What is Copper Storage Disease in Dogs?

If your dog’s bloodwork just came back with elevated liver enzymes, or your vet mentioned copper storage disease, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Here’s what’s actually happening in plain terms: copper is an essential mineral, but in some dogs, it builds up inside liver cells instead of being processed and eliminated normally. Over time, that accumulation damages the liver, and by the time symptoms appear, the disease has often been quietly progressing for a while.

The reassuring part: copper storage disease is manageable, especially when caught early. With the right diagnosis, treatment, and diet, many dogs go on to live comfortable lives.

What is copper storage disease in dogs?

Copper storage disease, also called copper-associated hepatopathy or copper toxicosis, is a condition where copper accumulates in liver cells to toxic levels. Normally, the liver filters copper from the bloodstream, uses what the body needs, and excretes the rest through bile. In dogs with this disease, that process breaks down. Copper keeps building up inside liver cells, which eventually become inflamed, then damaged, and in serious cases replaced by scar tissue.

The hardest part about this condition is that the damage can build for years without obvious symptoms. By the time a dog shows signs of illness, liver function may already be significantly compromised. That’s why abnormal liver enzyme results on routine bloodwork are worth taking seriously, even when your dog seems perfectly fine.

Which dog breeds are most at risk?

Genetics play a major role. Some breeds carry mutations that affect how the liver handles copper, making them far more likely to develop the disease regardless of what they eat. The breeds with the highest known risk include:

• Bedlington Terriers: the most studied breed; a specific genetic mutation causes severe copper retention and can be identified through genetic testing
• Labrador Retrievers: increasingly recognized as a high-risk breed, with copper accumulation often appearing in middle age
• Doberman Pinschers: prone to chronic hepatitis partly linked to copper accumulation
• Dalmatians: another breed with documented copper metabolism issues
• West Highland White Terriers, Skye Terriers, and Anatolian Shepherds: also considered higher risk

That said, any dog can develop elevated copper levels if their diet is consistently high in copper, so this isn’t purely a purebred problem.

Symptoms of copper storage disease in dogs

Because copper accumulation is a slow process, early stages often produce no visible signs at all. Elevated liver enzymes on a routine blood panel may be the only clue. As the disease progresses, you might notice:

• Vomiting, sometimes with blood in advanced cases
• Lethargy and low energy
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Increased thirst and urination
• Yellowing of the skin, eyes, or gums (jaundice), which signals serious liver stress
• A swollen or tender abdomen
• Behavioral changes or disorientation in very advanced cases

If your dog is showing jaundice or has stopped eating, that warrants a same-day vet call, not a wait-and-see approach.

How is copper storage disease diagnosed?

Bloodwork showing elevated liver enzymes is a red flag, but it doesn’t confirm copper storage disease on its own. High liver enzymes can have many causes. To know for certain, your vet will likely recommend:

• A liver biopsy with copper quantification: A small sample of liver tissue is taken under anesthesia or sedation and analyzed in a lab. The lab measures exactly how much copper is present, which is the only way to confirm the diagnosis.
• Ultrasound: Imaging to look at the liver’s size, shape, and texture, and to check for abnormalities before or alongside a biopsy.
• Full bloodwork and urinalysis: to assess overall liver function and rule out other causes
• Genetic testing: For breeds like the Bedlington Terrier, a DNA test can confirm whether a dog carries the mutation linked to copper retention, which is especially useful for breeders or for starting monitoring early.

Treatment for copper storage disease in dogs

Treatment depends on how much copper has accumulated and how much liver damage has already occurred. Your vet will tailor the plan to your dog’s specific situation. Here’s an overview of the main approaches:

Treatment	What it does	What to know
Chelation therapy	Medications like penicillamine bind to copper in the body and help your dog excrete it through urine.	A long-term commitment, often months to years. Requires regular monitoring for side effects.
Zinc supplementation	Blocks copper absorption in the gut, reducing how much copper enters the body in the first place.	Most useful for maintenance or for dogs who can’t tolerate chelation drugs. Not typically used alone in dogs with severe accumulation.
Liver support medications	Supplements like SAMe or milk thistle extract support liver cell health and reduce inflammation.	Often prescribed alongside other treatments when the liver is actively inflamed.
Low-copper diet	Reduces the amount of copper your dog takes in through food.	Won’t reverse existing buildup on its own, but is an essential part of long-term management and can slow further accumulation.

Life expectancy varies widely. Dogs diagnosed early with mild accumulation and managed consistently can live normal lifespans. Dogs with advanced scarring at diagnosis have a more guarded outlook, but quality of life can still be maintained with good care.

Low-copper diet for dogs: a practical feeding guide

Diet is a real lever you can pull, and knowing what to avoid and what to ask your vet makes a meaningful difference.

Ingredients to avoid

Some ingredients are naturally high in copper and should be kept out of your dog’s bowl:

• Liver and organ meats (chicken liver, beef liver, kidney): These are copper-dense and common in many commercial dog foods and treats
• Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster): Very high in copper, even in small amounts
• Duck and lamb: Higher in copper than chicken or white fish
• Whole grains and legumes in large quantities: Moderate copper contributors worth noting if your dog is eating large portions

How to read a dog food label for copper

Look at the ingredient list for organ meats listed in the first five ingredients, which signals a higher overall copper content. Then check the guaranteed analysis or the full nutritional profile for copper milligrams per kilogram of food. A low-copper diet for dogs with copper storage disease typically targets below 7.5 mg copper per kilogram of dry matter, but your vet or a veterinary nutritionist should confirm the right target for your dog.

Supplements and water: two overlooked sources

Many commercial multivitamins and joint supplements contain copper as a listed ingredient. Always check before giving your dog anything new, and ask your vet before adding any supplement. Similarly, if you live in an older home with copper pipes, your tap water may contribute meaningful amounts of copper. Filtered or bottled water is worth discussing with your vet.

Questions to ask about prescription hepatic diets

Prescription hepatic diets (liver-support formulas) are specially formulated to be low in copper and easier for a damaged liver to process. Before starting one, ask your vet:

• What is the copper content per kilogram of this food, and is it appropriate for my dog’s current copper levels?
• Is this diet complete and balanced for long-term feeding, or is it meant for short-term use?
• Should I work with a veterinary nutritionist to build a home-cooked low-copper diet instead?
• Are there treats I can safely give, and which ones should I avoid entirely?

Does pet insurance cover copper storage disease in dogs?

Yes, copper storage disease is eligible for coverage under a Lemonade Pet accident and illness policy, as long as the condition isn’t pre-existing. That means your dog shouldn’t be showing any signs or symptoms before your policy starts or during your waiting period.

Copper storage disease involves significant ongoing costs: the initial liver biopsy, follow-up biopsies to track copper levels, long-term medications like penicillamine or zinc, and regular bloodwork. For many families, that adds up fast. If your dog is a Labrador, Bedlington Terrier, Doberman, Dalmatian, or any other breed with elevated risk, getting coverage in place while they’re healthy is one of the most practical things you can do. 

Before we go

Copper storage disease is serious, but it’s also a condition where early detection and consistent management make a real difference. If your dog’s bloodwork has flagged elevated liver enzymes, don’t wait to follow up. Ask about a liver biopsy, talk to your vet about diet, and get a monitoring plan in place. The earlier you catch it, the more options you have. And if your dog is still healthy, now is a good time to look into coverage before anything changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC.  The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.