Causes of Liver Disease in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment
•Posted on October 01 2025
Last updated on May 11 2026
The liver is the only visceral organ in the body known to regenerate. Liver disease in dogs is a common condition that can lead to seizures a coma or even a fatality.
What does liver function do?
The liver’s main duty is to filter blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body. It detoxifies chemicals and metabolises drugs, regulates most chemical levels in the food and excretes bile, (this helps to carry waste products away from the liver). The bile ducts play a crucial role by transporting bile from the liver to the small intestine, supporting digestion and waste elimination.
It also has a role in helping digestion and blood clotting by removing toxins from the system.
What causes liver disease in dogs?
Sometimes ageing is simply the cause of liver problems in dogs, sometimes it’s genetic and sometimes it’s due to infection. Young dogs are more likely to have congenital liver shunts or infections, while older dogs are more prone to acquired liver and gallbladder conditions.
Certain medications and other diseases can also damage a dog’s liver. Additionally, toxic compounds found in some processed dog foods, such as mycotoxins and artificial additives, as well as exposure to blue green algae, can cause severe liver damage.
Liver abnormalities could include a birth defect called Congenital Portosystemic Shunt, (CPSS). This is suspected in dogs who have experienced stunted growth, have developed seizures or seem disorientate.
A portosystemic shunt (CPSS) is an abnormal vessel that allows blood from the dog’s intestine to bypass the liver. This results in toxins, proteins, hormones and nutrients being absorbed by the intestines also bypassing the liver and circulating throughout the body. Together, this causes further deterioration of a dog’s liver function.
Endocrine diseases are diseases that affect these endocrine glands. These diseases include dogs with diabetes, Cushing’s disease and hyperthyroidism. They can all cause impaired liver function because of their affects that they have on the organ.
The liver can be infected by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. The most common viral disease in dogs is canine hepatitis. This can cause inflammation and scarring in the liver but thankfully is vaccine preventable.
Other liver problems include liver cancer in dogs and liver cysts.
Types of Liver Conditions in Dogs
Liver disease in dogs can present in several forms, each affecting liver function in unique ways. Acute liver disease develops suddenly, often triggered by exposure to toxic substances, certain medications, or severe infections. This rapid onset can lead to significant liver damage and, if not treated promptly, may result in life-threatening complications.
Chronic liver disease, by contrast, progresses gradually over time. It can be caused by genetic predispositions, long-term infections, or ongoing exposure to harmful agents, and is more common in certain breeds. Chronic liver disease often leads to persistent poor liver function and can be challenging to manage.
Liver cancer is another serious condition, and it may be primary originating in the liver itself or secondary, spreading from other organs. Primary tumors can disrupt healthy liver cells and compromise liver function, while secondary cancers indicate a more widespread disease process.
Other notable liver conditions in dogs include liver cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can interfere with normal liver activity, and liver shunts a birth defect called portosystemic shunt where blood bypasses the liver, leading to toxin buildup in the body.
Hepatic encephalopathy is a neurological disorder that arises when poor liver function allows toxins to affect the brain, resulting in behavioral and cognitive changes. Each of these liver conditions requires specific management strategies, and early diagnosis is key to improving outcomes for dogs with liver disease.
Signs and symptoms of liver disease in dogs
Recognising clinical signs and common symptoms is crucial for early detection of liver disease in dogs. Monitoring your dog's symptoms can help ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
The following symptoms are similar to signs of other diseases, therefore easy to miss. One of the most common is jaundice and is most noticed in the eyes and gums. It is a yellow-like appearance and happens when the liver doesn’t excrete Bilirubin. Bilirubin builds up in the blood and leads to the yellow appearance in dogs.
Watch out for these signs of liver disease:
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased thirst
- Unstable walk
- Increased need for urination
- Confusion
- Signs of weakness
- Blood in the urine or faeces
- Seizures
- Ascites (build-up of fluid in the belly)
Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) is a sign of advanced liver disease and indicates significant liver dysfunction. Elevated liver enzymes detected in blood tests are often the first clue to underlying liver problems, even before clinical signs become obvious.
If not caught and treated early, liver disease can lead to a brain condition called Hepatic Encephalopathy. This is a collection of neurologic signs and other neurological problems that are caused by poor liver function. Signs of this include dullness, inability to respond to basic commands, circling, aimless wandering, poor coordination, behaviour changes and seizures. All of which are similar to the brain disease, canine cognitive dysfunction, (dementia in dogs).
Treatment for liver disease in dogs
Treatments for liver diseases depend on factors such as the underlying cause, how soon the disease is caught and how much damage has already been caused.
If the cause is addressed before long-term damage occurs, prognosis can be excellent. Severe or chronic liver disease, on the other hand, has a poorer prognosis. In this instance, treatment is limited to managing the progression of the disease and minimising symptoms.
A vet will do an examination to determine the cause of the liver damage. This will include a blood test to check enzyme and protein levels as well as other substances and a urinalysis to check overall function of the liver and kidneys. X-rays and ultrasounds can also be performed to see if the liver has enlarged or to check for cysts.
You may be offered treatments such as:
- Surgery to remove cysts, gallstones or cancerous parts of the liver
- Fluid therapy, (IV)
- Antibiotics or medications to halt vomiting
- Diet changes to promote healthy liver function
- Supplements, including milk thistle to help promote cell repair
Before the liver reaches a terminal state, it can recover and heal itself back to normal liver function. This is possible if the correct treatment is received early enough.
Dog breeds prone to liver disease include: Yorkshire Terriers, Schnauzer, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, German Shepherd, Bedlington Terrier, Maltese and Cocker Spaniel.
These breeds are prone to copper storage disease – this is where copper builds up in the liver, causing damage to the organ.
You can help to prevent your dog experiencing a liver disease by keeping up with their vaccinations and taking them for regular check-ups. A liver-friendly diet is always recommended too.
If you suspect that your dog has liver disease don’t wait until it’s too late to consult with your vet. Although the liver is an incredible organ, it isn’t a miracle worker and needs looking after too!
Dietary Adjustments for Liver Health
Making the right dietary adjustments is essential for supporting liver health in dogs with liver disease. Because the liver plays a central role in processing nutrients and filtering toxins, a carefully managed diet can help reduce the organ’s workload and promote healthy liver function. Dogs with liver problems often benefit from diets that are low in fat, moderate in high-quality protein, and rich in complex carbohydrates, which are easier for the liver to process.
For certain breeds prone to copper storage disease, a diet low in copper is crucial to prevent further liver damage. Additionally, incorporating supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E can help reduce inflammation and support liver cell repair. These nutrients are especially beneficial for dogs with chronic liver disease or those recovering from acute liver issues.
It’s important to work closely with a veterinarian to tailor your dog’s diet to their specific liver condition. Regular monitoring of liver values through blood tests allows for timely adjustments to the diet, ensuring optimal support for liver health. By focusing on a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet and appropriate supplements, pet parents can help manage liver disease, support healthy liver function, and improve their dog’s overall well-being.
Managing Organ Health & Recovery
- Prevention is Key: Now that you know the symptoms, learn how to support longevity with our tips for a healthy liver.
- Dual Filtration: The liver and kidneys work in tandem. Read about identifying and managing kidney disease in dogs.
- Medication Support: If your dog is on medication for liver issues, understand how to manage antibiotic side effects.
- Foundational Health: Discover why a healthy gut is the first line of defense for the liver in the link between gut health and wellness.
Looking for a complete health solution? Our Health Bundles provide total organ and digestive support.
