Holistic Treatment of Canine Liver Disease
A vital organ to your pet’s health is the Liver. It performs crucial processes like the regulation of blood sugar, the production of bile for digestion and the regulation of blood clotting when functioning properly. The liver also works as a filter to remove toxic substances, as well as helping to absorb fats and certain vitamins.
The liver is a vulnerable organ in dogs because of its job to filter toxins. An overload of toxins can cause the liver to fail. When liver disease strikes, toxins build up inside the animal’s blood stream and can cause extreme illness and even death.
Causes of liver disease may include:
• Genetics :some animals are prone to liver failure
• Age: liver dysfunction, are common in geriatric dogs
• Breed: Certain dog breeds, such as Dobermans, Rottweilers, Yorkshire terriers and cocker spaniels are more likely to be born with or are prone to develop particular liver problems.
• Some plants and herbs such as ragwort, certain mushrooms, and blue-green algae
• Molds that grow on corn
• Untreated heart worms
• Diabetes
• Issues with the pancreas
• Long-term use of painkillers and certain medications
• Trauma to the area
• Fatty foods and low quality commercial pet foods
• Bacterial or viral infections of the liver can also cause this vital organ to stop working.
Conventional Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Liver disease. Supportive care includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics and/or corticosteroids.
Natural herbs such as milk thistle, antioxidants and certain vitamins can help the liver heal. These nutriceuticals support the liver’s function, enabling it to do its job as it regenerates. Pets with healthy livers can also benefit from these products, which assist the liver in removing toxins from the body more efficiently.
Symptoms of Liver Disease in Dogs
A number of diseases can cause the liver to stop functioning properly. When the liver fails here are the symptoms to look out for:
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite,
• Weight loss
• Soft and/or gray stools
• Increased thirst, Increased Urination
• Lethargy
• Weakness and listlessness
If the above symptoms persist for several days, take your companion to the Vet.
Often times these symptoms are similar to other conditions and the liver remains untreated until it becomes evident that the animal is experiencing advanced liver disease. As the disease worsens toxins begin to build up in the body and the signs of liver failure become more evident:
• Jaundice
• Convulsions
• Confusion
• Swollen abdomen from fluid accumulation (Ascites)
The good news is that liver is remarkable in its ability to regenerate itself and so many animals go on to live normal, healthy lives after experiencing liver failure.
Natural Treatments for Dogs with Liver Problems
Species Appropriate Diet or BARF diet
Diet plays an important role in the healing of the liver. Small, frequent meals which are low in fat will help minimize the work that the liver must do while it heals.BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw food diet. BARF diet is all about feeding dogs properly and returning them to their evolutionary diet the way our dogs and cats have eaten for millions of years. Diesel’s BARF dog food consists of raw whole foods similar to those eaten by the dogs’ wild ancestors.
BARF food is 100% raw and contains such things as muscle meat, bone, fat, organ meats, whole eggs, natural yoghurt, pulped vegetable and fruit and herbs. It’s essential to give your dog good quality proteins such as those found in BARF diet to reduce the production of ammonia, a by-product of protein digestion. Most commercial pet foods contain rendered meats/fats and meat meals that are not good quality proteins and many also contain nutrition excesses and synthetic vitamins & minerals, hardly a food for well-being. Unless your doctor recommends protein restriction usually only needed by pets with encephalopathy, a condition producing neurological signs in pets with severe liver disease, normal amounts of protein should be fed as protein is needed by the liver during repair.
BARF diet contains no carbohydrates such as grains, cereals, starch, pasta, rice as contained in commercial pet foods. Carbohydrates that are undigested are fermented by intestinal bacteria which increase the bacterial load in the colon; these bacteria then break down dietary proteins and produce extra ammonia, which is absorbed into the body and contributes to toxicity in pets with liver disease. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND ANY COMMERCIALLY PREPARED FOOD EVEN IF ITS FORMULATED FOR KIDNEY DISEASE.
Additional Liver cleansing foods
There are some foods that are known to have a highly positive effect on liver. Bile flow and liver flow can be promoted by adding leafy greens and also watercress, and basil.
You can harmonize the liver by adding apple cider vinegar (1/4 to 1 tsp) into food to promote cleansing. Romaine lettuce, dandelion leaves, chamomile flowers all have a positive effect on the liver.
