Liver Disease in Dogs: A Dog Owner’s Guide

Often, one of the first hints that a dog has liver disease is a blood test result showing elevated liver enzymes, which may lead you to wonder: What causes high liver enzymes in dogs?

The answer is that the causes of liver disease in dogs vary widely, from genetic abnormalities to bacterial infections to chronic diseases and aging. It’s important to know that elevated liver values don’t always mean the problem originates with the liver. Other diseases can also cause increased liver values, so your veterinarian is likely to run multiple tests to evaluate your dog. While early signs of liver disease in dogs may be subtle, later signs of liver failure in dogs are cause for emergency treatment. Liver disease may resolve with successful treatment of the underlying cause, or ongoing management, such as a special diet or liver medicine for dogs, may be needed.

What Is Dog Liver Disease?¹

The liver is one of the most important organs in your dog’s body. It helps digest food, store essential nutrients, and filter toxins from the blood. When the liver becomes damaged or is not working properly, it can impact almost every system in your dog’s body.

Symptoms of Liver Disease in Dogs^1,2

Liver disease can affect many body systems, and symptoms of liver disease in dogs may vary depending on the type, severity, and stage of illness. One of the challenges is that early signs of liver disease in dogs can be very subtle and easy to miss. Dogs may seem a little quieter, lose interest in food, or have mild digestive upset before more obvious signs appear.

Early Signs to Watch For

• Mild loss of appetite or being pickier about food
• Lower energy or tiring more quickly during walks or play
• Occasional vomiting or loose stools
• Drinking and urinating more than usual (polydipsia and polyuria)
• Slight weight loss or failure to gain weight

More Advanced or Noticeable Signs

• Yellowing of the eyes, gums, or inside of the ears (jaundice)
• Swollen abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites)
• Behavioral changes like confusion, staring into space, or even seizures (hepatic encephalopathy)
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Nosebleeds or easy bruising (caused by blood clotting issues)
• Significant weight loss or muscle wasting

When to See a Veterinarian

Because liver disease can progress silently, it’s best to contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Your dog’s appetite or energy level has noticeably changed for more than a day or two
• Your dog is vomiting more than once or having persistent diarrhea
• Drinking or urinating much more than usual
• Gradual weight loss without a change in diet

Routine checkups and blood tests can catch liver issues, such as high liver enzyme levels, in dogs early, often before serious damage occurs.

When It’s an Emergency

Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog shows any of these signs:

• Yellow eyes, gums, or skin (jaundice)
• Disorientation, seizures, or abnormal behavior (i.e., stumbling, circling, staring)
• A rapidly swelling belly (possible fluid buildup or bleeding)
• Collapsing, extreme lethargy, or unresponsiveness
• Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools

These signs can indicate advanced liver failure in dogs or other serious complications and should be treated as emergencies.

Causes of Liver Disease in Dogs^1–3

You may be wondering what causes liver disease in dogs. Liver disease in dogs can result from a wide variety of factors, ranging from inherited dog liver conditions to environmental exposures. Learn more about the causes and diagnosis of liver disease in dogs. This range of possible causes means that a combination of tests may be needed to help diagnose liver disease.

Treatment for Liver Disease in Dogs

Treatment for liver disease in dogs focuses on two goals: (1) addressing the underlying cause and (2) supporting and protecting the liver while it heals or adapts. Because liver disease can vary widely in severity and cause, treatments are tailored to each dog. Learn more about treatments for and prevention of liver disease in dogs.

Life Expectancy of Dogs With Liver Disease

The life expectancy of a dog with high liver enzymes depends primarily on the cause of the increase in enzyme levels and if there is lasting or ongoing liver damage. Successful treatment of the underlying cause often allows affected dogs to live a normal life. For dogs with liver disease caused by long-term conditions, ensuring the best management of their overall health with your veterinarian will help you spend the most time possible with your pet.

For more expert tips on dog health, explore our other dog symptom articles.  

References

1. Stockman J. Nutritional management of hepatobiliary diseases in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2025;55(4):579–593.

2. Nelson, Couto RW, Guillermo C. Small Animal Internal Medicine [Kindle edition]. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2020.

3. Webster CRL, Center SA, Cullen JM, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(3):1173–1200.