Stella, a perfectly coiffed 12-year-old Toy Poodle, had borderline elevated kidney values last year. But, if your dogs kidneys cant remove the waste for whatever reason, that waste continues to back up up into the blood at dangerous amounts. However, large dogs have a shorter life span . We still need water to survive. It was worrisome after a her pre-dental bloodwork 4 months earlier had been normal. What a blessing that she is showing improvement and gaining strength! Dogs with kidney disease may also be lethargic and eat less than they used to. Since it is a natural diuretic, coconut water is said to prevent urinary tract infections and reduce the size of kidney stones that have already formed. After all, coconut water still contains calories around 45-60 calories for every 8 ounces. After this, you can serve it in your dog's bowl with whatever sides you decide are best for your dog. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "In some adults and children, eating coconuts might cause an allergic reaction. Even though dogs are a different species, their bodies function very similarly to human bodies. What Are the Health Benefits of, How Much Water Should a Puppy Drink? A teaspoon of ground eggshell should be added to each meal to add calcium and bind phosphorous. 2. 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. Your little girl is lucky to have such attentive people in her life to advocate for her wellbeing and love her. Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria that is spread in water contaminated by the urine of infected wild animals or rodents. With kidney disease, this concentrating ability is the first thing to go, leading to the production of copious volumes of dilute urine. It'll provide your dog with 900mg of omega-3 fatty acids, give him a glossy, silky coat, and it help you manage normal shedding. With a slightly sweet taste and nutty flavor, this clear liquid blends well with popsicles and smoothies. Dogs with a kidney disease should be given an unlimited supply of water. Talk to your vet or take your dog to an after-hours emergency clinic for a diagnosis and treatment. Thus you need to remove: There are several common household products that have the potential to cause acute kidney failure. I was devastated! I do not want to put her down until I know its best for her. A sports drink like Gatorade might help keep this in check. Then, in the space of a few days, I had three reminders of my desire to write this article. 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. 7. I wish you many more happy days together and fond memories. Coconut water contains electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium. Your vet might even recommend it. But just like any other food (or drink), there are a couple of health concerns you must keep in mind: While each part of a coconut from the water to the coconut meat and shell offers tons of benefits, giving your dog the whole coconut is a bad idea. If your dogs stomach is a bit sensitive, letting them drink something sweet like coconut water may cause GI issues like an upset stomach, loose stools, or diarrhea. Your email address will not be published. Your dogs kidneys are responsible for making sure that his body tissues receives enough water, while disposing of waste and excess water from the blood. Dana works tirelessly to educate pet owners so they can be the driving force to change veterinary medicine for dogs and make their world a safer place. Some dogs with chronic kidney disease will have low potassium levels, which can make them feel weak and tired. As the kidneys filter fewer toxins out of the urine, the specific gravity falls. And, unfortunately, some dogs do not improve despite appropriate and aggressive treatment. Thank you Dr Julie, once again you have, step by clear step, clarified what we need to understand about our senior Norfolks chronic kidney disease diagnosed last summer with bloodwork at her senior exam. Yes, dogs with kidney disease can drink coconut water. 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). A 2018 study showed that coconut water increased the removal of potassium, chloride and citrate in urine. Acute kidney failure happens quickly over several days, while chronic kidney failure happens slowly over time. If you heard your vet say kidney failure in dogs and everything else he or she said about your senior dogs diagnosis was a blur after that, this article is for you. And high blood pressure can further decrease kidney function. What Foods are Good for Dogs With Kidney Disease? After all, no loving pet owner will want to put their furry friend and its health at risk. After approximately 2/3 of the kidney tissue is destroyed, there is a rapid rise in waste products in the bloodstream and an apparent sudden onset of severe disease. By using this staging, your veterinarian has a better idea of how to proceed with treatment, monitor progress, and to estimate your pets prognosis. As such, getting your dog checked by a licensed veterinarian is still recommended. Make sure bottles are kept in locked cabinets or up high where dogs cannot reach them. Several studies have shown that coconut oil may be useful in the treatment of kidney disease.S. For detailed instructions on this procedure, see handout "Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Dogs". BUN and creatinine levels finally begin to rise when more than three-fourths of your dogs kidney function has been lost. Cuteness may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Kidney problems in dogs can be acute or chronic. Your