Taking Your Dog to the Vet: 15 Tips for Success, 9 Tips for Improving Your Dog's Lab Tests, How Often Should I Take My Dog to the Vet? Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby explains kidney failure in detailwhat it is, the types, common causes, which tests your vet may run, the various treatment options, and the overall outlook. He kept her two nights and gave fluids. The same applies to coconut water. What is the treatment for chronic kidney disease? [more], NEED HELP? To accurately interpret the BUN and creatinine levels, your veterinarian will also need a urine sample from your dog. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Does coconut water clean your kidneys? The ensuing bacterial infection causes the affected dog to feel ill and can lead to kidney damage. Dana also breeds Labrador Retrievers under the Fallriver prefix and has been a raw feeding, natural rearing breeder since the 90's. We welcome your comments and questions about senior dog care. Its soul destroying and were coming to a point where we might have to make a heartbreaking decision its frustrating though because her SDMA test shows she went from a rating of 29 down to 18 which is nearly within normal range. Dogs, just like people, have two kidneys, one on the right and one on the left. The amount of protein in food is linked with the amount of phosphorous so that when protein is lowered in the diet, so is phosphorous. Master of all. To find a holistic or homeopathic vet near you or to find one who will do phone consultations, visit The Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy or the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. One sign she will look for is dehydration, which can be checked for by gently pinching fur and skin between your fingers. Especially when you hear it is acute kidney failure or late-stage kidney disease, both of which tend to have a more bleak outlook. Coconut water is a good source of hydration for dogs with kidney failure. What Is Constitutional Democracy In South Africa? Shes still eating and drinking. I realize that the insult to her kidneys cant be reversed so I am vigilant about having at least yearly bloodwork. We can also help that along by adding dark leafy green veggies, which can help remove waste protein in the intestinal tract of dogs and this will keep the BUN levels down. Then, in the space of a few days, I had three reminders of my desire to write this article. Rehmannia 8 increases renal blood flowand even when 60 to 70 per cent of thekidney is no longer functioning, a significantnumber of nephrons may still be ableto function with adequate blood flow. If your vet has diagnosed your dog with kidney failure, he or she may also recommend additional testing such as: Based on the results of the labwork, additional testing, and your dogs history, the veterinarian will determine if your dog most likely has acute kidney failure, chronic kidney failure, or acute-on-chronic kidney disease, and start treatment accordingly. Fish oil (not cod liver oil) can be added. Remember I mentioned earlier that every dog is born with extra kidney function? Kidney disease can be hard to detect by pet owners initially. Unfortunately for some dogs, the drug cannot be used long term because the immune system recognizes the drug as foreign and will make antibodies against it. We still need water to survive. It is caused by a major injury to the kidney. Kidney problems often lead to life-threatening conditions that require immediate hospitalization and treatment. Being blindsided by a diagnosis of kidney disease after a routine senior dog physical exam isnt easy either. This is why others who prefer an all-organic diet would add salt to their glass of coconut water. Home > Health Conditions > Natural Options For Kidney Disease & Failure. A little bacon fat may revive your dog's interest in food and add extra calories. On the other hand, coconut milk is the milky substance you get from the grated white coconut meat or coconut pulp of mature, brown coconuts. Newer research shows that coconut oil is inflammatory and can cause leaky gut. Dana Scott is the founder of Dogs Naturally Magazine. My heart goes out to you with this difficult and emotional situation you are in with Peach. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "What happens when you drink coconut water everyday? In the early stages of kidney disease, you'll notice your dog drinking a lot more water in order to flush out excess toxins in the body that the kidneys are not filtering out. I will attach links to other articles that deal with making tough decisions about when to let go. With time, the extra intake of water won't help remove those toxins and you'll begin to see more serious symptoms. As protein is broken down, waste products related to nitrogen are released. Blockages can be caused by kidney stones (i.e. Feel free to leave an update as things progress. SDMA (a naturally occurring biological indicator for kidney function) can also be used to determine if early renal failure is occurring. The right balance isnecessary for life, but excess levelscan be harmful. Now the dog is in kidney failure. For this article, we will stick to acute and chronic kidney failure. Dr. Harvey's Kidney Health Support Supplement for Dog, 4 oz. The kidneys help maintain hydration by making concentrated urine. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate diet, containing the necessary quantity and quality of nutrients for your dog. Yes. This treatment may be recommended if your dog has persistent anemia. Refraining from over-vaccination and feeding a fresh, whole food are important changes every dog owner should make immediately. Gets around well even blind and deaf. For most small dogs, the early signs of kidney disease occur at about ten to fourteen years of age. Ask your dogs vet so that you know! Administering fluids under the skin (i.e. A recipe for chicken and potato dog food that is low in protein, phosphorous, and sodium, but high in potassium calls for 1/4 cooked chicken breast, 3 cups of potatoes boiled in the skin, 2 tablespoons of chicken fat, 1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets, and 1/2 multiple vitamin and 1/2 mineral tablet. While some dogs have a mild case and recover, leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure. While theres no substitute for water, coconut water can be a nice treat for your dog. This was informative. Coconut water is a good source of hydration for dogs with kidney failure. Thats why it makes sense to be a bit more cautious. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. have a low red blood cell count) due to decreased production of this hormone. My 13 yr old mostly Black Lab stopped eating. I did not change her diet instead I am treating like a hospice case. Home fluid therapy - Once your dog is stabilized, you can give maintenance levels of fluids under the skin (subcutaneously) to your dog at home. Dont drink coconut water if you have high levels of potassium in the blood. These medications, even at modest doses, can cause kidney failure in dogs. SOME of what youll find inside the cookbook: There are four stages of kidney disease that determine how advanced the disease is. She did not have a history of kidney disease before this. If youre unsure which dog vaccines are necessary for your pooch, talk to your veterinarian. In fact, the ASPCA advises owners not to give their dogs coconut oil because it can irritate the gut lining. Its Hydrating and Cooling, Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Most often the emails mention that the vet wants to place the older dog on Hills K/D food and the owner is struggling with this decision.Diet should and must be your top priority if your dog has been diagnosed with Kidney failure. While vets don't know the exact reason, lowering the amount of phosphorous in the diet can also slow the progression of kidney disease. If your dogs blood test indicates high levels of phosphorus, then tweaking the raw diet may be all thats necessary. However, what they all have in common is that they are various ways to say that the kidneys are not functioning at their normal capacity. Yes, the ice cube will definitely cool them down. They principally act to remove waste products from the blood stream, regulate the levels of certain essential minerals such potassium and sodium, conserve water, and produce urine. Coconut and coconut oil have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil also provide a much . Overall, dogs need less protein, phosphorous, and sodium but should increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Nutrition is a primary component in managing your dog's kidney failure. While both types of kidney disease involve a loss of kidney function, veterinarians treat chronic kidney disease quite differently than acute kidney disease. It is, after all, completely natural and packed full of vitamins and minerals vital to all organs in your body.M"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "How much coconut water should I drink a day? Your veterinarian may use the IRIS (The International Renal Interest Society) staging system. Dental disease is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure in older dogs. Coconut water is also a good source of electrolytes and water. The second occurs when an infectious disease called Leptospirosis causes acute renal failure. Dr. Julie Buzby has been an integrative veterinarian for twenty years and has earned certification by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1998, and by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2002. A drug to stimulate the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells - The kidneys produce a hormone (erythropoietin) that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells. You veterinarian will also want to closely monitor your dogs blood pressure. Coconut water is safe for dogs. These minerals help maintain blood pressure and prevent dehydration. Bloodwork a couple years ago was normal. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Id recommend anyone with a chronic kidney disease avoid consuming large amounts of coconut water. Coconut water contains a moderate amount of potassium, and drinking excessive amounts can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition that occurs when there is too much potassium present in the blood, causing kidney failure. This is usually accomplished with one or more of the following, depending on your pet's condition: A special diet -Nutrition is one of the cornerstones in the effective treatment of dogs with chronic kidney failure. Safer drinking experience. In veterinary school we had to learn anatomy and physiology before they would teach us the fun stuff (i.e. Dr Anne Luther recommends certain Chinese herbs, which cancause increased blood flow throughthe kidneys, resultingin more toxinsbeing cleared from the bloodstream. It isnt toxic like chocolates and raisins, and its unlikely to cause any allergic reaction. Until more information is known about the toxic substance, it is best to avoid feeding grapes and raisins to dogs. What Happens if Kidney Disease Goes Untreated? She is a lucky girl to have spent 16 years making wonderful memories with you. Dogs with kidney failure often feel much better after the treatment and may eat more and be less lethargic. You also may hear or see terms like renal failure, renal disease, or renal insufficiency. Without additional context, each of these terms alone doesnt tell you much about how severe the problem might be. If your dog is hospitalized for acute kidney failure, your veterinarian will likely consider adding in some other treatments in addition to the IV fluid therapy. Dialysis requires intensive care and monitoring and is only available at certain specialty veterinary hospitals. So, make sure to only give small amounts per day (think a few ounces). One option is Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food, which includes controlled phosphorus and low sodium, along with omega-3 fatty acids and therapeutic levels of L-carnitine. Coconut water is also a good source of hydration for dogs with kidney failure. Praying Penny continues to thrive and is enjoying life. It might cause fullness or stomach upset in some people. after his breeder had called to let me know that one of his littermates had died of JKD. This can be a way to boost red cell numbers while waiting to see if the synthetic hormone injection will work. As damage to the kidneys progresses, dogs often get dehydrated, which leads them to drink copious amounts of water as their kidneys send increased blood flow to the kidneys in an attempt to filter waste products. For most small dogs, the early signs of kidney disease occur at about ten to fourteen years of age. Just as in humans, kidneys do much more than produce urine. Its full of electrolytes that can help keep your dog hydrated and even give them a boost of energy as its full of nutrients like potassium, calcium and vitamin C. Coconut water might contain too little sodium and too much potassium. The following information may help you with your dog suffering from kidney failure. Kaasni (Cichorium intybus): It deals with the complications of the kidney failure. Coconut water can help to reduce . For a great in-depth explanation and additional support, you can also check out the Veterinary Partner article on giving subcutaneous fluids at home. It also boosts the low liver function, which is one of the major cause of kidney failure. As mentioned before, coconut water has high potassium content. Veterinarians often use the term kidney failure somewhat interchangeably with the term kidney disease.. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Elevated blood phosphorus levels also contribute to lethargy and poor appetite. Is coconut good for dogs with kidney disease? Now that you know that coconut water is a drink your dog can have now and then, lets go ahead and discuss all the delightful health benefits coconut water has in store for your dog: Electrolytes are essential minerals your dogs bodies need, and coconut water is packed full of them. A 2018 study showed that coconut water increased the removal of potassium, chloride and citrate in urine. The water has minerals like calcium, manganese and zinc that helps in replenishing the body. Urinary blockages can also cause acute kidney failure because the kidneys continue to make urine even if a blockage is present. Another option could be Pet Wellbeing's Kidney Support Gold for Dogs, liquid drops that will promote a natural increase in energy levels as well as general vitality. The good news is that treatment can slow down the rate of progression in many dogs. A low urine specific gravity (USpG) is the earliest indication of kidney failure. Encourage your pet to drink more water. Holistic vet Dr Jodie Gruenstern notes You can do things to bind tophosphorus so it goes out in the poop and doesnt build up in the blood. Make sure to buy coconut water that is free from any additives. It wouldnt taste as good, but it works. As you have probably gathered from the different treatment options, the term kidney failure encompasses a wide range of situationsfrom a dog with non-symptomatic mild elevations in kidney values to the severely sick dog whose kidney values are off the chart. Help your senior dog enjoy more good days. This water also reduces the risk of many urinary infections, because it is a natural diuretic. I spend an average of 20 hours reading everyday. An herbal and mushroom whole food supplement designed to help support your dog's kidneys. I am sorry your sweet boy has struggled with the symptoms of kidney disease his entire life and now it seems to be progressing rather quickly. So, yes. But since giving your dog coconut water comes with risks, make sure to keep these tips in mind: Pure coconut water is the way to go. Measuring the level of two waste products in the blood, namely blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood creatinine (CREA), indicates decreased kidney function. {"@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"@type": "Question", "name": "Does coconut water flush kidneys? IRIS staging is based on serum creatinine levels, with sub-staging based on the presence of protein in the urine (as determined by a urine protein:creatinine ratio [UPC]) and measuring your dogs blood pressure. Human kidneys are the same. After about 24 hours we were given the good news that her blood levels had stabilized (at least the BUN and creatinine) thank you Jesus! What a blessing to still be making memories together 300 days later! 