Fresh Clean Filtered Water
Good clean drinking water is almost impossible to find on earth these days unless it has been filtered. Tap water contains so many harmful chemicals it will make your dog sick, so filter it however you can, whether it’s by carbon filter, reverse osmosis etc. Your dog should have access to clean filtered water on a daily basis.
Avoid these when your Dog has Liver Disease
Avoid high fat meats. Avoid kibble or canned food or raw rich greasy meats such as duck, fatty lamb or meat rendered from meat packing plants. Kangaroo is a lean meat and ideal for dogs with liver disease.
Avoid feeding large marrow bones which have extremely high fat content.
Beware of cheap treats even though they are natural. If it is too cheap it likely is because the ingredients are cheap too.
Avoid any food made in China because of the history of tainted foods and heavy use of additives and chemical preservatives.
Avoid Pesticides Outdoors and Chemical cleaners indoors -because toxins and pesticides in the environment can negatively affect the dog’s liver, it’s also important to minimize pharmaceutical use and the presence of toxins in your home and lawn. For example, when you pick out cleaning supplies and lawn care products, try to choose environmentally friendly ones.
Stop or Reduce Vaccinations
Vaccinations should be avoided at all costs or reduced in the dog suffering from liver disease. Vaccinations injure the immune system and make it hard for the sick animal to recover. If your dog has had puppy vaccinations there’s no need to give it annual booster shots. Instead monitor it with Titer tests which your Vet can easily organise to check for circulating antibodies.
Use Natural De-Wormers
Chemical worming can also lower a puppy or adult dog’s immune system causing them to come down with ill health or keep them from recovering. Never chemically worm a puppy/dog that is not well, unless excessive worm load is the cause of the puppy’s ill health. In this case, use precaution and strive to boost the immune system with excellent nutrition, clean fresh water, some good supplements such as Spirulina, Kelp, Vitamin C, Echinacea, Probiotics and Colostrum.
There are plenty of natural worming methods that can be utilized that are safe and effective. The first step is to get your dog onto a natural diet such as BARF dog food. Secondly include Diatomaceous Earth, garlic, pumpkin seeds, cumin seeds, grated raw carrot, Turmeric powder and Omega 3 fish oil into the food. These can be incorporated into your puppies’ diet 365 days a year. Other herbs that should be given temporarily include Wormwood, Oregon grape Extract and Black Walnut. You should never have to chemically worm your dog again if you follow these methods. (Read treating parasites with herbs and wholefoods on our website for further information)
Why a liver cleanse for your dog may extend the life expectancy
Even if your dog doesn’t have any liver enzyme elevation, a liver detox every 6 to 12 months is considered to be highly beneficial in dogs. Canines in general have a tendency to liver imbalances. According to Dr Peter Dobias, Holistic Vet, feeding a quality raw pet food, can extend your dog’s life by 2 -5 years on average. One of the reasons is that it helps the liver to be healthy and maintain optimal function. “In my 25 years of clinical practice, I have been able to confirm that feeding a raw diet is an answer to treating many processed food related ailments including liver disease”.
There are several nutriceuticals that aid in treating liver diseases and are especially beneficial to restoring the health of the liver. Special attention should also be given to cleanse the blood and kidney using blood and kidney cleansing herbs.
Liver Friendly Herbs
Milk thistle
Milk thistle is one of the most important herbal liver tonics and restoratives for your pet. Scientific analysis shows that milk thistle contains silymarin – a powerful antioxidant which can block the entry of toxins into the liver and remove them at cellular level, resulting in regeneration of liver cells and improved liver function.
More potent as an antioxidant than Vitamin E, silymarin acts as a scavenger on free radicals (molecules that cause cell damage), as well as increasing levels of glutathione (a prime antioxidant that protects major organs) and inhibiting the formation of damaging leukotrienes (an inflammatory agent). Silymarin also stimulates the production of new liver cells to repair damage caused by disease.
There are several other nutrients which are beneficial to the liver:
Burdock
Used for centuries as a blood purifier and cleanser, Burdock is a liver cleansing agent. Burdock aids the liver in metabolizing nutrients and encourages the removal of waste products. Burdock also aids in the removal of uric acid waste products and aids as a diuretic.
Licorice
An antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Used in combination with milk thistle and turmeric, licorice makes a good liver tonic for dogs with liver problems. Omit licorice if one has high blood pressure or oedema.
