You may wonder why a pet owner would consider buying herbal remedies in the first place. Often it is used as an alternative means of treatment, but did you know it can also be used for purely preventative measures? However, in canines, the kidneys are most likely to cause health problems as they age. Kidney disease in dogs is more common that you think; and no vet would argue that chronic kidney failure can sneak up gradually and is actually a leading cause of death in dogs.

There are two common types of canine kidney disease:

• Chronic renal (kidney) failure
• Kidney stones

Renal (kidney) failure, as its name implies, is when the kidney fails to filter impurities out of the blood and concentrate the urine. Acute kidney failure is often the result of ingesting toxins, and is sometimes reversible. Chronic kidney failure sneaks up more gradually, and is a leading cause of death in dogs.

Treating kidney disease in canines

If your dog is suffering from any form of kidney disease, you should see your vet to discuss conventional treatment options. These include intravenous fluid treatment, dialysis (artificial blood filtering), various drugs, and even kidney transplants.

A low sodium diet is often recommended, as high blood pressure often accompanies kidney failure. A reduced protein diet is also often recommended.

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