email address will not be published. The prognosis is quite variable depending on the stage of kidney disease at time of diagnosis, your dog's response to the initial stage of treatment, and your ability to perform the follow-up care. Too much of a good thing can be bad. Dogs with kidney failure need to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. Coconut water is safe for your dog to consume. For chronic kidney failure, the prognosis is highly variable and depends in large part on the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis. Also, it is important to never give your dog any medications without talking to your veterinarian first. High BUN and creatinine values can reveal high levels of waste products, which indicate kidney disease. On the recommendation of my vet I started feeding her Royal Canin renal support (a combo of wet and dry) and giving her Azodyl (1) in the afternoon and (2) in the middle of the night as she has to wake up every 5 hours to pee. Chronic kidney disease treatment may include: Prescription kidney-friendly diets are an important part of the management of chronic kidney disease. BUN and creatinine can also be used to monitor the progress of the disease. Help your senior dog enjoy more good days. Kidney stone prevention Smith says drinking coconut water, as part of a balanced diet, can offer some relief and help flush your system. This is because the amount of blood filtered through the kidneys (the glomular filtration rate) is tied to protein in the diet, and reducing the protein reduces the filtering thus decreasing the excretion of toxins. High levels of potassium in the blood: Coconut water contains high levels of potassium. New generation of CNC silent water pump, noise 35dB. Waste is derived from what your dog eats as well as the breakdown of active muscle tissue. There are also homeopathic remedies thatcan successfully treat many symptoms ofkidney failure. A 1 1/2 years ago noticed blood in her urine. A 2018 study showed that coconut water increased the removal of potassium, chloride and citrate in urine.S"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Who should not drink coconut water? My Rat terrier turn 16 in November2022. The right balance isnecessary for life, but excess levelscan be harmful. Several studies have shown that coconut oil may be useful in the treatment of kidney disease.S"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is coconut water harmful to kidneys? The key here is moderation. The increase in blood phosphorus level secondary to kidney failure stimulates the parathyroid gland to increase the blood calcium level by removing it from bones. Coconut water can help to improve the quality of your dogs life by reducing the need for medication and other treatments. In large amounts, coconut water might cause potassium levels in the blood to become too high. But you are not alone. Chronic kidney failure, also called chronic renal failure, means that a dog isn't filtering waste products as he should but can still urinate without a problem. While deciding when to euthanize their dog with kidney failure, some dog parents may take advantage of hospice care for dogs. Veterinarians generally take extra precautions to protect the blood flow to the kidneys during anesthesia. After the body has taken any nutrients it needs from the food, the waste is moved to the blood and then filtered through the kidneys as urine. Bentonite clay is recommended to help with the symptoms associated with the disease as well as prevention. Just like humans, we cant live on drinking just coconut water alone. We receive several emails weekly regarding kidney disease in dogs and always feel so bad because we know that the dog owner feels helpless. Master of all. While a dog kidney failure diet can't reverse the damage already done or cure your pet, it can both prolong her life and help her feel better. However, its not something youll opt for after a lengthy, high-intensity workout session. Once the dog becomes stable, the frequency of treatment may be decreased. Contact Us! A large intake of potassium in kidney patients can lead to life-threatening hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood).A"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is mineral water good for your kidneys? But this is uncommon. Here on this blog, documenting my knowledge. Especially when you hear it is acute kidney failure or late-stage kidney disease, both of which tend to have a more bleak outlook. On the other hand, a dog in kidney failure will have high BUN and creatinine levels with dilute urine. At the same time, he's not scrambling to his food dish and agitating for dinner like he used to. Your veterinarian may suggest a specific type of dog food with additional nutrients your dog needs for his condition. Finding chronic kidney disease as soon as it becomes detectable on bloodwork and urinalysis means being able to take steps to slow its progression sooner. 5. The possible outcome for dogs with acute kidney failure depends mainly on the underlying cause and when they seek treatment. These might include anti-nausea medications, antacid medications, pain medications, and appetite stimulants for dogs. Overall, dogs need less protein, phosphorous, and sodium but should increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids. The earliest indication of kidney failure is low specific gravity in the urine. This can be helpful for the sake of the normalizing calcium to phosphorus ratio, but it can make the bones brittle and easily broken. And so the cycle continues. 