Azodyl Side Effects

Azodyl is an over-the-counter supplement used to treat kidney disease in cats and dogs. If your pet's kidneys are failing, you are likely ready to try just about anything to make him as healthy as possible. However, you should understand the potential side effects of any medication before giving it to your pet.

  1. Definition

    • Azodyl helps treat azotemia, or the accumulation of urea in the blood. This is usually excreted by the body in the form or urine, but in animals with renal failure, the urea builds up in the blood, effectively poisoning your pet. Azodyl's formula uses naturally occurring, beneficial bacteria to metabolize toxins from your pet's body, according to the Vet Info website.This slows down the rate at which toxic build-up occurs.

    Side Effects

    • While the manufacturer or Azodyl claims there are no reported side effects from using the product even when used in conjunction with other medications, some people have reported that the medication caused vomiting and diarrhea in pets, according to the Vet Info website. This digestive upset seems to occur most often when the pet first starts the medication.

    Reasons

    • Azodyl uses probiotic bacteria, and this bacteria often causes digestive upset when first introduced into an animal's system. As the healthy bacteria becomes more balanced in your pet's system, the vomiting and diarrhea should stop. However, always consult with your vet if your pet has an upset stomach after taking Azodyl.

    Other Issue

    • If you notice your pet vomits up an entire capsule immediately after you administer it, the capsule might be sticking to your pet's throat and causing him to gag. Giving your pet access to plenty of fresh water immediately after giving him a capsule of Azodyl may keep the capsule from sticking, reducing the chances that your pet will throw up. This is usually a temporary problem; your pet should quickly become accustomed to swallowing the medicine. However, consult your veterinarian with any concerns, especially if the vomiting becomes severe.

    Considerations

    • Although Azodyl is available over the counter, only use it under a vet's direction. Renal failure is a terminal condition, so it will progress regardless of treatment. Focus on making your pet as comfortable as possible. Many pets respond well to Azodyl, but if digestive upset continues more than a few days, talk to your vet about other options to make sure your pet is not stressed by the medication's potential side effects.