
Supplements for Kidney Support
Urinary and kidney problems are more common in dogs and cats than many people realize. From frequent urination to urinary tract infections and chronic kidney disease, these issues can seriously affect your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Common Signs of Urinary or Kidney Issues in Pets
If your dog or cat has been peeing more often, drinking excessive amounts of water, or having accidents in the house, don’t ignore the signs. Some of the most common symptoms include:
1. Urination Changes
- Straining to urinate (stranguria)
- Frequent urination in small amounts (pollakiuria)
- Involuntary leakage (incontinence)
- Bloody urine (hematuria)
- Complete lack of urine (anuria) or very small amounts (oliguria)
2. Other signs
- Strong or unusual-smelling urine
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- Weight loss, lethargy, or vomiting
- Urinating outside the litter box (cats) or in unusual places (dogs)
If your pet is showing any of these signs, contact your vet.
What Conditions Could Be Causing These Symptoms?
Several urinary and kidney-related conditions could be behind these signs:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Common in both dogs and cats, UTIs can cause discomfort and lead to straining, frequent urination, or blood in the urine. They may also recur if not treated fully or if there's an underlying issue like bladder stones.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)
Stress is a major trigger for this bladder inflammation in cats, especially young to middle-aged males. It often causes painful urination and accidents outside the litter box.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
CKD is more common in older pets and can lead to increased thirst, weight loss, and urination changes over time. Catching it early can help manage it with diet and supplements.
Urinary Blockages:
In male cats especially, urinary blockages can be life-threatening. Signs include straining, crying while trying to urinate, or no urine output at all. This is an emergency—see your vet immediately.
Incontinence:
Often seen in spayed female dogs, incontinence can be caused by hormone changes, weak bladder muscles, or congenital conditions like ectopic ureters.
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Issues with urination are frequent among companion animals
Treatment and Management Options
Treatment will depend on the specific diagnosis, but it may include:
1. Special Diets for Kidney & Bladder Health
- Low-phosphorus, low-protein diets to support kidney function
- Low-fat or urinary pH–balancing diets for pets prone to stones
2. Supplements and Supportive Therapies
- Omega-3 fatty acids for kidney support and inflammation control
- Antioxidants like vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 for cell protection
- Cranberry or D-mannose to support urinary comfort and reduce bacterial adhesion
3. Medications or Surgery
Always work with your vet to create a treatment plan tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
Natural Supplements and Products to Support Urinary and Kidney Health
Adding the right products to your pet’s daily routine can help maintain kidney and urinary wellness.
- DiReNe: a specialized supplement with natural ingredients that support kidney filtration, help manage nitrogen waste, and reduce inflammation. Ideal for pets with chronic kidney issues.
- Dermoscent Uti-Zen: formulated with whole cranberry fruit, Uti-Zen supports urinary comfort and is ideal for pets prone to recurring urinary discomfort or stress-related issues.
- Dr. Baddaky Omega-3: a marine-based omega-3 supplement rich in EPA and DHA, known for supporting kidney function and promoting urinary tract health.
Additional tips that can help
- Encourage fresh water intake daily
- Keep litter boxes clean and accessible to reduce stress in cats
- Schedule regular vet checkups and urine testing for older pets
- Choose vet-recommended diets for pets with urinary conditions
Contact your vet
If your pet is showing signs of urinary discomfort, kidney issues, or changes in bathroom behavior, early action can make all the difference. From dietary changes and supplements to stress relief and medical treatments, there are many tools available to help your pet feel better and stay healthy. When in doubt, talk to your vet—they’re your best partner in managing your pet’s kidney and bladder health for the long run.