Turmeric Extract
A potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, has similar liver-protective qualities as milk thistle. In addition, turmeric is anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory. It also supports the GI system. Use this herb as a tonic for dog liver health – mix it with a bit of coconut oil and a sprinkle of pepper and add to your dog’s food.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion has been used for centuries as a liver tonic and a detoxifying agent. The bitter flavour stimulates the secretion of digestive juices. Its cholagogue properties increase the flow of bile, which improves the emulsification and digestion of fats, and also acts as a gentle laxative. Dandelion is a supportive herb for the treatment of hepatitis, jaundice, gallstones, and other liver problems. In addition, the leaves of this herb act as a potassium-sparing diuretic. The leaves encourage the release of excess water, which is helpful in the treatment of oedema.
Nettle Leaf
Stinging Nettle is a highly nutritive herb rich in vitamins & minerals with a broad range of actions and benefits to the body including, but not limited to: reducing inflammation of any type, good for anaemia, maintains the right body pH, increases circulation, purifies the blood, detoxifying to the skin, boosting immunity and used in treating urinary problems.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake is a polypore mushroom that is native to Japan. It grows in clusters at the base of oak trees and is prized for its medicinal properties. Maitake mushroom is best known for its anti-tumour, cancer-fighting properties particularly lung, breast and liver tumours. It is anti-diabetic, having the ability to lower blood sugar. It has anti-hepatitis properties, in clinical trials with 32 chronic hepatitis B patients; there was a 72% recovery rate in the group that was administered Maitake, as compared to 57% in the control group. It can also lower serum and liver lipids such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids and regulate blood pressure.
Oregon grape Extract
Oregon grape root is renowned for its ability to stimulate liver function, improve the flow of bile, and for blood cleansing. Oregon grape root uses have traditionally included treating both liver congestion and infectious conditions of both the stomach and intestines. Another benefit of Oregon grape root is its functioning as an antimicrobial. The bitterness of this herb also has a positive effect on the digestive tract. It has a sedative effect on the smooth muscles lining the digestive tract, and stimulates the flow of bile, which loosens waste in the digestive tract.
Gentian Root
This herb is used specifically to protect the liver, stimulate its function, help regenerate its cells, and increase the flow of bile. It is also known to inhibit the development of viruses that affect the liver. This should come as no surprise for herbalists, as gentian has been used for centuries to stimulate appetite, improve overall digestion, and treat a host of gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea, heartburn, stomach aches, and vomiting.
Other useful Liver Friendly Supplements
• Natrium Phosphate – A tissue salt that helps to assimilate fats and promote the flow of bile from the gall bladder.
• Natrium Sulphate – A tissue salt often recommended for detoxifying the liver.
• Dimethyglycine (DMG) – An amino acid that helps rebuild liver cells and encourages the elimination of toxins in the body.
• Pyridoxal 5’Phospate – The active form of B6, an essential vitamin that is not easily broken down in pets with compromised livers.
• Vitamin B12 – An important vitamin needed for proper digestion and absorption of food.
• Choline Citrate – A chemical used by the liver to move fats in and out of the cells, which is crucial to liver health.
• Methionine – An amino acid needed for proper detoxification of the liver.
• N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine – An amino acid that is aids in the removal of toxins from the liver.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid – A powerful antioxidant that enhances the antioxident effects of Vitamins C and E.
• Coenzyme Q10 – Also known as Vitamin Q, this nutrient is essential for healthy liver function.
Blood Cleansing Herbs
These potent herbs clean the blood and lymph glands. They remove poisons and toxins from the body’s fat, cells and blood. When used regularly, it will work to purify and optimize the blood, cleanse your liver, kill viruses, destroy cancer, and much more. These are very powerful herbs that are strongly therapeutic in nature, which means that it should only be used for detoxing or on an as needed basis. Use for 2 weeks and then take a break for 2 weeks before repeating again.
You do not want to take this formula on a daily basis for weeks on end like a multivitamin. In this case, more is not necessarily better. Some of these herbs below are extremely potent and can actually break down red blood cells if used in excess. If overused, it could be counterproductive and could have a negative health impact. In other words, follow directions; don’t adlib. But when used properly, this is one of the most powerful formulas in the alternative health arsenal
Chaparral
Chaparral is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants in nature. The primary biochemical responsible for this is NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid). NDGA is so effective that it is often used as a food preservative. It kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Chaparral cleanses the lymph system. It cleanses the blood, liver and urinary tract. It’s a natural chelator that clears heavy metals from the blood. Studies show that chaparral may also inhibit uncontrolled cell proliferation as well as damage to DNA. And a number of university studies have indicated that chaparral can destroy and dissolve many types of tumours.
