Chronic Renal Failure
Natural Remedies

Chronic Renal Failure - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Jan 31, 2025
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Aloe Vera

Chronic renal failure (CRF), also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a prevalent condition in pets, especially as they age. It occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to function effectively, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the body. While CRF is a progressive and irreversible condition, early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly improve the quality of life for affected pets. This article explores natural remedies and holistic approaches that can support conventional treatments, aiming to enhance kidney function and overall wellbeing in pets with chronic renal failure.

Understanding Chronic Renal Failure in Pets

Before diving into natural remedies, it's essential to understand what chronic renal failure in pets entails. The kidneys play a critical role in filtering waste products from the blood, regulating electrolytes, and maintaining hydration. When these organs are compromised, toxins build up, leading to symptoms like increased thirst and urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, and lethargy.

Aloe Vera: A Top Natural Remedy for Renal Support

Among the myriad of natural remedies available for managing chronic renal failure in pets, Aloe Vera stands out due to its multifaceted therapeutic properties. This succulent plant is renowned for its healing effects on skin wounds and burns and its internal benefits, particularly in supporting kidney health.

The Healing Power of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contains a rich array of polysaccharides, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that can provide systemic support for pets with chronic renal failure. When used correctly, Aloe Vera can help:

  1. Detoxify the Kidneys: Aloe Vera’s gentle detoxifying properties can aid in cleansing the kidneys of accumulated toxins, potentially easing the workload on these vital organs.
  2. Enhance Hydration: The high water content in Aloe Vera can help maintain hydration levels in pets, which is crucial for those suffering from CRF. Proper hydration aids in the efficient function of the kidneys, allowing for better flushing of toxins from the body.
  3. Anti-inflammatory Benefits: The anti-inflammatory compounds in Aloe Vera can help reduce inflammation in the kidneys, potentially slowing the progression of renal damage and providing relief from symptoms associated with CRF.

How to Use Aloe Vera for Pets with CRF

It's important to approach the use of Aloe Vera with care, especially when administering it internally:

  • Aloe Vera Juice: Opt for pure, organic Aloe Vera juice intended for internal use. It should be free from aloin, a compound found in the outer leaf that can be harmful if ingested.

Precautions and Considerations

While Aloe Vera offers promising benefits for pets with chronic renal failure, pet owners should be mindful of a few key considerations:

  • Quality and Purity: Ensure that the Aloe Vera product is of high quality, specifically designed for internal use, and appropriate for pets.
  • Monitor for Reactions: As with any new supplement, observe your pet closely for any adverse reactions or side effects. If any concerns arise, discontinue use immediately and consult a veterinarian.
  • Integrated Care Approach: Aloe Vera should be part of an integrated care approach, complementing, not replacing, conventional treatments and dietary management prescribed by your veterinarian.

Diet: The Foundation of Renal Health

One of the most impactful ways to support a pet with CRF is through dietary management. A kidney-friendly diet typically includes:

  • Low Phosphorus: High phosphorus levels can further damage the kidneys. Foods low in phosphorus are recommended.
  • Moderate High-quality Protein: While protein is essential, too much can increase the kidneys' workload. High-quality protein in moderate amounts is key.
  • Increased Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, omega-3s can help reduce inflammation and improve kidney function.

Herbal Remedies

Several herbs have been traditionally used to support kidney health. However, always consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new supplement to your pet’s regimen:

  • Nettle Leaf: Known for its diuretic properties, nettle leaf can help promote renal detoxification and improve kidney function.
  • Dandelion: Another diuretic, dandelion supports kidney function by helping to eliminate waste products and reduce swelling.
  • Astragalus: This herb may help improve kidney circulation and has been shown to have protective effects on the kidneys.

Supplements for Kidney Support

In addition to dietary changes and herbal remedies, certain supplements can be beneficial for pets with CRF:

  • Probiotics: Beneficial for overall health, certain strains of probiotics can help manage uremia, a common problem in pets with kidney failure.
  • B Vitamins: Pets with CRF often lose B vitamins through increased urination. Supplementing with B vitamins can help maintain energy levels and overall health.
  • Antioxidants: Supplements like Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E can help combat oxidative stress in the kidneys.

Hydration is Key

Maintaining hydration is crucial for pets with chronic renal failure. Fresh, clean water should always be available. Encouraging water intake by using water fountains for pets or adding water to food can help prevent dehydration.