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. In other cases, genetics, immune-mediated disease, or chronic non-kidney related illnesses (like high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus) can play a role in kidney problems. After MRI she was diag with a tumor on her L kidney. You may be tempted to feed your dog from your plate, but some foods can hurt your dog and/or contribute to kidney issues, like: Kidney problems in dogs that go untreated can be life-threatening. It's made with chicken and pork, controlled levels of protein, phosphorus and sodium, and contains antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, which will enhance your dog's overall health. Giving your dog extra fluids and electrolytes under the skin, called subcutaneous hydration, can help flush toxins out and keep him hydrated. However raw meats are still high in phosphorus. Treatment usually occurs in two phases, first flushing the kidneys and removing the accumulated toxins from the blood, and then providing treatments to manage the disease and delay its progression. The most nutritionally appropriate diets are available from your veterinary clinic and common ones are Hill's Prescription Diet K/D, Purina Veterinary Diet NF, and Royal Canin Renal Support. Unfortunately, chronic kidney disease is incurable and progressive. Her BUN is 14 and creatinine is 1.7 so not the worst but still no real improvement in her mood. Nutrition is a primary component in managing your dog's kidney failure. Now the dog is in kidney failure. We are on week 5 of IV fluids and a range of different medications. Traditionally, vets have recommended restricting protein consumption because protein is high in phosphorus, which creates a high nitrogen load that can further stress the liver and kidneys. Now, if you want to know the real deal behind coconut water, youve come to the right page. 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. Yes, the ice cube will definitely cool them down. Home > Health Conditions > Natural Options For Kidney Disease & Failure. The veterinary team can also give you some tips to ensure you and your dear dog are as comfortable as possible with this process. So, make sure to take the time to pour this over in his water bowl. While the term "kidney failure" may sound like the kidneys have completely shut down, the picture isn't quite so dire. Coconut water is a good source of hydration for dogs with kidney failure. Veterinarians often use the term kidney failure somewhat interchangeably with the term kidney disease.. Although home fluid therapy might not sound like something you can do, you will be surprised at how easy the technique is and how well most dogs tolerate it. Apart from quenching your dogs thirst, giving your dog just a small amount may also help keep your dog on its paws. Is coconut water good for kidney disease? Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Ernest Ward, DVM. Coconut water improves digestion in dogs and can prevent many gastrointestinal problems. But with chronic kidney failure, there are many ways to help keep your pup feeling good. You did a wonderful job making sure she received appropriate care quickly after the incident. Granted, the treatment options are a bit more limited with acute kidney failure. In about twenty minutes she calm down and has been doing fine since. Unfortunately, they can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. In dogs, chronic kidney disease is associated with aging, and in simple terms can be considered to be the 'wearing out' of the kidney tissues. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. The kidneys have many functions. Coconut water can help to improve the function of the kidneys. To make up for this fact, the body builds in an impressive reserve capacity. Dana Scott is the founder of Dogs Naturally Magazine. An important component of treating chronic kidney failure is ensuring adequate hydration. The age of onset is often related to the size of the dog. Talk to your vet about how often you should have your dogs teeth cleaned and ask about food and treats that may help with dental hygiene in dogs. However, with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, many dogs will live a normal lifestyle for many months or years. What Are The Best Dog Boots For Chihuahuas, The Pros And Cons Of Purchasing A Puppy Less Than 100 Dollars. Low urine specific gravity (i.e. It does this by turning the waste and excess water into urine and moving it through the ureter tubes to the bladder, to store until your dog finally urinates. Since chronic kidney disease can occur from poor dental hygiene, keeping your dogs teeth clean is crucial for long-term health.. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. What oils are good for dogs with kidney disease? A dog in compensated chronic kidney failure with marginal kidney function may have normal levels of BUN and creatinine but will have a low urine specific gravity. Fish oil (not cod liver oil) can be added. The most important blood test in diagnosing chronic kidney failure measures two waste products found in the blood: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA); if the kidneys aren't excreting these well enough, these numbers will go up. This is the most overlooked step in dogs with kidney failure (after bad teeth). Your dog must lose even more kidney function before he or she would show outward signs of feeling sick from the elevated BUN and creatinine (i.e. Apricot pits. Official guidelines exist that lay out the stages of kidney disease in dogs. Kaasni (Cichorium intybus): It deals with the complications of the kidney failure. Remove the Calcium and Magnesium by Ion-Exchange resin and helps prevent urinary and kidney disease. Since some damage is irreversible, preventative measures listed above are essential for your dog. If levels are low, the vet may recommend oral potassium supplementation. I hope your sweet pup continues to thrive and I wish you both the best! Coconut water is safe for dogs. The short answer is Yes. BUN and blood creatinine levels are used to measure the body waste products in your dogs blood stream. Apple seeds. My best advice would be to schedule a consult with an internal medicine specialist. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may slow the progression of kidney disease, and supplements can be a helpful addition to dogs with a kidney disease diet. This results in the production of more urine. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Without a doubt, the best drink you should be consuming in order to maintain good kidney health is mineral water. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Kidney Failure Symptoms In Dogs. Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside young, green coconuts (around 6-7 months). Coconut water can help to reduce the need for medication and other treatments. The response to treatment in the first few days can help determine how likely your dog is to recover. Some other organs, like the liver, can regenerate after they are damaged. However, even with this reserve capacity, it is possible to reach a point where so many kidney cells are lost that the kidneys can no longer do their jobs. Occasionally, ulcers will be found in the mouth. Most studies evaluating protein restriction in dogs with CKD are based on the remnant kidney model, which induces renal failure through removal of large amounts of renal tissue or ligation of the renal blood supply instead of naturally occurring disease. very dilute urine) is actually the first indicator of chronic kidney failure. Im curious as to why you did not include or mention the congenital form of kidney disease. Note that skin hot spots and hives can be caused by a flea or an underlying condition. According to wikivet.com, the following levels of creatinine explain the stage of renal failure your pet may be in: Stage 1: Creatinine 125Stage 2: Creatinine 125-250Stage 3: Creatinine 181-440Stage 4: Creatinine 440 and above with or without symptoms of uraemia (blood toxins), We are not Veterinarians and this website also known as YourOldDog.com and associated products, including blogs, articles, online videos eBooks, DVDs, digitally delivered products, workbooks, audio books and other products, are provided for information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consequently, vets also try to monitor and address urine protein levels in dogs with chronic kidney disease. Coconut and coconut oil have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. Coconut water is also a good source of hydration for dogs with kidney failure. Join nearly 100,000 subscribers who love Dogs Naturally to unlock special discounts and premium content. 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. Avoid chemical flea and tick products as well as vaccinations. Graduated with a medical degree and is now spending time running a shelter and rescuing animals in need. While both types of kidney disease involve a loss of kidney function, veterinarians treat chronic kidney disease quite differently than acute kidney disease. After I hung up the phone, I moved the kidney disease article a little further up my mental to-do list. This way, you can check if your dogs tummy can tolerate it or not. If youre unsure which dog vaccines are necessary for your pooch, talk to your veterinarian. What is the treatment for acute kidney failure? If youre introducing this healthy treat for the first time, its always best to start small. While end-stage kidney disease is not necessarily painful, it can make affected dogs feel pretty icky. Several studies have shown that coconut oil may be useful in the treatment of kidney disease.S"}}]}. 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. Fluid therapy includes replacement of various electrolytes, especially potassium. In some adults and children, eating coconuts might cause an allergic reaction. The following foods may be dangerous to your pet: Alcoholic beverages. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Feeding three to four small meals a day rather than one or two larger ones can help spread out the amount of waste material kidneys filter throughout the day. Dog Kidney Failure: When to Euthanize Your Dear Dog, Kidney Disease in Dogs: Stages and What They Mean For Your Dog, Meclizine for Dogs: Solutions for Motion Sickness or Vertigo, Prostate Cancer in Dogs: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment, Filtering toxic waste products from the blood, Balancing levels of essential electrolytes, Preserving hydration by conserving just the right amount of water, Helping regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, Stimulating the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells, Black tarry stools (i.e. Feeding canned food rather than dry can also help increase fluid intake. Read Full Disclaimer, Health Benefits of Flaxseed for Dogs and How To Use Safely, Private Consultation & Personal Help for Your Dog, Our ALL NATURAL Market Place for Old Dogs. Your veterinarian knows you and your pup well and is on your side. Maggie is a 8 yr old lab. 