Get Advice from a Vet

ASK A VET
Veterinarian, DVM, MBA
Get free advice on diet, health, fitness, and wellness questions within 3 business days via email.

Treatment for Toxicity for Dogs and Cats

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Back to results
Enter Your Information All fields are required

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

*Please note: Questions submitted and the answers will appear on our website as a benefit to all pet owners. Please make sure not to include any personal information in the box where you enter your question.

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Thank you! Your question has been submitted.

You will receive an answer from Dr. Lindsay and our vet/tech team as soon as possible, usually the same day.

All answers are provided for informational or educational purposes only, and are intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your pet's veterinarian.

It may be necessary to consult your pet's veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your pet's symptoms or medical condition.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Oops! Your question has not been submitted.

An error has occurred, please reload the page and try again.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Got questions? Ask Dr. Lindsay & our Vet Team:

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

Do these answer your question?
Showing of | See All
Have another question, or can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
We're Sorry!

There is no answer related to your question

Can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
Category
Back

Toxicity in pets requires supportive treatment
Some toxins have a specific antidote, but most do not. For example, the antidote for Tylenol (acetaminophen) toxicity is N-acetylcysteine. The antidotes for the heavy metals mercury and arsenic are dimercaprol (BAL) and D-penicillamine.
Because many toxins do not have specific antidotes, the treatment is considered "supportive." Supportive treatments include rest, oxygen, IV fluids, medications, and supplements. These pets are given medications and supplements to support the liver because when there is no antidote, it's up to the liver to render toxins harmless. Liver supplements include antioxidants, SAMe, choline, and milk thistle.

Supplements that help support your pet's liver

  • Antioxidants(Vitamin E, Vitamin C, green tea)
  • Zinc
  • Phosphatidylcholine or choline
  • SAMe
  • Milk thistle (silymarin)

Which pets should take liver supplements?
Veterinarians recommend liver supplements for pets:

  • with known liver damage (hepatitis, high liver enzymes on blood tests)
  • taking medications affecting the liver (all NSAIDs, phenobarbital), and
  • with exposure to anesthetics or other known toxins (dental treatments, spay or neuter surgeries).

Feed liver to strengthen the liver
The best food to benefit the liver is liver. It can be from any healthy animal or fish (cod, cattle, sheep, chicken) that was raised without chemicals. Because the liver is the organ of detoxification, feeding pets the livers of animals raised with chemicals (growth promoters, steroids, hormones) is no blessing. Liver can be fed raw or cooked, but it should be warmed to body temperature. In addition to liver itself, liver sausage (braunswager) is good. In fact, liver sausage is an ideal treat for wrapping pills when medicating cats and dogs.

How pet foods affect the liver
Pet foods benefit the liver when they contain meats or fish raised without hormones, chemicals, and antibiotics. It's essential to look beyond the name of the food because many companies use the words healthy and natural on their products even though the meat and fish contain residues of antibiotics, growth promoters, hormones, pesticides, and insecticides.

Use herbs to naturally detoxify your pet
Pets evolved for thousands of years by eating wild herbs, meats, and fish. It's easy to understand why they eat meat and fish, but why herbs? Researchers have identified that many herbs help animals live longer and healthier lives. Some specifically support processes of pet detoxification by strengthening the liver and kidneys and purifying the blood. Here are examples:

  • Burdock, dandelion, garlic, and milk thistle strengthen the liver.
  • Astragalus and goldenseal strengthen the immune system.
  • Rehmannia strengthens the kidney.
  • Dandelion and Oregon grape stimulate bile, improving digestion and elimination.
  • Ginkgo and hawthorn strengthen the heart and circulation.
  • Red clover improves the blood and its ability to transports toxins.
  • Cleavers help clear edema and move wastes.
  • Yellow dock root helps eliminate metal and chemical toxins.
  • Marshmallow helps material slide through the intestines for more rapid elimination.

Many veterinarians recommend herbs for pets so they receive the natural benefit of plants. For example, veterinarians recommend supplements containing milk thistle, which may be the single most important herb for strengthening the liver.

Flushing toxins
Cells are in constant flux. Many materials, including some toxins, travel in and out of cells according to the level of cell activity. Cell activity is high when pets exercise or receive a massage. It's also high when they have a fever. Thus, there are higher levels of toxins circulating in pets with fevers and following exercise or massage. Encouraging your pet to drink water helps flush circulating toxins out into the kidneys or through the intestines. Filtered water is best.