Acupuncture and Holistic Care

Acupuncture and other holistic practices have shown promise in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for pets with CRF. These treatments can help stimulate kidney function, reduce nausea, and increase appetite.

The Importance of Veterinary Guidance

While natural remedies can significantly manage chronic renal failure in pets, they should complement, not replace, conventional treatments prescribed by a veterinarian. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor your pet’s condition and adjust treatments as necessary.

Conclusion

Managing chronic renal failure in pets requires a comprehensive approach that combines conventional veterinary care with natural and holistic remedies. Pet owners can significantly improve their furry friends' quality of life by focusing on diet, incorporating beneficial herbs and supplements, ensuring adequate hydration, and considering alternative therapies like acupuncture. Always work closely with a veterinary professional to tailor a care plan that meets your pet's needs.

Continue reading below to learn which remedies helped readers' pets with CRF and please let us know what helped your pet!

Related Links:

Natural Remedies for Kidney Disease in Pets: A Holistic Approach


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Aloe Vera Juice

Posted by Kim (Colorado Springs, Co) on 09/14/2020
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My 15-year-old cat was attacked by a mountain lion. And although his head wounds healed quickly and beautifully, his body, which had already had moderate arthritis in his legs and back, did not recover and continued to go dramatically downhill to the point where he was barely eating and drinking, losing massive amounts of weight, vomiting, constipated, all signs of renal failure, thyroid issues, etc. The vet thought the shock and physical trauma of the attack kicked other underlying issues in his body into high gear because he was exhibiting none of these symptoms before, was climbing trees still, jumping up on counters, very active and happy... A little uncomfortable due to his arthritis, but we were managing with cosequin and Fish oil.

I already had him on taste of the wild wet and dry, no grain, organic food beforehand, with a few pills of Cosequin in his food every day, along with fish oil and also some colloidal silver, so he already had a good foundation.

In desperation, after an all night visit to a vet where Smokey was constipated, Dehydrated, in massive pain, muscle spasms in his back, legs, rectum, and barely able to walk due to the constipation and pain, I went to Earth Clinic to look up what I could do for him and found this thread on George's aloe vera juice. First I ordered it from Amazon, and then I called my local natural grocers and asked if they had it. They did, I went and picked it up, and immediately gave my cat 2mL of aloe vera juice via syringe and also put some in his wet food, along with what I normally put in there, and fed it to him. I repeated the process four hours later, and then eight hours later. Then we went to bed.

When I woke up, I Smokey was in a nearby chair, perked up, and immediately came over to be pet!!!

The transformation was dramatic. Smokey is no longer dehydrated, His bones are no longer sticking out, he's walking around much more normally/more normal gait, Appetite back, Seems content/not in acute pain, and in general is behaving much more like the Smokey I knew before the attack. This is after only a half day of treatment. I have already given him his morning dose and he's now sleeping peacefully nearby.

I'm going to the vet later today for a follow-up from this weekend and will discuss with them what I've done. I plan on continuing 3 mL twice a day until he is fully recovered, and then I will continue 2 milliliters twice a day in his wet food for the rest of his life. I also just got him tested on Friday (before the weekend at the vet followed by aloe Vera miracle), for bloodwork/urine/fecal testing, And will have that done again in a month to compare the testing after the aloe vera treatment.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Jesus for answered prayer, and to Earth Clinic providing that answer!!!


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Tearosekennedy (Lanarkshire) on 06/21/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My beautiful cat was saved from almost certain death due to the information on this amazing website.

He had a terrible reaction when the vet put him under to extract blood *(he's part feral, do not mess) and wouldn't eat or drink upon his return from the vet. He would just sit there with his head hanging over his water bowl looking very sorry for himself.

Although I several times contacted the out of hours vet and was told to sit and wait, that he would come round, I panicked at about 10pm that evening as I could tell he had become terribly dehydrated and took him to the pet hospital where he was given an IV and rehydrated.

Home again the next day, he still assumed what they call the "meatloaf" position (when they look like a bunched up chicken, not sure why it's called meatloaf) with his poor wee head hanging over his water bowl but not drinking.

The dehydration had given his kidneys a boot in the balls and now he was very sick, I could tell he might not actually live much longer considering his age. I took to Earth Clinic, which deserves awards handed out from God's Angels and found a popular remedy of administering diluted Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with the 'mother') to my friend to make him start drinking.