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. Chronic kidney disease is most common in older dogs, and the exact cause is often difficult to pinpoint because of its slow onset. The pressure from this buildup can lead to cell death. 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. Get instant access to easy-to-make and affordable recipes. waste products in the blood). A few animal studies showed coconut waters antioxidant properties and ability to reduce oxidative stress a common cause of cell damage and diseases. The content is presented solely for informational purposes and may not be relied upon to replace face-to-face medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by professional pet healthcare providers. Shed like it if we would do out to dig up the yard with her more often as her missing companion would do, but then she sighs & goes back to her nap. Dogs can easily chew through plastic bottles and drink dangerous chemicals. Your dog may indeed enjoy coconut water, given its somewhat sweet and nutty flavor. A routine blood screen can detect kidney disease by measuring, among other values, the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. However, for dogs with kidney disease, you really want the calcium to bind with the phosphorus. cystoliths), or tumors within the urinary tract. Healthy people can drink mineral water without any problems, as long as they don't overindulge. There are three possible outcomes from the first phase of treatment: 1. What is the prognosis for kidney failure in dogs? The vast majority of dogs who undergo general anesthesia recover uneventfully. Hydration is important because it helps to reduce the risk of dehydration and heat stroke. JAR. Since kidney tissue cannot regenerate if destroyed, the kidneys have a large amount of reserve capacity to perform their various functions. There are many causes of kidney stones in dogs, this can include increased levels of calcium, urine with high pH and infections. Chronic kidney failure can also be caused by: Congenital diseases or birth defects (such as agenesis, when the dog is born missing one or both kidneys) Kidney cancer (renal neoplasia . I think this is the hardest to decide. Best wishes to you both. Ihave seen renal values return to normaland even regain some degree of concentratingability. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Punarnava Mandur. He had a bad bout of pancreatitis in dogs and became dehydrated. When blood flow decreases, it leaves your dogs kidneys less oxygenated and more prone to infection. They are known to improve the absorption of minerals, B vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene), and amino acids. Happily, Toby recovered after being hospitalized for five days. Just combine coconut water with a bit of tap water and then freeze it. If your dog likes its taste, then adding this to your dogs diet every once in a while is A-okay. The remaining portion ofthe formula is called Lui Wei Di HuangWan (Rehmannia 6).. Also, many doggy NSAIDS are meat flavored. The longer the blockage is present, the more permanent damage occurs. I am happy to hear your girl was able to recover and has been stable for the last few years. No medication or treatment can stop the ongoing loss of kidney function. Hydration is important because it helps to reduce the risk of dehydration and heat stroke. Text: (843) 781-6430. She goes for fluids every 2-3 days. Even if your pet has advanced kidneydisease, dont be discouraged. We took her to her regular vet, where elevated BUN and creatinine levels were determined along with decreased platelets and RDW. Hi Dianne, Although the hype over coconut water has watered down, it cant be denied that this ready-to-drink beverage is still something youd go for on a scorching hot summer day. 4. Until more information is known about the toxic substance, it is best to avoid feeding grapes and raisins to dogs. It was in August or September I learn she was in Kidney failure. Ive looked in to kidney disease several times after our girl ate raisins in 2019 that were given to her by a little boy. Once the improvement slows, your veterinarian will attempt to gradually wean your dog off IV fluids to see if the improvements persist. Your dogs protein, blood pressure and creatinine level in the blood are the determining factors of the stage of the disease. The age of onset is often related to the size of the dog. 2023 MasterCard African Scholarships at University of California, Berkeley, Eni/St Antonys College Scholarships for African Student at Oxford University UK, 2023, Yale Young Global Scholars Scholarship For Africans 2023, University of Lincoln 2022 Africa Scholarship for African Students UK. All rights reserved. You can even add a few more dog-friendly fruits and veggies like blueberry, apples, or cucumber to make it extra special. Is coconut good for dogs with kidney disease? 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. Therefore, one of the earliest clinical signs of kidney failure is increased water consumption and urination, and is called compensated renal failure. I am sorry your little pup is nearing the end of her life. Some of the well-known causes of acute kidney failure include toxicities, medications, foods, infections, anything that decreases blood flowing through the kidneys, and anything that obstructs the flow of urine out of the body. Treatment and follow-up care is relatively easy and inexpensive and extending the length and quality of life for their faithful companion represents the ultimate reward for many clients. Introducing Dr. Buzbys Encore Mobility joint supplement for senior dogs.