Milk Thistle and SAMe for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
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PetMD’s medications content is written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about how medications work, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content should not replace advice from your veterinarian.
Key Takeaways
- Milk thistle and SAMe in dogs support liver health and are often used for liver conditions.
- They are not FDA-approved medications and are used under veterinary guidance.
- Milk thistle and SAMe in dogs help protect liver cells, but do not cure liver disease.
- SAMe in dogs also helps protect brain cells in dogs with dementia.
- Follow your veterinarian’s dosing instructions, as needs vary by dog.
Overview
Milk thistle and SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) are commonly combined ingredients in liver support supplements for dogs. Veterinarians prescribe milk thistle/SAMe as a liver protectant for dogs with certain conditions, including:
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Liver toxicity when certain toxins have been ingested such as in Tylenol poisoning, xylitol (sugar substitute) poisoning, NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) poisoning, mushroom poisoning, and sago palm poisoning, among others
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Long-term treatment with drugs that can cause liver irritation
While SAMe is best known for providing liver support in dogs, research suggests that it can help with brain health to help dogs with dementia (cognitive dysfunction).
Milk thistle/SAMe are available over the counter in several formulations such as enteric coated tablets and chewable tablets, including:
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Denamarin Advanced (available exclusively from your veterinarian, this medication offers greater overall absorption, smaller chewable tablet size, and wider dosing range per tablet)
Depending on the condition being managed and your dog’s individual needs, some dogs may take Denamarin for a short period, while others may require longer-term use.
Are Milk Thistle and SAMe FDA-Approved for Dogs?
Milk thistle/SAMe are not FDA-approved because they are nutraceuticals (supplements) and not pharmaceutical medications. Nutraceuticals are not regulated by the FDA.
Compounded Milk Thistle and SAMe
In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compounded formulation of milk thistle/SAMe. Compounded medications may be prescribed if there’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if:
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Your pet has trouble taking the commercially available form
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The required dosage strength is not available
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The pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by a veterinarian or licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to meet a pet’s specific needs.
Speak with your veterinarian about whether milk thistle/SAMe is right for your dog.
Which Dogs Should Not Take Milk Thistle or SAMe?
Most dogs can take milk thistle or SAMe safely. There are no known contraindications reported in veterinary studies, and Denamarin has no known interactions with drugs or other supplements.
How It Works
Milk thistle and SAMe work together in dogs to support liver health.
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Milk thistle extract contains silybin, which acts as an antioxidant to help protect the liver from toxins.
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SAMe works by increasing levels of glutathione, a powerful chemical that helps neutralize and detoxify harmful substances in the liver. SAMe protects liver cells from dying and may help repair liver cells and regenerate new cells.
Directions
Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian.
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Denamarin is best absorbed when given on an empty stomach.
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Give Denamarin at least one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal.
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If your dog will not take the coated tablet or chewable tablet on its own, it can be given with a small amount of food.
What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Milk Thistle and SAMe?
Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if a dose is missed.
Generally, your vet may instruct you to give it when you remember, or if it is almost time for your dog’s next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule.
Do not give extra or double doses.
Possible Side Effects
Milk thistle and SAMe are generally well-tolerated in dogs with a wide margin of safety and no known side effects, although veterinary studies are limited.
If you believe your dog may be experiencing any side effects, consult your veterinarian.
Human Safety and Exposure
Humans should never take medication prescribed for pets, and pets should not be given medication prescribed for humans. Dosages often differ significantly.
If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, seek medical attention or call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.
How To Monitor Your Dog on Milk Thistle and SAMe
Your veterinarian will likely recommend bloodwork and other laboratory work to monitor your dog’s liver levels, along with routine exams to assess your dog’s overall health and response to treatment to ensure milk thistle/SAMe is supporting your dog’s liver appropriately.
At home, it’s important to monitor your dog’s appetite, energy levels, and any changes in symptoms.
When To Call Your Veterinarian
Call your veterinarian if you see any of the following, or if you have additional questions or concerns about the use of milk thistle/SAMe:
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Severe side effects occur
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Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve
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You suspect an overdose
Overdose Info
An overdose of milk thistle/SAMe is unlikely to cause toxicity in dogs. Limited toxicity studies have been performed at the time of this publication to evaluate overdoses of milk thistle/SAMe in dogs.
If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees may apply.
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Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
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ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
Storage
Keep the following storage tips in mind for this supplement:
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Store in a cool dry place. Tablets are sensitive to moisture and extreme heat.
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Compounded medications should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s label.
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For coated tablets, keep away from direct sunlight and use within four weeks of opening.
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For chewable tablets, keep the lid tightly secured to ensure freshness.
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This bottle may contain a non-toxic desiccant. Do not remove desiccant from the bottle.
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Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Milk Thistle and SAMe for Dogs FAQs
Can milk thistle reverse liver damage in dogs?
Milk thistle cannot reverse or cure liver damage in dogs; however, it acts like an antioxidant and may help the liver’s natural repair processes. Depending on the type and severity of your dog’s liver damage, your veterinarian will determine whether milk thistle is appropriate.
What does SAMe do for dogs?
SAMe works as a liver protectant for dogs with liver injury and chronic liver disease. SAMe also helps support the liver in dogs who have ingested certain toxins or are taking medications that may cause liver irritation.
Is SAMe safe for dogs?
Yes, SAMe is generally considered safe for dogs. There are no known side effects in dogs, and it has a wide margin of safety.
Are milk thistle and SAMe FDA-approved for dogs?
No, milk thistle and SAMe are not FDA-approved because they’re classified as supplements and not pharmaceutical medications.
How long does it take for SAMe to work in dogs?
It’s not known how long it takes for SAMe to work in dogs due to limited studies, but it may take several weeks before changes in liver values are seen on bloodwork. These effects may not be noticeable outwardly.
No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content is sourced from public references or the manufacturer.
