Your Pet's Liver: A Vital Organ

You may be more concerned about your pet's weight and cardiovascular health than worrying about their liver, but this vital organ plays a role in almost all of your pet's daily activities. If you have noticed a marked change in your dog or cat, from lethargy to vomiting, you may want to look into a liver supplement that supports this organ with key nutrients.

Liver Basics

Acting as a checkpoint for all incoming nutrients, your pet's liver performs several jobs. It filters blood and distributes nutrients to different body areas. The liver secretes bile, contributing to proper digestion processes. Metabolism is also controlled and altered in the liver, along with removing harmful toxins from the body. A poorly functioning pet liver reflects a number of different symptoms, including reduced appetite and yellowing of the skin. Providing your pet with a liver supporting supplement is key to changing their health outlook.

Vetri-Science Vetri-SAMe 90 Liver Support Formula

Using a mixture of SAMe with glutathione, Vetri-SAMe 90 supports liver function by supplementing nutrients that may be deficient in your pet. Chronic diseases or aging can contribute to poor liver functions. The manufacturer has created Vetri-SAMe to dissolve solely in the small intestine. Here, the nutrients flow from the intestine's bloodstream to the liver directly. This short trip allows the nutrients to remain intact, and ready for absorption within the liver. The tablet should not dissolve in the stomach because of the supplement's strong outer layer. This supplement, however, is approved for dogs only.

Nutramax Denosyl

Denosyl consists of the active ingredient, S-Adenosylmethionine. This molecule helps the liver by protecting it against cellular death and toxin exposure. Approved for both dogs and cats, this supplement is available in several dosage levels. From small to large pets, Denosyl supports liver functions by providing antioxidants at the liver level. After administration, pets can have possible liver cell regeneration and increased bile production. Each tablet is extremely sensitive to moisture, so only pull the tablet out when you are ready to give it to your pet.

Vetri-Science Vetri-Liver Feline Chews

This feline-only supplement uses over one dozen ingredients to support the liver in metabolism, filtering and detoxifying. Cats are relatively finicky when it comes to eating supplements. Vetri-Liver offers a tantalizing chicken flavor and a bone shape to entice the most stubborn cats. The amino acids within the supplement allow the liver to work properly, with antioxidant protection.

Proper liver health is crucial for a happy and strong pet. Always evaluate your pet for any unusual behavior. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns about behavior or eating habits. Administering any of these three supplements allows your pet to recover and thrive after a mild to moderate liver issue.

5 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Basenji Breed

You dream of the day when you can bring a dog home to your family, but persistent allergies have made that dream almost impossible. From congestion to itchy eyes, dog allergies are uncomfortable and frustrating. There is some hope for allergy-sufferers, however. Several dog breeds are actually considered hypoallergenic. If you look for some of the top breeds, you'll find a cuddly companion that keeps your allergies at bay.

1. Basenji
With short fur that barely grows off of the skin, basenji dogs are hypoallergenic because of their personal grooming habits and natural cleanliness. In fact, they do not have that typical dog odor that makes a weekly bath a necessity. Basenjis enjoy grooming themselves, keeping their coat clean and debris-free. They have very little dander, and even have the benefit of not barking. Although they do make sounds, barking is not part of their genetics, making this dog perfect for allergy-sufferers in an apartment complex.

2. Poodle
Known for their outrageous hairdos, poodles are often seen as smug animals, but their natural coat provides a hypoallergenic environment for even the most sensitive people. The coat is a tight configuration of fur, keeping both dander and shedding to a minimum. Allergy-sufferers can fluff the coat with a comb, reducing any allergens from entering the surrounding air. With this breed available in toy, miniature and standard sizes, you can easily find a dog that fits your lifestyle.

3. Chinese Crested
If you have children with allergies, select a Chinese crested breed to complete your family unit. These dogs are essentially hairless, with some fur on the head, tail and paws. Because of the lack of fur, dander and shedding are almost eliminated, leaving you with a loving dog. Full of energy, Chinese crested dogs can play for hours with the kids, and cuddle comfortably at night when bedtime arrives.

4. Samoyed
Because many allergies are caused by dander, rather than fur, the Samoyed breed offers a fluffy dog for your family. Be aware that shedding is normal for Samoyeds. They produce almost no dander, however, making them perfect additions to the home. Their coat will need to be brushed periodically to keep it lush and clean, but allergy-sufferers should have no problem being near the dog even during grooming. You would never know that the dog is hypoallergenic by looking at him.

5. Bedlington Terrier
This graceful dog has a coat that is both wiry and slightly fluffy, reminiscent of a poodle coat. These dogs do not shed, but must have their coats groomed periodically to avoid a tangled and messy appearance. Bedlington terriers are perfect for homes with children or older people desiring a mild-mannered companion. You can trim the coat yourself, but a professional groomer may be required to keep the short coat styled correctly. This breed typically has more fur on the head and legs compared to the rest of the body.

Choosing a new companion for dog allergy-sufferers takes time to research desired breeds. Once you select a breed, try to spend time with him/her before committing to a pet. Every person has a slightly different reaction to dog breeds. Coats that shed persistently may bother some allergy-sufferers, whereas others react poorly to the dander itself. Keep an open mind and be truthful about your reaction to a particular dog. You do not want to be miserable with the wrong dog choice.