5 Things You Didn’t Know about Kidney Failure in Pets
I am the Original Holistic Pet Health Coach, and am now training passionate pet parents, and pet professionals to be Certified Holistic Pet Health Coaches so that more pets can be helped holistically.
You notice that Sparky is drinking lots of water. And it seems you take him out to go potty more than usual of late. You can’t help but think…
Does he have kidney failure?
Kidney failure is a sad condition that plagues cats and dogs across the country, impacting their holistic pet health. It is a source of pain for pets and heartache for their owners.
It could be that you have lost a precious dog or a beloved cat to this dreadful disease, and you want to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Or maybe you just got your new puppy or kitten, and you want to act now to protect her kidney health as part of their holistic pet health approach.
You may already have a basic knowledge of kidney failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this article, I want to point out some things you may be unaware of, focusing on the holistic approach to pet health. The more you arm yourself with knowledge, the better you can protect your pet’s overall well-being.
(If you want to quickly address your pet’s kidney issues, go to my Kidney Health Program to understand what steps you need to take as part of a holistic pet health plan.)
Kidney failure in pets is prevalent
Even though your furry friend is full of fun and playfulness, that doesn’t mean you can ignore the danger of kidney problems. Kidney failure in pets isn’t some far-off possibility. It’s a present risk for your pet.
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine has a shocking statistic. Over 30% of cats will suffer from kidney problems. And according to a Merck Veterinary Manual statistic, 10% of older dogs at referral institutions have developed chronic kidney disease. If you have an older dog, be sure to read this article about kidney failure in elderly canines.
Kidney failure in pets can be subtle
Your cat or dog may have kidney failure, and you may not even know it. Here are some startling facts from the International Renal Interest Society:
- To see what stage of CKD your pet has, he or she will be tested for something called creatinine in the blood.
- However, a creatinine test can fail you. This test can give your cat or dog a more favorable diagnosis when kidney function is actually worse.
- Your dog may have Stage 2 of CKD without any clinical evidences.
If you’re puzzled by your pet’s kidney failure diagnosis.
Bad breath is a sign of advanced kidney failure in pets
I know this can be hard to consider, but your furry friend’s bad breath may be a sign that he is suffering from kidney failure. As VCA Animal Hospitals explains, severe halitosis can be a sign that your kitty or pup has the advanced stages of CKD.
Don’t always think that your furry friend’s bad breath is simply caused by what he ate. Take note of the symptoms, and schedule a trip to the vet to evaluate his kidney health.
Kidney failure in pets can be caused by high blood pressure
If your dog or cat has hypertension, he or she may be at risk for kidney disease, highlighting the importance of holistic pet care. Next time you take your pooch to the vet, pay attention to what is said about your pup’s blood pressure, as it plays a crucial role in holistic pet care.
Not dealing with high blood pressure now can lead to serious consequences down the road, and it’s crucial to address it as part of your overall holistic pet care approach. You don’t want to give your kitty or pup unnecessary risk and ensuring their well-being through holistic pet care is essential.
Kidney failure in pets is worsened by dry food, even “kidney diets"
It may sound crazy, but your pet’s kidney problems may be directly related to what he or she eats. You see, conventional pet food can trigger inflammation in your pet’s body.
Dry food often contains grains that attack your pet’s gut. Even kidney diets can have an abundance of inflammation-producing grains.
Just check out these examples:
In Purina’s Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Kidney Function dog food, the first ingredient is corn.
Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Feline touts kidney support. However, after chicken, the next ingredients are rice, corn gluten meal, and whole grain wheat.
The good news is that you don’t have to be powerless to help your pet prevent and fight kidney failure. You can help your cat or dog achieve holistic health.
Learn how to help your pet avoid CKD with my Kidney Health Program.
