What Causes Liver Disease in Dogs?

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Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.

Quick answer: Liver disease in dogs has many causes. Common ones include chronic hepatitis (often with no clear cause, sometimes linked to copper buildup in certain breeds), toxins like xylitol, certain mushrooms, moldy food, and some medications, infections such as leptospirosis, portosystemic shunts in young dogs, and cancer. Many conditions outside the liver, like Cushing’s disease, also raise liver enzymes.

Common causes

  • Chronic hepatitis: long-term inflammation, more common in breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and West Highland White Terriers
  • Copper-associated hepatitis: copper builds up in the liver, especially in Bedlington Terriers, Labradors, and Dobermans
  • Toxins: xylitol, blue-green algae, sago palm, Amanita mushrooms, aflatoxins in moldy food, acetaminophen, and some medications
  • Infections: leptospirosis, canine adenovirus (hepatitis), bacterial infections
  • Portosystemic shunt: an abnormal blood vessel bypassing the liver, often in young small-breed dogs
  • Gallbladder disease: mucoceles and bile duct obstruction
  • Cancer: primary liver tumors or spread from elsewhere
  • Vacuolar hepatopathy: liver changes from Cushing’s disease or steroids

Prevention

  • Keep xylitol products, medications, and toxic plants away from dogs
  • Don’t let dogs swim in or drink water with algae blooms
  • Keep up with leptospirosis and core vaccines as your vet advises
  • Routine bloodwork to catch problems early

Sources

  • Webster CRL, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019
  • Merck Veterinary Manual: Hepatic disease in small animals
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Xylitol
  • Merck Veterinary Manual: Portosystemic shunts

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.

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