Red Clover
Red Clover is another staple of herbal blood cleansing formulas and has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. It’s an excellent blood purifier that over time gradually cleanses the bloodstream and corrects deficiencies in the circulatory system. It is probably best known as one of the main herbs for treating all varieties of cancer — anywhere in the body — and is found as a central ingredient in many anticancer formulas, again including the Hoxsey formula, Jason Winters tea, my ideal formula, and Essiac tea.
Burdock Root
Burdock root is probably the most famous detoxifying agent in the herbal arsenal. It cleanses the blood by increasing the effectiveness of all the body’s elimination systems. Its diuretic effect helps the kidneys filter impurities from the blood. It helps push toxins out through the skin, and it also boosts the ability of the liver to remove toxins. By pushing toxins out through a variety of pathways, burdock can purify the blood with minimal side effects and with minimal stress to the body. Burdock root has traditionally been used to treat diabetes, however in excessive amounts; it may interfere with blood sugar medications.
Poke root and Yellow dock root
These are both powerful blood cleansers and lymph cleansers, inciting and increasing the action of lymph glands throughout the entire body. Not surprisingly, both herbs are staples of many traditional herbal anticancer formulas. Like pokeroot, yellow dock can compromise red blood cells if improperly overused. Or in other words, unless used properly, it can have toxic properties. But also like pokeroot, if used properly, studies have shown that it has strong anticancer properties
Oregon Grape
Oregon grape root is frequently used by herbalists as a blood cleanser and, as it’s extremely bitter taste stimulates the liver and gallbladder. The primary active biochemical in Oregon grape root is berberine. It purifies the blood and cleanses the liver by helping to stimulate bile flow and releasing toxins and helping purge the spleen. It also helps the liver metabolize wastes and toxins and, because of its anti-pathogenic properties used by natural healers in the treatment of chronic hepatitis-B.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal root is a multipurpose type of herb that provides immune system support and cleanses vital organs. It works both in the intestinal tract and systemically. It promotes the functioning capacity of the heart, the lymphatic and respiratory system, the liver, the spleen, the pancreas, and the colon. The primary biochemical in goldenseal is berberine, which appears to have antimicrobial actions that can kill different types of yeast, parasites, bacteria. It is useful as part of a blood cleansing formula because of its ability to remove pathogens from the bloodstream. And since one of its primary components is berberine, all of the studies we saw for Oregon grape root apply to goldenseal as well.
Kidney Cleansing Herbs
The kidneys are just as important in cleaning your dog’s blood as the liver. When the kidneys are healthy they take on the job of filtering blood plasma, they return good clean blood to the body and create urine to expel the waste. They also regulate the acid/alkaline balance, as well as the water and electrolytes of the blood. Cleaning the elimination organs will ensure that your pet will receive the nutrients and herbs it needs to heal. These herbs that also kill most urinary infections clean and repair the kidneys and it is also a diuretic. These herbs not only cleanse and support the healthy function of the kidneys they support the body in the healing process.
Juniper berries
Juniper Berries are used to treat infections, especially within the urinary tract, bladder, kidneys, and prostate. Their antiseptic properties help remove waste and acidic toxins from the body, stimulating a fighting action against bacterial and yeast infections. Juniper Berries also help increase the flow of digestive fluids, improving digestion and eliminating gas and stomach cramping. As a diuretic, Juniper Berries eliminate excess water retention contributing to weight loss. Juniper Berries’ anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for relieving pain and inflammation related to rheumatism and arthritis. Juniper Berries make an excellent antiseptic in conditions such as cystitis. But the essential oil present in this herb is quite stimulating to the kidney nephrons. Some texts warn that juniper oil may be a kidney irritant at higher doses, for this reason use low doses of juniper berries for dogs with advance kidney disease.
