Chronic kidney disease

Description:

Unlike acute kidney failure, chronic kidney failure in dogs often takes months or years to develop. In general, dogs don’t even begin to show symptoms of chronic kidney failure until 70-75% of kidney function has been lost.

Symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Increased thirst
• Lack of appetite
• Acute blindness
• Seizures
• Bloody urine
• Weight loss
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Increased urination (both in frequency and amount)

Natural solutions:

• Reduce your dog’s exposure to toxins to the maximum extent possible. Toxins include herbicides, pesticides, over-the-counter preventives, and more.
• Get your dog onto a balanced, varied, species-appropriate raw diet.
• Consider feeding your dog 3–4 times per day, instead of just once or twice per day.
• Monitor how much phosphorous you’re feeding your dog. Focus on feeding meatier bones such as poultry breasts and thighs, and avoid feeding bones with less meat (poultry backs and wings, for example). You may want to consider avoiding beef and pork ribs as well.
• Make sure you do feed either bone or eggshell (don’t eliminate bones completely).
• Feed an adequate amount of magnesium (found in whole food sources such as rabbit, chicken, turkey, pork, goat, ostrich, eggs, beef, sardines, and bison).
• Ensure your dog is getting an adequate amount of omega-3s. Oily fish, such as whole, raw sardines, and fish oil are a good source of omega-3s.
• Give a probiotic supplement and digestive enzymes to your dog. Make sure whatever supplements you choose are formulated for dogs.
• Make sure your dog gets appropriate exercise. If they are very weak, go for short, gentle walks, or even hold them while gently bouncing on a trampoline.
• Offer pure, filtered water—remember, we want to avoid introducing more toxins into your dog’s system. Most tap water contains high levels of toxins, such as chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals, along with trace amounts of aluminum, nitrates, insecticides, herbicides, and even prescription medications.
• Consider supplementing with CoQ10 to reduce creatinine levels.
• Work with a veterinarian to address your dog’s individual case.