Kidney Disease in Dogs: How to Treat It Naturally

When Red was diagnosed with kidney issues, my first thought was how to treat kidney disease in dogs naturally.

I’ve been interested in alternative treatments for myself and then later for my pets, for quite some time. Due to various circumstances I wasn’t able to pursue that for my dogs until recently.

I finally got to a holistic vet 3 weeks ago, and I’m excited about this new journey for Red. My vet, Dr. Ortega from VetYVet in Malaga, has replaced 2 medications with natural remedies. She’s on a lot of drugs so replacing/reducing will be a lengthy and gradual process.

Red has been on a prescription kidney diet for a couple of years now, but my new vet believes a homemade diet will be significantly better for her. When he first mentioned it I wasn’t thrilled. I don’t like to cook so having to do even more of it was not something I was looking forward to, but for Red I would do it. Thankfully he told me it’s freezable so last night I made a huge batch and we’ll see how long it lasts. The good news is she’s loving it. It’s a recipe created specifically for Red, based on the results of comprehensive blood tests. It is made up of chicken, quinoa, brown rice, olive oil, cooked broccoli, raw apples and raw carrots.

A kinder, gentler, more natural approach

Whether your dog has just been diagnosed with kidney disease or been living with it for awhile, now is the perfect time to learn all you can about it so your dog receives the best possible care. Of course your trusted vet has sat down with you and explained the what, where and whys… right? If you’re not loving your vet, now is the time to find a great one.

There are the treatment options recommended by “traditional” vets that may include a prescription kidney diet and perhaps some medications. On the flip side there are the recommendations a holistic vet will make, and that leads me to this article called “Kidney Failure In Dogs – Natural Treatment Options.”

In this very informative post, you will find treatment recommendations from several holistic vets I believe are worth considering. If you like what you read and are interested in learning more, I suggest you find a holistic vet and make an appointment for a chat. Don’t think you have to make a choice between exclusively holistic or exclusively traditional. Find the things you’re comfortable with and see if you can incorporate the two disciplines.

For example, you may feel more comfortable with a prescription kidney food or some medication, but you like the idea of acupuncture or adding some herbs to your dog’s treatment plan. The vets I have met were comfortable with that, so if that’s how you want to start, make sure your vet agrees as well.

Some practices have holistic vets on staff, while other vets practice both types of medicine. The best thing you can do for your dog is find a vet you like and trust, and is always ready to listen to your concerns.

Kidney disease in dogs – conclusion

I know it can take time to get used to believing illnesses can often be treated as effectively with herbs and acupuncture for example, as with medication. If it’s an avenue you’d like to explore, I hope this article has given you a helpful place to start. I find it comforting knowing, kidney disease in dogs can be managed naturally.

 

Do you have a holistic vet? Was there a particular incident that led you to seek alternative treatment? Have you been considering a more natural treatment plan for your dog? I’d love to hear your story, and sharing helps others, so please tell us in the comment section below. In the case of a senior dog, you can leave a post on my Facebook page as well.