Inhibits lipid peroxidation, scavenges free radicals, and stimulates hepatocyte protein synthesis and regeneration; protects against Amanita mushroom toxin
At a glance
Class
Hepatoprotectant / Nutraceutical (flavonoid antioxidant)
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from moisture
Dosing
Hepatic support / Hepatotoxicity / Mushroom toxicosis adjunct
Max dose
1000 mg/dose; 3000 mg/day
Duration: Long-term for chronic liver disease; acute courses for toxicosis
Hepatic support / Hepatic lipidosis adjunct
Max dose
200 mg/dose; 600 mg/day
Duration: Long-term
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
None well-documented
Generally very safe
Adverse effects
Serious
None reported at therapeutic doses
Hepatic enzymesBile acids
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 Extract)?
Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) is a hepatoprotectant / nutraceutical (flavonoid antioxidant) used in pets. Inhibits lipid peroxidation, scavenges free radicals, and stimulates hepatocyte protein synthesis and regeneration; protects against Amanita mushroom toxin
›What is Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) used for in pets?
Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) is used in veterinary medicine for: Hepatic support / Hepatotoxicity / Mushroom toxicosis adjunct; Hepatic support / Hepatic lipidosis adjunct.
›What is the Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) is typically dosed as follows — Hepatic support / Hepatotoxicity / Mushroom toxicosis adjunct: 20–50 mg/kg PO SID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) dose for cats?
For cats, Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) is typically dosed as follows — Hepatic support / Hepatic lipidosis adjunct: 10–25 mg/kg PO SID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract)?
Common: Mild GI upset (rare). Serious (call your vet immediately): None reported at therapeutic doses.
›Does Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) need a prescription?
Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) 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