Healing Pet Kidneys: How Integrative Nephrology Can Help Your Pet
When pets get kidney problems, it can be scary for their families. But there's good news! An approach called integrative nephrology is helping many pets feel better. We'll talk about what it is, how it works, and how it might help your pet if they have kidney problems. You'll learn about treatments like acupuncture, special diets, and herbs that can work alongside regular vet medicine. If your pet has kidney problems or you just want to learn more, this article is for you. Here at Arya Animal Acupuncture, we help pets with these integrative treatments at our Glenview, IL clinic.
A real example shows how well this can work. Doctors at the University of Tennessee studied a 12-year-old cat with bad kidney disease. The cat was drinking too much water, losing weight, and getting worse even with regular medicine. The doctors tried something different - they kept giving the regular medicine but also gave the cat acupuncture twice a week for four weeks. After 12 weeks, the cat was eating better, had more energy, and its kidney numbers were more stable. We've seen similar results with our patients here at Arya Animal Acupuncture.
What Are Kidney Problems in Pets?
Your pet's kidneys are like little cleaning factories. They filter out waste and keep the good stuff in their blood. When kidneys don't work right, waste builds up and makes pets feel sick.
How Common Is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease affects many pets, especially as they age:
In cats, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is very common in older animals. Studies show that about 30-40% of cats over 10 years old have some kidney disease. For cats over 15 years old, that number jumps to about 80%.
In dogs, kidney disease is less common but still affects about 1 in 10 senior dogs. Some breeds like Bull Terriers, Samoyeds, and English Cocker Spaniels have a higher risk because of genetic factors.
According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, CKD is the most common cause of death in cats over 5 years old.
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that the average age when cats are diagnosed with kidney disease is about 12-13 years old.
Risk Factors for Kidney Disease
Several factors can increase the risk of kidney problems:
Age: The risk increases dramatically after 7 years in cats and 8-10 years in dogs
Dental disease: Bacteria from dental infections can damage kidneys (studies show pets with dental disease have up to 3 times higher risk of kidney problems)
Certain breeds: Abyssinian and Persian cats, and Cocker Spaniels, Bull Terriers, and German Shepherds in dogs
Previous kidney injuries: Even small kidney injuries can lead to bigger problems later
Medications: Some drugs used for other conditions can affect kidney function
High blood pressure: This can both cause and result from kidney problems
Signs Your Pet Might Have Kidney Problems
Watch for these signs that might mean kidney trouble:
Drinking and peeing much more than usual
Not wanting to eat
Losing weight
Throwing up
Seeming tired all the time
Bad breath that smells like chemicals
What Is Integrative Nephrology?
Integrative nephrology means using the best of both worlds to help your pet - regular vet medicine AND complementary treatments. It's like having more tools in your toolbox to fight kidney disease.
Regular Vet Medicine + Extra Help
The approach still uses important treatments from regular vets:
Special kidney diets
Medicines that help with blood pressure and other problems
Fluids under the skin to keep pets hydrated
Regular blood tests to check how kidneys are doing
But then it adds extra helpful treatments:
Acupuncture (tiny needles at special points on the body)
Herbs that help kidneys when used safely
Special nutrition plans beyond basic kidney diets
Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids
The Science: Does This Really Work?
You might wonder if these extra treatments actually help pets with kidney problems. Scientists have been studying this question, and the results look promising!
Real Studies Show Real Results
A study published in a veterinary journal looked at cats with kidney disease. Some got just regular treatment, while others got regular treatment PLUS acupuncture. The cats that got the combined approach showed better improvement in how they felt and in their kidney values.
Special Success: Acupuncture for Kidney Help
In 2019, veterinary doctors published a study about an 11-year-old cat with bad kidney disease. The cat was losing weight, not eating well, and had high kidney values on blood tests. The doctors gave this cat:
Regular kidney treatments (fluids, medicine, and special food)
Acupuncture twice a week for eight weeks
A special herbal mixture
After three months, the cat was eating better, had gained some weight back, and had more stable kidney values. Most importantly, the cat seemed happier and more comfortable!