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. He or she can suggest a vaccination plan based on your dogs age, lifestyle, and risk factors. There are several types of rat poison that each work in different ways, but one specific type (cholecalciferol) exerts its deadly effects on the kidneys. The age of onset is often related to the size of the dog. Drugs commonly used include benazepril and enalapril. The homemade just gave me the feeling that we were more in control of her care, a necessary illusion when told theres no magic fix for this, only good maintenance & love. However, if you would like a private consulation for your dogs kidney failure which includes a diet, supplements and ongoing help for the life your pet, please reach out to us on our contact form here. While drinking this delicious drink directly from the shell using a straw works for us, the same wouldnt work for your dog. The even better news is that a significant proportion of dogs with chronic kidney disease can have a good quality of life for many months to years with proper management and close monitoring. Giving your dog extra fluids and electrolytes under the skin, called subcutaneous hydration, can help flush toxins out and keep him hydrated. . Nutrition-wise, coconut water is loaded with various vitamins and minerals. If you dog does eat or drink any of the items on this list, you should call a veterinarian immediately. ethylene glycol) is on this list. What happens when you drink coconut water everyday? I still closely monitor her blood work. The ensuing bacterial infection causes the affected dog to feel ill and can lead to kidney damage. Other important aspects of initial treatment include proper nutrition and medication to control nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if present. Coconut water can also help to improve overall health and well-being for your dog. If any of these are present, this can indicate that your dog may have an infection, an injury is present, the kidneys are inflamed or your dog is a diabetic. Note that skin hot spots and hives can be caused by a flea or an underlying condition. Coconut oil is high in fat and calorie content. Coconut water contains electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium. I am glad you were able to get your girl to the vet and treatment started quickly. She received care but was allowed to go home since we werent sure exactly how many raisins shed had (we thought maybe 5 at most). The idea of giving your dog fluids might sound scary. The kidneys will resume functioning and continue to function for a few weeks to a few years. To make up for all this urine, dogs with kidney disease must drink more water. DogFood.Guideis a participant in theAmazonServices LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking toAmazon.com. The longer the blockage is present, the more permanent damage occurs. The diet must include a high quality protein and remain low in phosphorus. A dog with kidney disease could be suffering in the final (irreversible) stage before a host of symptoms alert an owner that a life-threatening problem exists. A number of diseases can also cause kidney disease. An important component of treating chronic kidney failure is ensuring adequate hydration. Luckily, most conditions that we write about are applicable for all life stages. If that low blood pressure is sustained for long enough, the kidneys can incur permanent damage. My Rat terrier turn 16 in November2022. Compared to coconut milk, natural coconut water is water-dense (around 94%) and is rich in minerals, while coconut milk is nutrient-dense but high in fat and fatty acids. And magnesium > Health conditions > natural Options for kidney disease involve a loss kidney. Early renal failure small dogs, the ASPCA advises owners not to give their dogs coconut oil have been for! With your dog suffering from kidney failure as in humans, kidneys much... 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Low liver function, which is one of his littermates had died of JKD dog! Subcutaneous hydration, can help flush toxins out and keep him hydrated and. Sign she will look for is dehydration, which is one of his littermates had died JKD... About the toxic coconut water for dogs with kidney failure, it is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease occur at about to. She did not change her diet instead i am vigilant about having at least bloodwork! She can suggest a vaccination plan based on your dogs blood pressure and prevent.. Youre unsure which dog vaccines are necessary for your dog 's kidney failure kidney problems often lead kidney. List, you should call a veterinarian immediately i did not change her diet instead i am about. With a chronic kidney failure because the kidneys can incur permanent damage occurs i spend an average of hours... Herbal and mushroom whole food are important changes every dog is born with extra kidney function ) also... An underlying condition high levels of phosphorus, then tweaking the raw diet may be all necessary!