Support Kidney Health In Dogs
Kidney disease is a debilitating condition that affects dogs of all ages and breeds. It is a gradual decline in kidney function that can have severe and long-lasting consequences for your pet. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for kidney disease in dogs is essential for pet owners to help ensure the health and well-being of their furry companions.
The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, toxins can build up in the blood, leading to a wide range of symptoms and complications.
Read What 5 Element Theory Tells Us About the Kidneys & Bladder.
Causes of Kidney Disease:
Kidney disease is caused by a number of factors, including genetics, age, infections, cancer, and exposure to toxins. It is more common in older dogs, but it can also occur in younger dogs, particularly if they have been exposed to toxins or have a family history of kidney disease.
Kidney disease is a progressive condition, which means that the decline in kidney function worsens over time. Unlike the liver, the kidneys cannot regenerate once they have been damaged, making early detection and treatment essential.
Symptoms Of Kidney Disease
Symptoms of kidney disease in dogs include increased thirst, increased urination, decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and a decrease in energy levels. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible for bloodwork to evaluate kidney function.
There may be several options you can implement to slow the progression of kidney disease and support kidney health and function.
Blood work for dogs can identify several markers that suggest kidney issues, including:
Creatinine: This is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and is normally filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys.
BUN (blood urea nitrogen): BUN is another waste product produced by the breakdown of protein in the body.
Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a mineral that is normally filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys.
Potassium: Potassium is an electrolyte that is normally regulated by the kidneys.
Uric Acid: Uric acid is a waste product produced by the breakdown of purines in the body.
Urine-specific gravity: This measures the concentration of waste products in the urine. A decrease in urine specific gravity can indicate decreased kidney function and an inability to concentrate urine.
High Markers in any of these categories can indicate a decreased function in the kidneys. I believe it’s also important for you to monitor your dog’s bloodwork and compare each year’s results to see if any trends are spotted within range. They may be creeping up each year and yet still be in the normal range. You can get proactive with kidney health as your dog ages or as risk factors are present.
Traditional Veterinary Treatment For Kidney Disease
Treatment plans for kidney disease in dogs may include medications to control symptoms, prescription diets, and supplements to support kidney health. The Dry Kibble or Canned prescription diets are not recommended in the holistic approach to kidney disease. Your vet may arugle with this. Do your homework and be prepared for discussions.
Medications may has side-effects that are sometimes worse than the disease itself. These medications can help control the symptoms of kidney disease, but they can also have side effects, including loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. None of which is supportive to kidney function.
Natural approaches are generally your best option.
I know you’re concerned and scared to make changes. That’s understandable. It will be additionally difficult when your vet challenges your decisions. Know that you have many options for support.
Alternative or Integrative Support Options For Kidney Disease.
Friend these are good measures for ALL dogs, not just those with kidney function issues.
Hydrate: One of the most important steps in kidney detox is to hydrate regularly. It may be appropriate to add in a moderate amount of water to your dog’s food bowl.
Fresh Moist Food: One of the most important steps in kidney detox is to hydrate regularly. Your dog may naturally attempt to drink more water, but you need the effectiveness and benefit of a fresh raw diet that is already moisture rich and prevents organ robbing typically seen in dry food. Fresh meat will contain 70% moisture where kibble contains usually <10%. Even when feeding fresh meals, consider adding a bit of extra water directly to the food bowl.
Like supports like – consider adding periodic kidney organs from fresh young animal sources. Glandulars can be beneficial as well.
Avoid Dry kibble not only for the moisture issue but for the synthetic vitamins an minerals they often contain, Synthetic products are not assimilated well by the body, putting an additional burden on the kidneys to attempt to flush out. Your vet will likely recommend Prescription Diets. Canned or Kibble — just say no.
Eliminate the Grains –– certainly eliminate the inflammatory and difficult to digest grains like wheat, corn, and soy. Not to mention the introduction of Glysophate associated with kibble & grains.
You may be worried about going Grain Free — you don’t have to be worried.
Fresh Vegetables and Fruits: Add kidney-supporting foods to your diet: Incorporate kidney-supporting & antioxidant foods such as leafy greens, turnips, celery, apples, berries, fresh garlic, and cranberries into your diet.
Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes are a must
White Meats, Fish, and Egg Whites: Adjust protein to include more fish, white meats, chicken, turkey, rabbit, and egg whites are better options for protein instead of red, muscle meat which higher in phosphorus and purines — putting additional stress on the kidneys. You will hear people suggest a low protein diet — low protein is not what you need. What you really need is a low-phosphorus diet.
Essential Oils: Essential oils such as Juniper, Lemon and Goldenrod can help support kidney function and detoxification. Apply topically directly to the kidney area daily. Consider Copaiba to reduce inflammation in general.
Herbs: Herbs such as dandelion root have long been used to support kidney function. Echinacea is believed to enhance the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, which may positively impact kidney function. Hibiscus can help improve urine output to keep things flowing. Parsley,
Homeopathic Remedies: Nettles, Cleavers, Parsley all have supportive benefits to kidney function.
Wet Doses are considered better for dogs with kidney issues
Kidney Supporting Supplements: Supplements such as magnesium, vitamin B6, and N-acetyl cysteine can help support kidney function and detoxification
Keep Moving & Walk or Exercise Daily.
Avoid unnecessary medications: Where possible look for natural alternatives that offer fewer side effects. Avoid taking unnecessary medications that may put stress on the kidneys, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Manage your Dogs Weight.
Eliminate toxins. It is long past time for you to go natural with cleaning products, flea and tick prevention, yard chemicals, grooming products, and so on.
We strongly encourage The Raindrop Technique! as part of a healthy wellness strategy and detoxifying process.
Kidney disease is a very serious issue that requires ongoing monitoring with your veterinarian.
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. These resources / products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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