Importance of clinical and laboratory monitoring. Animals, 13(16), 2677.

 

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

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