Kidney Disease in Dogs
It is a very sad reality that 9 out of every 1,000 dogs suffer from some form of kidney disease. Most dog owners do not even know if their dog is suffering until they take them to the Vet for a checkup!
A dog’s kidney’s help to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, blood volume, pH levels and also produce certain hormones and red blood cells. But when a dog’s kidney’s start to fail, it happens very slowly. So slowly, in fact, that by the time you and your Vet have discovered it, your Vet may be ready to give your dog a very poor prognosis.
Has this already happened to you?
If so, do not stress! Although it may feel as if your Vet has just given you a signed death certificate for your beloved dog, there is a treatment option that most Vets overlook!
Symptoms of Kidney Disease
In case you don’t believe your Vet’s diagnosis, here are a few of the most common symptoms of canine kidney disease:
Lethargy and Depression
Diarrhea or Constipation
Weight loss or Decreased Appetite
Frequent urination, sometimes with blood visible
Seizures and comas
Causes of Canine Kidney Disease
There are many causes of canine kidney disease, with the most common being hereditary factors. Other causes include urinary blockages, diabetes mellitus, lymphoma and certain prescription medications. YES! That’s right – the chemically laden prescription medications that your Vet may have prescribed for your dog for another health condition, such as an anti-biotic, could have wreaked havoc on your poor dog’s kidneys, without you even realizing it!
Whilst any dog can have kidney disease, there are a few breeds which are more prone to the disease:
English Cocker Spaniel
If your dog is showing any of the above symptoms, your veterinarian will conduct a variety of tests to determine whether it is indeed kidney disease.
The most common test is a complete blood profile test, including a complete blood count. More often than not, those dogs suffering from chronic renal failure have elevated blood pressure, abnormal electrolyte levels and sometimes, anemia.
Your dog will also have a urinalysis conducted, as urine that is neither concentrated nor dilute, is a common side effect of kidney disease in dogs.
Some Vets may even do an X-ray to see the size and shape of your dog’s kidneys, to look for any abnormalities.
If the kidney disease is detected early and the underlying causes are successfully treated, then the prognosis is usually good as this means that there is less of a chance that the kidneys have been permanently damaged.
However, chronic renal failure is sometimes only detected once it’s in a later stage of development. Here the only options are harsh medications to simply help your dog feel more comfortable, or eventually euthanasia.
How Your Vet Will Administer Treatment
The most common treatment is fluid therapy in an attempt to reverse the effects of dehydration in your dog. This is either done through an IV or subcutaneously under the skin. These fluids help to remove toxins from your dog’s blood.
Your Vet’s next step will be to try dialysis in an attempt to eliminate the toxins, and his third step will be to prescribe a variety of drugs. (Drugs that can cause other health issues for your dog – do you see a pattern emerging?)
How You Can Treat Canine Kidney Disease Effectively At Home
Even though your dog may be drinking a lot more than usual, do not limit his access to water! Your dog will need as much water as he can drink as he is instinctively trying to flush out the toxins in his body on his own.
Another option is to provide your dog with a diet that is low in protein, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium, and high in potassium and polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids).
But an even better option is to treat your dog holistically with an all-natural, herbal supplement called Tripsy that was developed by a prominent naturopathic veterinarian.
This highly effective herbal supplement contains a powerful blend of herbal extracts that have been proven to encourage proper kidney functioning whilst also fighting off kidney infections. Tripsy will help improve your dog’s urination and decrease his discomfort with kidney stones.
Tripsy can be used alongside the traditional treatments that your Vet may recommend, and is safe for long-term use.