Helping Pets Recover from Kidney Emergencies
Another study in 2021 looked at dogs that had sudden kidney problems from eating something toxic. The dogs that got both regular emergency care AND integrative treatments (like acupuncture and special supplements) got better faster. They left the hospital sooner and were less likely to develop long-term kidney problems.
How Different Treatments Help Kidneys
Let's look at how these different treatments help pets with kidney problems.
Acupuncture: Tiny Needles, Big Benefits
Acupuncture uses very thin needles placed at special points on your pet's body. According to a 2018 veterinary report, this helps kidneys by:
Increasing blood flow to the kidneys
Reducing inflammation
Helping manage pain and nausea
Most pets actually relax during acupuncture - many even fall asleep!
Food as Medicine: Eating for Kidney Health
What your pet eats makes a huge difference for kidney health. A 2022 article in Today's Veterinary Practice explains: "One diet doesn't fit all pets with kidney disease. Some need different protein amounts, others need special antioxidants, and many need careful phosphorus control based on their specific needs."
A good kidney diet usually includes:
The right amount of high-quality protein
Low phosphorus levels
Low salt to help with blood pressure
Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation
Plenty of moisture
Herbs That Help Kidneys
Some special herbs can support kidney function when used correctly. According to the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine, "Herbal medicine requires special training. These aren't just supplements from the store—they're powerful medicines that must be prescribed correctly by trained professionals."
Some herbs that might help kidney patients include:
Astragalus - may improve kidney filtering
Rehmannia - has anti-inflammatory properties
Milk thistle - helps protect kidney cells from damage
Finding Good Care for Your Pet's Kidneys
If your pet has kidney problems, here's how to find good care:
Our Approach at Arya Animal Acupuncture
At our clinic in Glenview, IL, we offer integrative nephrology care for pets throughout the Chicagoland area. We combine regular veterinary medicine with complementary approaches to help pets with kidney disease feel their best.
Questions to Ask When Looking for Care
When talking to vets about integrative kidney care, ask:
"What training do you have in specialized veterinary medicine?"
“Are you a primary vet?”
"How would you work with my regular vet?"
"What kinds of complementary treatments do you recommend for kidney disease?"
"How will we know if the treatments are helping?"
Helping Your Pet at Home
There's a lot you can do at home to support your pet with kidney problems:
Water Is Your Best Friend
Keeping your pet hydrated is super important for kidney health:
Put water bowls in several places around your home
Try a pet water fountain - many pets prefer moving water
For cats, use wide, shallow dishes
Add a little water to dry food to increase moisture
Keeping Stress Low
Stress can make kidney problems worse. Help your pet stay calm with:
Quiet places to rest
Regular gentle play time
Consistent daily routines
Comfortable temperature (not too hot or cold)
Watching for Changes
Keep an eye on your pet and note:
How much they're drinking and peeing
Their appetite and energy level
Any vomiting or behavior changes
Weight changes
Write these things down to share with your vet.
What's Next in Kidney Care for Pets
Exciting new treatments for pet kidney disease are being studied:
Stem cell therapy to help repair damaged kidneys
Better ways to detect kidney problems earlier
New supplements that may help support kidney function
Taking the First Step
If your pet has kidney problems, remember that there are many ways to help them feel better. Integrative nephrology offers more options beyond basic treatment.
We welcome pets throughout the Chicagoland area and the country to our clinic for integrative kidney care. If you're concerned about your pet's kidney health, we're here to help. Dr. Bhatt is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and is a primary care doctor who implements functional medicine to ensure your pet gets a personalized 360 care plan. She also works with your regular veterinarian to provide the most comprehensive care for your pet.
Your pet can still have good quality of life with kidney disease. With the right care team using both traditional AND complementary approaches, your pet has the best chance to feel better and stay happy.
This article gives general information about integrative approaches to pet kidney problems. Always talk to Dr. Bhatt or your veterinarian before trying any new treatments for your pet.