Understanding Elevated Liver Enzyme in Dogs
Understanding the Cause and Taking Proactive Steps
Hearing that your dog has elevated liver enzymes can be unsettling, but it’s more common than you might think. It’s also often very manageable—with the right support. Let’s walk through what this means, how to recognize it early, and how you can help your dog naturally.
The Liver’s Vital Role
Filters toxins and waste products from the bloodstream
Produces bile to aid in the digestion of fats
Stores glycogen for energy reserves
Synthesizes essential proteins for clotting and immunity
It’s important to understand that up to 70% of liver function can be compromised before symptoms appear. That’s why proactive support matters—especially after vaccinations, chemical exposures, or moving into seasons with heavier toxin loads like spring and summer.
Why Elevated Liver Enzymes Happen
Elevated enzymes signal that the liver is under pressure. Common causes include:
Processed, high-carb, or synthetic-heavy diets
Long-term use of medications like NSAIDs, steroids, or seizure meds
Exposure to environmental chemicals, flea/tick preventatives, or cleaning products
Chronic gut inflammation or food intolerance
Infections such as leptospirosis or tick-borne diseases
Liver disease, gallbladder disease, or tumors
Obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome
High iron levels
When the liver struggles, the pancreas and kidneys often carry extra burden—another reason to take whole-body wellness seriously.
Symptoms to Watch For
Lethargy, weakness, or depression
Vomiting, reduced appetite, or weight loss
Yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin (jaundice)
Increased thirst or urination
Swelling or fluid retention (edema)
Bruising, bleeding, or clotting issues
Itching or unexplained skin conditions
Liver Enzymes You Might See on Bloodwork
ALT – Indicates liver cell injury
AST – Suggests liver or muscle inflammation
ALP – Can be influenced by liver, bone, or medications
GGT – Bile duct or gallbladder involvement
Bilirubin – Jaundice marker, related to red blood cell breakdown
LDH – Indicates tissue damage, not liver-specific but important
Why We Don’t Always Recommend Denamarin
While commonly prescribed, Denamarin relies on isolated extracts (SAMe and silybin) that are often poorly absorbed and may not fully address the dog’s needs.
Whole-food-based herbs, fresh diets, natural antioxidants, and gentle liver support strategies often create more meaningful, lasting results.
How to Support the Liver Naturally
Fresh Foods & Diet Adjustments
Feed a fresh, whole food diet rich in antioxidants
Consider adding small amounts of fresh, organic liver (young animals preferred)
Include fiber-rich foods like pumpkin, celery, and asparagus
Avoid processed foods, rendered fats, and high-fat proteins like duck or lamb
Avoid any synthetic ingredients (Read every label)
Supplements & Natural Support
Omega-3 fatty acids from clean fish sources
Milk Thistle for liver cell protection and regeneration
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) to support glutathione production
SAMe for targeted antioxidant and detox support (when needed)
Green food supplements for additional antioxidant power: See Gussy Gut grasses and sprouts.
Essential Oils (Properly Diluted and Applied)
Carrot seed, Helichrysum, German Chamomile
Grapefruit, Lime, Ledum, Ylang Ylang, and Rose
Raindrop Technique for full-body detox and lymphatic support
Herbs & Homeopathy
Dandelion for liver and kidney drainage
Turmeric and Ginger to support inflammation and bile flow
Schisandra and Burdock Root for blood and liver synergy
Homeopathic Thuja for detox post-vaccination or toxin exposure
Holistic Therapies
Digestive enzymes to lighten the liver’s load
PEMF or Red Light Therapy for regeneration
Gentle massage or lymphatic drainage work
Top 5 Actions You Can Take Today
Transition your dog to a fresh, whole food diet
Eliminate environmental toxins inside and outside your home
Introduce liver-supportive foods and herbs
Incorporate natural therapies like essential oils or PEMF
Book a consultation for customized detox and recovery strategies
When you make any changes — be sure to get retested at your vets office within 6-8 weeks to be sure you’re on the right track and other issues are not involved.
Dana’s Thoughts
When the liver speaks, it’s asking for help—not throwing in the towel.
Supporting the liver early can often reverse mild to moderate issues and dramatically improve your dog’s overall health, vitality, and aging process.
Helping the liver means helping the whole body—and that’s something we can do together.
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