Kidney Supplements for Dogs: What They Are, Benefits and Dosage
Kidneys play several important functions in the body but the most important is filtering out waste products and extra water from the blood. These metabolic waste products are eliminated from the body in the form of urine. When there is something that interferes in the optimum and efficient functioning of the kidneys, there will be a build-up of wastes in the blood which can eventually cause damage to the body. The kidneys also help maintain the balance of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus in the body by measuring out appropriate amounts from the blood and releasing them back to the blood so they can be used by the body. The rest is then filtered out with the other metabolic waste products and excreted in the urine.
Many dogs that have been diagnosed with kidney disease can still live comfortably for many years particularly when the problem is caught early enough and given appropriate treatment. Most drugs that are indicated for treating kidney disease in pets can only help reduce symptoms. The right diet and supplements can have dramatic effects on the survival of a dog with kidney problems. There have been studies that show pets eating prescription diets formulated for kidney disease living twice as long as those that are on conventional diets.
What contributes to the development of kidney disease in dogs?
While kidney disease can occur in dogs of any age, it’s more commonly diagnosed in older dogs. The onset can be so gradual and subtle that by the time symptoms of kidney failure are manifested, it is often too late to treat the problem effectively. Regular wellness checks and active monitoring of your pet’s health and behavior can help make a big difference. Unfortunately, chronic renal failure in dogs cannot be cured or reversed. The treatment regimen is geared towards reducing the factors that contribute to its progress as well as slow down the progression of the symptoms and alleviate the effects. Potential causes and important predisposing factors of kidney disease in dogs include the following:
- Toxins
- Diets that are of poor quality and over-processed
- Infection
- Stress
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Trauma to the kidneys
- Kidney stones/urinary blockage
- Diabetes mellitus
- Genetic factors
- Cancer
- Breed
- Certain prescription medications
Kidney Supplements For Dogs
Fish Oil is an excellent source of EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) that can help reduce the body’s production of inflammatory components that trigger oxidative stress to the tissues of the kidneys. Fish oil supplementation significantly contributes to slowing down the progression of chronic kidney disease as leaking of protein through the disease kidneys is reduced.
Dom & Cleo Wild Fish Oil For Dogs contains omega 3 essential fatty acids from wild fish oils that are naturally preserved with vitamin E.
Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that promote overall health and has been found to be ideal for dogs suffering from renal issues. Vitamin E should be given with fish oil because they complement each other’s actions.
Coenzyme Q10 is beneficial to the kidneys and has very powerful antioxidant properties.
Vitamin B-Complex helps dogs with kidney disease cope with stress as well as replace water-soluble vitamins that are continuously lost in the urine as dogs drink excessively and frequently urinate. These water-soluble vitamins play important roles in the physiological function and integrity of every cell and tissue in the body.
WOOF Super Blend Super Green Sprinkles For Dogs has been formulated with premium ingredients, such as kelp and spirulina. Kelp is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, C, and E, minerals, and iron. Spirulina is rich in vitamin B12, iron, and essential fatty acids.
Vitamin C does not have a direct impact on the kidneys but since it’s a water-soluble vitamin, regular supplementation can help ensure that the dog does not develop vitamin C deficiency.
Natural Pet Vitamin C-Acerola Tablets for Pets contains high-quality natural and stabilized Vitamin C derived from Acerola Cherry.
Probiotics — Studies have shown that probiotics can significantly decrease BUN and creatinine (kidney blood values) in pets with kidney disease.
Dom & Cleo Probiotics For Dogs is a powerful blend of 8 friendly bacteria strains and 30 billion colony forming units (CFUs) formulated and stabilized to better survive stomach acids to make it to the intestines.
Iron can help correct anemia that may be present. Many dogs diagnosed with chronic renal failure (CRF) develop anemia which is primarily caused by the deficiency of erythropoietin, a hormone that is secreted by the kidneys.
Vitamin D (Calcitriol) is often used to help manage the balance of calcium and phosphorus in dogs with chronic kidney disease.
Natural Pet Seaweed Calcium with Vit. C & D for Dogs contains the powerful antioxidant vitamin C that also helps to enhance the absorption of calcium from the intestines. Vitamin D also enhances calcium and phosphorus from the intestines into the blood. Both vitamins help maintain calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Herbal formulas
Holistic treatment for dogs with kidney problems includes giving herbal formulas that may help promote kidney function. Some common ingredients that are used in herbal formulas include the following:
- Dandelion, carrot, and sesame seeds– They are used for their diuretic action.
- Blueberries and lactoferrin which are known for their anti-oxidant effects.
- Rosemary and sage extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Wheatgrass and barley grass has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Garlic and uva ursi has anti-microbial properties that help prevent complications brought about by secondary bacterial infections (never feed garlic without Veterinary advice as too much is detrimental to your pet’s health)
- Desiccated sea plankton with electrolytes promotes kidney function.
- Chlorella speeds up the healing of the damaged tissues of the kidneys.
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