Liver Disease Symptoms and Signs of Liver Failure in Dogs

Early Signs of Liver Problems

• Poor appetite, picky eating or nausea^2,1
• Lethargy and less interest in walks or play^1,2
• Vomiting or diarrhea that comes and goes^2,3
• Weight loss²
• Drinking and urinating more than usual^3,2

These signs have many other causes, which is why vets rely on blood tests. A rise in ALT on routine bloodwork is often the first clue.¹ See elevated liver enzymes.

Jaundice (Yellow Eyes, Gums or Skin)

Jaundice, also called icterus, is a build-up of the yellow pigment bilirubin. It's easiest to see in the whites of the eyes, the gums and the skin.^3,8 It has three main types of causes:⁸

• Before the liver: red blood cells being destroyed faster than normal, most often from immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs⁸
• In the liver: hepatitis, infections such as leptospirosis, toxins, sepsis or cancer^8,12
• After the liver: a blocked bile duct, gallbladder disease or a ruptured gallbladder, which can be a surgical emergency^8,10

Any dog with jaundice needs to see a vet promptly.

Signs of Liver Failure

• Ascites: fluid collecting in the belly, making it look swollen^3,2
• Bleeding: the liver makes clotting proteins, so failing livers can cause stomach or intestinal bleeding and clotting problems^3,2
• Hepatic encephalopathy: dullness, not responding to commands, staring, aggression, aimless wandering, circling, head pressing, wobbliness, blindness, seizures and coma^5,3
• Weight loss in long-term disease²

In dogs with a liver shunt, encephalopathy signs often come and go and may appear a few hours after a high-protein meal.⁵ See liver shunt in dogs.

Acute vs Chronic Liver Failure

Acute liver failure comes on over hours to days, usually from toxins, infections or some drugs. Early treatment is critical.³ Examples include:

• Xylitol: signs can start within 20 minutes, with liver injury within 24 hours.^11,6 See xylitol poisoning.
• Sago palm: vomiting and diarrhea within hours, then liver failure at 24 to 72 hours. The seeds are the most toxic part.^6,9
• Toxic mushrooms: vomiting and diarrhea, an apparent recovery, then liver failure 36 to 48 hours after eating them.^6,7
• Blue-green algae: liver damage and nerve signs, sometimes fatal within hours. Rinse a dog's coat with clean water if it swam in a bloom, and call a vet.^6,13

Chronic liver disease develops over months or years, with vague, on-and-off signs until much of the liver is damaged.^1,2

End-Stage Liver Disease

In the final stages, dogs often have jaundice, a fluid-filled belly, weight loss, bleeding and worsening encephalopathy.^3,2 A quality-of-life scale can help you and your vet judge comfort, appetite, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility and whether there are more good days than bad.^14,15 See liver disease in dogs for outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs a dog's liver is shutting down?

Jaundice, a swollen belly, bleeding, and confusion, circling or seizures.

How quickly does liver failure happen in dogs?

From toxins, within hours to a few days. Chronic disease can take months or years.

Does liver disease make dogs drink more?

Yes, increased thirst and urination are common signs.

Can a dog have liver disease without symptoms?

Yes. Signs often appear only after most liver function is lost, so routine blood tests matter.

What causes yellow eyes in dogs?

Jaundice, from liver disease, red blood cell destruction or bile duct problems. See a vet promptly.