Uva Ursi
The chief constituent of Uva Ursi is a glycoside called arbutin. This is what is responsible for its diuretic action. During its excretion arbutin produces an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane and can therefore help eliminate urinary tract infections. This herb also helps to keep the pH balance of urine. It actually strengthens the lining of the urinary tract and helps to relieve any inflammation in the system. It has a direct sedative effect on the bladder walls. Allantoin, also found in Uva Ursi spurs the healing of wounds. For chronic inflammation of the bladder or kidneys Uva Ursi is the best herb.
Corn silk
Corn silk is a soothing diuretic and works as an excellent remedy for urinary conditions such as retained urine, burning urine, kidney stones, bladder infections and as a lymphatic system cleanser. Corn Silk is used to treat bladder infections, kidney stones, infections of the prostate gland, and urinary infections. In addition, corn silk can also help lower high blood sugar, prevent inflammation of urinary system and prevent kidney stones.
Horsetail
Horsetail is an herb that has historically been used as a diuretic and in healing urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Diuretics affect the kidneys, increasing the amount of water and salt that are released into the urine. For animals with kidney problems or oedema getting rid of unwanted fluid can be an important part of treatment. One study that analysed the effects of horsetail extract on diabetic rats found that after 5 weeks of treatment, the herbal extract produced significant regeneration of damaged pancreatic tissue.
Burdock root
Burdock root is a herb used commonly used in Chinese medicine for kidney disease and kidney failure. How does burdock root help treat renal failure? Detoxify the body: burdock root is honoured as the best natural hematocathartic, improve patients’ circulatory system and boost metabolism. For patients with kidney failure, their biggest concern is usually polluted blood. Then, less blood and oxygen is provided for inherent kidney cells. Therefore, detoxify the blood can make sure clean blood flows throughout the body and provides enough nutrition’s for kidneys.
Burdock root contains some specific substances that have the properties of fighting against kidney lesion, inhibiting the formation of immune complexes, and preventing protein from leaking out of the kidneys. From this point, we can know this herb does do a lot for protecting kidneys and treating kidney failure.
In kidney failure, diseased kidneys can’t regulate blood pressure efficiently, so blood pressure usually increases. Burdock root helps lower it, rich in dietary fibre which can absorb sodium, on the other hand, burdock root is quite abundant in calcium which can prompt the sodium to eliminate via urine output. Both of these can help reduce high blood pressure effectively.
Parsley leaf and root
Parsley has been found to be effective for all kidney and urinary conditions except severe kidney inflammation. Drinking parsley tea helps to prevent salt from being reabsorbed into the body tissues. Parsley literally forces debris out of the kidneys, liver and bladder. It helps improve oedema and general water retention, fatigue and scanty or painful urination. Parsley can be used as a treatment of kidney stones and bladder infections.
To make Parsley tea: Place approximately 1/4 cup of fresh parsley in an infusion basket. Put the basket into a cup or tea pot and pour 1 cup of filtered boiling water over it. Allow to steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the basket to remove the parsley. Let it cool and give it to him by mouth with a plastic syringe. You can also mix the liquid in with his food.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod is used as an aquaretic agent, meaning that it promotes the loss of water from the body as compared to a diuretic, which promotes the loss of both water and electrolytes such as salt. It is used to treat urinary tract inflammation and to prevent or treat kidney stones. In fact, goldenrod has received official recognition in Germany for its effectiveness in getting rid of kidney stones, and it is commonly found in teas to help “flush out” kidney stones and stop inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract. It does this by increasing the flow of urine, and also, soothe inflamed tissues and calm muscle spasms in the urinary tract. It isn’t used as a cure in itself, but rather as an adjunct to other, more definitive treatments such as (in the case of bladder infections) antibiotics.
Marshmallow root
Marshmallow’s highest medicinal acclaim is as a demulcent. Internally it has a soothing effect on inflamed and irritated tissues of the digestive tract, urinary and respiratory organs. It aids in the passage of kidney stones and is used in combination with other diuretic herbs for kidney treatments which assist in the release of gravel and stones. It works very well for urinary problems. Marshmallow has factors which combine with and eliminate toxins, helping the body to cleanse. This makes marshmallow an excellent herb to add to other formulas to help neutralize toxins that are the causative factors of arthritis.
Marshmallow is also very soothing to any sore or inflamed parts of the body. Apart from the urinary tract, this herb will soothe an irritated digestive tract such as during diarrhoea or dysentery.
