Can I give my dog milk thistle?

Milk thistle can be beneficial for canine health. Also known as Silybum marianum, this flowery plant is something of a herbal miracle. It can cleanse your dog’s body of toxins, but it may also be an great multipurpose supplement.

This plant is used for a wide range of holistic remedies. Liver detoxification is the most common application but milk thistle can also help if your precious dog already has certain liver problems.

So this natural herb is promising, though some say the research isn’t conclusive. In any case, milk thistle is safe for dogs in reasonable amounts. We put it on the list of recommended plants for pet health.

Can I Give My Dog Milk Thistle? Answer: Yes

This natural detox can be very useful for people and dogs, alike.

Video: Get Herbsmith Milk Thistle Herbal Supplement for Dogs and Cats, 75gm Powde Best

Milk thistle has become rather well known and it now comes in powder, liquid and capsule forms. We recommend getting 100mg milk thistle designed specifically for dogs because it’s by far the easiest application.

Why this Herb is So Effective

This flower contains a flavonoid called Silymarin which helps to release toxins that may be congregating in the liver. It also assists by allowing the regeneration of cells. When the need arises, your dog may have their immune system strengthen as a result of taking a milk thistle supplement.

Video: Milk Thistle For Dogs With Liver Disease Review Summary Video

Heartworms & Milk Thistle

Heart worm disease is, unfortunately, a reality for some dogs. This is especially true when infected mosquitoes are present. It can do serious damage to the organs including the liver. Sometimes the medicines used to treat it can be very harmful.

That’s why supplementing your dog’s heartworm treatment with milk thistle can be beneficial. It may be the best natural liver detox and it is preferable to using a chemically-laced tick or flea prevention product during such a difficult time in a dog’s life.

Talk to your vet about incorporating milk thistle with a deworming treatment.

In Cases of Pet Poisoning

Since milk thistle helps to cleanse the body of toxins, it can be a life saver in certain situations. If your pet dog ingested poisonous mushrooms, providing this herb may effectively detoxify their system. It is also known to treat things like lead poisoning and likely many other cases of toxicosis.

Video: Milk Thistle For Dogs Petsmart Review Summary Video

Always contact a professional when a dog is poisoned since a different type of detoxifying method may be required.

Other Milk Thistle Uses

While known as the liver herb, milk thistle potentially helps with inflammatory bowel disease, many other canine digestive problems, skin problems associated with liver disease, slowing the spread of some cancers, reducing inflammation of the pancreas and for bacterial infections such as Leptospirosis.

Some of these health problems are common in dogs which makes milk thistle an attractive alternative medicine. Since it’s also an antioxidant, it promotes overall health and can support your dog following vaccinations, drug therapies and recovery from infections.

The Recommended Dosage

If your dog is pregnant then milk thistle is not recommended. You should only provide it to your dog if you have a good reason to do so. Sometimes an appropriate dose can be difficult to calculate because extracts contain varying levels of strength.

10mg per pound of canine body weight, taken daily, is usually sufficient. If your dog is in serious condition higher dosages may be advisable. In such cases you really should talk with a veterinarian first, preferably one who believes in alternative approaches to wellness.

Conclusion on Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle stands out in that it’s generally harmless yet dogs may greatly benefit from it. There are many excellent uses for this natural herb when it comes to your pet dog. While milk thistle results are not guaranteed, you may wish to try it while keeping an open mind. This natural supplement is worth a shot if your dog requires detoxification or has certain health problems.

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