How Do I Give My Dog Milk Thistle?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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“Milk thistle comes in capsules, liquid, or powder,” says Krause.

For dogs silymarin is given as an oral supplement, usually via a pill or capsule

. “Milk thistle can be given 2-3 times daily,” says Krause. If you’re hoping to use a milk thistle supplement that is formulated for humans, you should be extra cautious.

How much milk thistle should you give a dog?

The usual recommended extract of milk thistle contains 70 to 80 percent silymarin. Each extract should have a label with the silymarin percentage. You can administer tincture at a starting dose of

1/4 tsp per 20 lbs of body weight per day

. Give the daily dosage in 2 to 4 equal doses.

How long should a dog take milk thistle?

Most holistic doctors feel milk thistle should be administered for only

3-6 weeks

, after which take a 1–3-week break. Discuss with your veterinarian about dosing for your particular dog. Always consult with your veterinarian before beginning any new supplement.

Can you give your dog too much milk thistle?


If given too often and at too high a dose, milk thistle can also actually cause liver damage and suppress function

. This is one of the primary reasons this supplement should not be given to health dogs, but rather only to dogs who have existing liver problems.

How do I flush my dogs toxins?


Using water fountains, bone broths and even raw goat milk

can encourage pets to drink more and keep them from becoming dehydrated. If you have a pet with kidney disease or chronic urinary tract infections, certain supplements can help optimize their health and reduce inflammation.

How long does it take for milk thistle to start working?

How Long Does Milk Thistle Take to Work. There isn’t an exact science behind this, but generally it can take around

3 to 4 months

before someone will see any benefits of milk thistle on their health, and this is after daily intake of some form of milk thistle.

Will milk thistle help my dog’s liver?


Because of its liver support, milk thistle is often used when the dog or cat becomes too ill or toxic for the body to keep the liver healthy

. The herb can also be used when medications that could be toxic to the liver are given to the pet.

Can you give milk thistle to dogs for liver problems?

Milk Thistle Uses in Dogs

Silymarin, which is itself a combination of several other active compounds, has been extensively studied around the world, and

has been shown to be safe and effective in treating a variety of liver diseases and other conditions

.

Can milk thistle help dogs kidneys?


Research is showing that Milk Thistle improves kidney function

. It is beneficial in supporting a pets kidney that may be damaged due to the use of drugs and radiation therapy, and for kidney damage caused by diabetes or infections. Milk Thistle is used today as an anticancer support.

What do you feed a dog with liver problems?

Good proteins to feed for liver disease are

eggs for the most bioavailable protein and choline content, poultry and a little fish such as sardines, salmon and cod

. Proteins to reduce or avoid would be red meats high in phosphorus.

Which is better milk thistle or silymarin?

Among all the parts,

silybin has the most potent antioxidant and anti-inflammation power

. Furthermore, our body absorbs silybin more readily compared to milk thistle and silymarin. Hence it works with the highest efficacy.

Can milk thistle give dogs diarrhea?

Milk Thistle for Dogs – Side Effects


Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset when they take milk thistle

. This can include diarrhea and vomiting, as well as general discomfort. If your dog experiences any of these side effects, you should contact your vet straight away.

Can milk thistle reverse liver damage?

Milk Thistle Protects Your Liver

Studies have shown improvements in liver function in people with liver diseases who have taken a milk thistle supplement, suggesting

it could help reduce liver inflammation and liver damage

( 9 ).

How do you clean a dog’s liver?


Use Milk Thistle To Boost The Liver

And it helps cleanse the liver of harmful toxins. Use milk thistle if your dog’s been exposed to extra toxins. And it can also help if your dog already has liver disease. But don’t give milk thistle all the time.

How do you purge a dog?

In general, the dose of

hydrogen peroxide in dogs is approximately 0.5 – 1 ml per pound weight

. If your dog weighs 50 pounds, you can give 25 – 50 mls of fresh, non-expired hydrogen peroxide orally, once. Keep in mind that 15 mls = 1 tablespoon (or 5 mls = 1 teaspoon), so this would be approximately 1.5 – 3.5 TBSP.

How can I detox my dog’s liver naturally?


Remove causes like vaccines and processed foods; support the liver; rebalance with prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes

; replenish with a healthy whole foods diet, along with aloe, slippery elm and marshmallow root; and restore with homeopathic remedies. Follow up with fermented veggies as part of the diet.

What are the negative side effects of milk thistle?

  • Abdominal bloating/pain.
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Gas.
  • Indigestion.
  • Itching.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea.

What supplements should not be taken with milk thistle?

In particular, if you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use milk thistle without talking to your doctor first.

Antipsychotics. Includes butyrophenones (such as haloperidol) and phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and promethazine). Phenytoin (Dilantin)

.

Is 1000mg of milk thistle too much?

Milk thistle supplements are commonly sold as in capsule form but are also available as tablets, tea bags, and oral tinctures. Doses range from 175 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams. Generally speaking,

the higher the dose, the greater the risk of side effects

.

How much probiotic should I give my dog?

Probiotics are measured in colony forming units, or CFUs. The current recommendation for dogs is

1-10 billion CFUs a day

.

Can I give my dog Denamarin and milk thistle?

Denamarin (which you can get from your Vet) contains Milk Thistle (Silymarin) in it along with SAMe. However the dosage of Milk Thistle is low.

You can give additional Milk Thistle when taking Denamarin

. But you should not give your dog both Denamarin and Denosyl (contains SAMe).

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.