Did you know that chronic kidney disease is one of the most diagnosed illnesses in dogs as they age? Furthermore, a higher number of cats will likely to develop this condition in their lifetime. Kidney disease in pets or dogs is quite common as they age. It affects the ability of kidneys to eliminate waste from the blood. This can lead to serious health issues if not addressed timely or proactively. Proactive diagnosis and recognizing early signs of kidney diseases in pets will allow you to manage it. However, the best thing you can do as a pet parent is to prevent the likelihood of kidney diseases in your furry companions.
We suggest implementing preventative measures while your pet is still young to ensure they can enjoy their lives free from disease later. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into kidney disease in pets, preventive measures, and natural ways to manage it. Read more below.
Early Signs of Kidney Disease in Pets
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting, or nausea
- Bad breath or mouth ulcers
- Lethargy or weakness
- Dull coat
If you notice any of these signs, consult your vet to get proper diagnosis.
Preventative Tips to Protect Your Pet from Kidney Disease
Prevention is better than cure. Let’s have a look at some tips to reduce the risk of kidney disease in pets:
Balanced Diet: Feed your furry friend a real fresh whole foods diet. Fresh food diet contains 70% moisture vs 10% for kibble. It is crucial for proper kidney function to have plenty of moisture. Avoid high-sodium food as these can put pressure on kidneys over time. Consult a holistic pet health coach to formulate a healthy diet for your pets.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated: This is super important. Make sure that your pet has access to fresh water. Cats are usually more prone to dehydration so consider giving them fresh food diet and invest in a pet water fountain to encourage drinking water. It is also important to have a good water filtering system to remove as many chemicals as possible and avoid overloading the kidneys.
Avoid Overuse of Medications: Certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can stress the kidneys when used excessively. So, before administering these medications, make sure to consult your holistic vet and holistic pet coach and see if any holistic approaches that are less stressful to the body are available.
Protect Against Toxins: Keep household chemicals, such as pesticides, cleaning products, beauty products, toxic plants, chemical releasing rugs or beds, antifreeze, and human medications out of reach. These elements can be toxic for pets and damage their kidneys significantly. Opt for toxic free options.
Regular Vet Check-Ups: Routine bloodwork and urinalysis can detect early signs of kidney stress before they become a bigger issue. If there are any concerns, you can start addressing them before it becomes a problem.
Holistic Ways to Manage Kidney Disease in Pets
- Dietary Modifications
What your pet eats impacts their overall health. Make sure to provide your pet with a balanced diet, rich in high-quality fats and antioxidants, and fresh highly digestible quality proteins. Try to feed them fresh food as much as possible as this will help reduce strain on kidneys over time.
- Control Phosphorus Levels
High phosphorus levels are not good for kidneys. Reducing proteins is not necessarily necessary unless the phosphorus levels are high, you can use supplements like Phos-Bind to manage phosphorus level if needed and if your pet’s bloodwork shows excessive levels.
- Natural Remedies
Herbs like dandelion root, quercetin and nettle can improve kidney function. You can also use milk thistle for detoxification. Omega-3 supplements like fish oil can help reduce inflammation and support kidney function. However, before introducing herbal supplements, don’t forget to consult a holistic pet health coach.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture can improve blood flow to the kidneys, alleviating symptoms like lethargy and nausea. Many pets respond well to acupuncture and experience significant relief.
- Include Probiotics
Probiotics especially designed for pets can reduce toxin accumulation in the gut, which the kidneys would otherwise have to filter.
- Stress Reduction
Not many pet parents know that stress can contribute to kidney illnesses. Make sure that your home environment is calm and relaxing for your furry companions. You can also schedule gentle grooming sessions and keep regular bonding time with your pet to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Monitor and Adjust
Make sure to take your pet for regular blood tests and urine examinations. It will allow you to track your pet’s health. Consult a holistic pet health coach and work closely with them to adjust treatments if required. Holistic practices can bring the best results.
Pawsome Holistic can help guide you through the process if your pet is experiencing kidney health issues. Trust us to bring a significant difference to your pet’s health and schedule a consultation today.