Using Chinese Herbs for Kidney Issues & Diseases in Dogs

Seeing our four-legged best friend happy and healthy is a dog owners’ top priority. While there are some practices, we will cover that can promote overall positive health and organ function, sometimes, despite our best efforts and caring ways, health problems may still arise. Kidney diseases in dogs are sometimes one of those things, in fact kidney disease is quite common in dogs. But Doggie Herbs is here to provide you with all you need to know about Chinese herbs for kidney disease in dogs. 

Kidney Issues & Diseases in Dogs

Just as we humans have kidneys to effectively control blood pressure, maintain red blood cell production, and help balance metabolism, our dogs’ kidneys do the same work for them. In fact human and dog kidneys are so much alike that we use similar medicines and Chinese herbs for kidney disease in dogs and humans. 

Preventing Kidney Issues & Diseases within Dogs

Prevention is truly the best medicine, the more you can do at home the better. Preventing kidney disease in dogs is also the most cost effective as vet bills can be thousands. Being conscious and knowledgeable about kidney health in dogs can help us establish practices that promote healthy kidney function in our four-legged friend.

The vets on WebMD outline that proper storage and use of chemicals, medications and other harmful substances is key to avoiding your dog being exposed to or ingesting such toxins that can lead to acute kidney failure.

These potentially harmful materials also include foods that can be poisonous to dog, such as:

• grapes
• chocolate
• raisins
• contaminated water sources.

Kidney complications can also arise due to poor dental hygiene, which makes cleaning your dog’s teeth essential for positive long-term health outcomes. On the other hand, chronic kidney failure is generally age-related and predetermined by genetics, making it more difficult to prevent. 

When kidney function is impaired in any way, due to illness or disease, a domino effect of health problems can begin.

Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs

As with any disease, early detection is critical for the best outcome. Here are the warning signs and symptoms of kidney problems to keep an eye out for in your dog, according to the Rossmoyne Animal Emergency Trauma Center:

• Ingesting more or less water
• Change in volume or frequency of urination 
• Lack of interest in play or interactions 
• Decreased appetite 
• Vomiting or diarrhea 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Blood in urine 
• Signs of dental destress (pale gums, smelly breath, mouth ulcers)

Keep in mind that symptoms of a kidney issues will vary based on the type of illness or disease, as well as the cause behind the struggles. Symptoms also do not automatically mean an illness or disease is present. Should you witness symptoms in your dog, your next step should be to visit a vet for further diagnostic and suggested care or treatment. 

Dog Kidney Care & Treatment 

Following a diagnosis of either acute or chronic kidney disfunction, many different treatment routes may be taken depending upon the dogs:

• Age
• General Health 
• Severity of Condition 
• Underlying Conditions

Damage from acute kidney problems is more easily treated, while harm caused to your dog’s organs from chronic kidney disease can be irreversible if not caught early. With these factors considered, the vet will suggest a treatment and care plan that would be most suited for your dog, which may include:

• Medications that target production of urine 
• IV fluid therapy 
• Addition of electrolytes
• Medication that reduces vomiting 
• Medication to relieve gastrointestinal discomforts
• Dialysis
• Recommendations for diet changes 
• Medication to help anemia 
• Management of blood pressure

Typically, treatment and care plans will include fluids, antibiotics and or medications, that can be carried out at home. One of these medicinal suggestions may include treatment with medicinal mushrooms and herbs. 

Medicinal Chinese Herbs used for Kidney Disease in Dogs

Medicinal mushrooms and herbs can be used to treat and prevent diseases, while simultaneously promoting better general health as well. It is important to be aware and knowledgeable about these substances as some can be toxic and even deadly to dogs. Wondering which types of mushrooms and herbs are safe and healthy for your dog? Which are best at promoting positive kidney function and health? Doggie Herbs has you covered:

Shu Di Huang/Rehmannia Root. This black and sticky herb is used in combination with other herbs for the highest effectiveness in promoting kidney health. This herb also yields benefits in the quality and quantity of blood in your dog’s entire body. 

Yi Mu Cao/Motherwort. Motherwort increases circulation, which is always a benefit. The herb helps the whole urinary tract function properly and effectively, and gets rid of masses and swelling or any type of water accumulation (edema). Regulating these areas is needed with kidney disease. 

Dong Chong Xia Cao/Cordyceps. Cordyceps dramatically impact the immune system, kidney health function, and blood improvement in positive ways. This is quite the king herb when it comes to herbal kidney health.

Huang Qi/Astragalus. Huang Qi is a boosting herb that works throughout the whole body. Astragalus increases immunity, benefits the kidney (shows lowered protein count), benefits the blood, and is used in diabetes in Chinese Medicine and herbalism.

Shan Yao/Mountain Yam/Dioscorea.  Shan Yao is used in diabetes and just about every kidney formula due to its ability to boost the kidney function and help in blood sugar control. Relieving tasks from the kidney is important in allowing it to ‘catch up’ from being over worked. Shan Yao is a very safe and useful herb.

How to Buy Chinese Herbs for Kidney Disease in Dogs

Where does one acquire such herbs though, you may be wondering? Thankfully Doggie Herbs offers a supplement that includes all the above-mentioned herbs in one simple container! Kidney Revive-Doggie Kidney Supplement is an easy to mix powder that hosts a plant-based kidney formula featuring key herbs to promote kidney health. This no fuss mixing powder allows dog owners a simple way to add additional and important health components to your dog’s life and diet without a hassle. 

Whether you begin feeding your dog medicinal herbs as a kidney treatment, or to promote better overall health, there are inevitable benefits! Take the guess work out of shopping for and serving such herbs to your dog by using Doggie Herbs’ Kidney Revive-Doggie Kidney Supplement. 

Be sure to always consult your veterinarian for further guidance with regards to your dog’s kidney health and treatment.