Nausea Remedy (Antacid)
Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar & Ginger Herb
A wonderful natural antacid is Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. Give ¼ teaspoon for dogs up to 20 lbs, ½ teaspoon for dogs up to 40 lbs, ¾ teaspoon for dogs up to 60lbs and 1 teaspoon for dogs 80 lbs and over. You can mix this with some unsweetened applesauce and syringe in his mouth 3-4 times per day or as needed.
Powdered Ginger root is an excellent herb for settling the stomach. If you have a larger dog you can give capsules 1-2 capsules 3-4 times per day. If your dog is too small to swallow capsules, you can mix a pinch of ginger powder in with some unsweetened applesauce. You can give in the same dose with the Apple Cider Vinegar if you wish.
Natural Diuretics –Watermelon
If your dog is suffering from Ascites (abdominal fluid retention) Watermelon is a natural diuretics that should be helpful. Watermelon can be fed, but if he will not eat it, you can juice it or put it in the blender (skin, and pulp) then strain the juice and give the juice to him as often as you can throughout the day. You can also pour the watermelon juice into ice cube trays and freeze any extras. You can just pop the cubes out into a freezer bag and take them out to thaw day by day as you need them. If you can find a watermelon with seeds, you can grind the seeds in a coffee grinder and add some to each meal, the seeds have even more diuretic effect than the flesh/juice. But still give the juice!
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy has been used for centuries to cure every type of disease. From the Greek physician Hippocrates, John Floyer in England, Vincenz Priessnitz and Sebastian Kneipp in Germany, Benedict Lust to the famous John Kellogg all used hydrotherapy to cure illness.
Hot water brings blood to the surface of the skin, which is why the skin turns red, it relaxes the body by expanding blood vessels and loosening the muscles. Cold water does the opposite; it contracts the muscles and blood vessels sending the blood on the surface deeper into the body and organs. By alternating hot and cold you increase circulation in the body. Blood carries oxygen and nutrition to every cell and organ in the body, when blood is restricted to any area of the body that area will eventually die. By feeding your dog a proper diet and loading his blood with the right herbs and nutrition, hydrotherapy will ensure your pet will receive everything he needs for his body to heal.
Hydrotherapy directly on the liver area will start improving its function almost immediately. It has pulled countless dogs out of liver failure and is also equally effective in treating many different ailments. According to Herbalist, Amanda Banting, Herbalist, when we first started hydrotherapy to treat sick animals we would do the whole body, we later began applying the treatments directly to the sick areas and we noticed miracles. According to her, Heart murmurs that still lingered after healing dog’s hearts disappeared. A brutal sinus infection that was bleeding and unstoppable for 6 months disappeared after only three days of hydrotherapy. Dogs that were diagnosed with a ripped cruciate ligament healed in weeks. These are just a sample of the amazing healings power of hydrotherapy.”
Instructions:
If your dog has longer or thick hair you will need to trim the hair on the abdomen/side where the liver is located. If your dog has short thin hair you may not have to trim it at all.
Put your dog in the tub, you will need a hand sprayer. Turn the water on warm and apply to Liver area. Get him used to the water, after about a minute turn up the heat to the hottest setting you can handle without burning yourself. Keep this on the area for one minute. Then turn the hot water completely off and spray the cold water for another full minute. Repeat this for a total of 10-15 minutes at least twice a day.
End on warm to relax or cold to invigorate. You will notice when on warm your dog may yawn or even start to dose off and on cold they will perk right up!
If your dog is too weak to stand in the tub for 10-15 minutes or he is too stressed by water a second best option would be to use hot and cold packs. The best are the gel packs you can find at the pharmacy that you can warm up in the microwave and cool by putting in the fridge or freezer (you will need two packs to do this). The routine is the same but instead you will be placing the hot pack on for 1 minute, and then switching to the cold pack for one minute, back and forth for 10-15 minutes.
If your dog is in Liver failure, start him off with warm water alternating to cool water as not to shock his system. Over the next 3-5 days gradually increase the contrast in temperature with each session until you reach the temperatures described above.
Glandular Therapy
Glandular Liver and Kidney can help improve organ function, reduce inflammation, protect liver and kidney cells, and enhance metabolic elimination of toxins and wastes.
Useful Homotoxicology Remedies
Traumeel
Coenzyme Compositum
Galium Heel
Hepeel Lymphomyosot
Reneel
Berberis
Mucosa Compositum
Daily Herbal Intake Based On Dog’s Weight