Luckily I had some in the cupboard, along with a plastic syringe thing in my kitchen draw. I diluted about 1ml ACV with 2mls of water and snuck up on him with a towel and the syringe, apologising all the time and making calming noises and telling him this would make him better. I was a bit cynical but desperate.

Although gentle, I firmly swaddled him in the large towel up to his chest - those claws are huge - then opened his wee mouth and squirted the liquid *across* his tongue, entering from the *side* of his mouth. I hoped this would prevent choking and thank God it did.

I watched him mournfully for the next 20 minutes until he again sat at his nice fresh waiting water bowl, head hanging down, bunched like a chicken. Not two minutes after this, he put his nose down and began to lap. 20 minutes!

I continued with the administration for the next few days, in all I felt he needed a shot of AVC four times, following which he was drinking of his own accord. Thank you, EarthClinic and all those who come back to say if something has worked or not. My furry friend is alive today because of it.

They should pass this info on at the vets when they suspect a cat is having kidney failure - how many people have lost their furbabies because of the "no advising anything but chemicals" protocol.

Now I'm having to deal with his kidney failure due to his over-anesthetisation but that is another story. It has been nearly a year since the incident and he's doing well.

Kindest regards,
Tearosekennedy


Calcitriol, Raw Beef, Supplements

Posted by Marie (Washington) on 05/07/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I would like to offer my personal experience with feline kidney failure. About 4 months ago, Emma, my 15 year old cat had a swelling on one side of her nose. The vet examined her and her blood work came back showing the beginning stages of kidney failure. The dental was still possible, and she did have to have one upper canine removed. I did give her some ringers lactate sub q fluids for a week. I noticed she was not eating enough so I started giving her raw beef that I ground up with some extra fat and blood ;about a 2 inch square, to which I added organic eggshell 1/16 tsp powdered, the same amount of nutritional yeast, and a few grains of l lysine. This is I feed her twice a day. She is gaining weight. From 5 to 6 pounds now. She is a petite kitty. She has recently began to play again. She initiates i .That tells me much, and that she is feeling much better.

The most important key however is the use of calcitriol. Kidney failure in any person or animal reduces the ability of vitamin D to be used. This is vital to ensure proper function of everything. I give her .12 ml by mouth every 5th day. I have to say in all the pets I have seen with kidney failure, this supplement, by prescription, is effective. I have tried ALL types of methods to save my pets, and they all have some mild effectiveness, but this actually works. This comes from a special compounding pharmacy. A 15 ml bottle is about $70., and will last a very long time, over 6 months for sure. I only wish I had discovered this sooner. Your vet may not have experience with this so you can look it up for human use to show effectiveness and necessity as all kidney failure shares this processing of Vit D. I know for sure that diet matters. Giving carbs to carnivores promotes high blood sugars therefore defeating the purpose of helping the kidneys. Raw protein in proportion with raw eggshell calcium, which serves to bind phosphates properly restores the correct nutritional balance to the system. Balance is the key.


Black Seed Oil, ACV

Posted by Linda (London) on 02/07/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Hi.....My cat, Merlin is 16 and has kidney disease. I have been giving him a small squirt of black seed oil in a pipette every morning for the past 2 - 3 months when I take some myself. He immediately stopped vomiting and smelling slightly rancid. I combined that with a tiny amount of ACV in his drinking water each day and nearly all of the symptoms now have disappeared.


Aloe Vera Juice

Posted by Harmonica (Northern Illinois, Usa) on 11/24/2014
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

We took in a stray female 3 years ago. She had been on her own for over a month at least. She had a hernia, was in heat, and on the verge of kidney failure. The vet fixed up what he could and told us that this cat of possibly 1 year old was not going to make it given her high creatin (3.3) and BUN levels. Over the next year, we added water to her food and nursed her back to health and a better creatin level.

A year ago in May, the vet said she was starting to move back up (2.8) and that we would have to put her on special food to prolong her life. She refuses the kidney diet food no matter how I hid around her other food. So I came here and read about the Aloe Vera Inner Filet juice that helped others. I bought the 'Lily of the Desert' brand, made sure it said 'Inner Filet' and started using that instead of water to moisten her food.

December 2013, her creatin moved lower to 2.7. Last May it moved to 2.5. This past weekend, it was 2.1. She is without kidney issues now, uses her litter box regularly, cleans her coat thoroughly, has a good weight, is active. I am very thankful for this site for providing me the clue to help our sweet little kitty live a longer, less painful life!