Flavonolignan complex extracted from Silybum marianum. Antioxidant that scavenges free radicals; inhibits toxin membrane transport into hepatocytes; promotes hepatocyte regeneration by stimulating ribosomal protein synthesis; anti-inflammatory (TNF-α, NF-κB inhibition).
At a glance
Class
Hepatoprotective Botanical / Nutraceutical
Storage
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place; protect from light
Dosing
Hepatoprotective for hepatotoxin exposure (mushroom toxin, NSAID hepatopathy, co
Used for hepatic lipidosis, cholangiohepatitis, and hepatotoxin exposure
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Hepatic enzymes every 4–8 weeksClinical signs of hepatic dysfunction
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Silymarin (Milk Thistle)?
Silymarin (Milk Thistle) is a hepatoprotective botanical / nutraceutical used in pets. Flavonolignan complex extracted from Silybum marianum. Antioxidant that scavenges free radicals; inhibits toxin membrane transport into hepatocytes; promotes hepatocyte regeneration by stimulating ribosomal protein synthesis; anti-inflammatory (TNF-α, NF-κB inhibition).
›What is Silymarin (Milk Thistle) used for in pets?
Silymarin (Milk Thistle) is used in veterinary medicine for: Hepatoprotective for hepatotoxin exposure (mushroom toxin, NSAID hepatopathy, co; Used for hepatic lipidosis, cholangiohepatitis, and hepatotoxin exposure.
›What is the Silymarin (Milk Thistle) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Silymarin (Milk Thistle) is typically dosed as follows — Hepatoprotective for hepatotoxin exposure (mushroom toxin, NSAID hepatopathy, co: 50–200 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Silymarin (Milk Thistle) dose for cats?
For cats, Silymarin (Milk Thistle) is typically dosed as follows — Used for hepatic lipidosis, cholangiohepatitis, and hepatotoxin exposure: 50–70 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Silymarin (Milk Thistle) need a prescription?
Silymarin (Milk Thistle) is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database