Clovers & Kidney Failure in Dogs

Kidney failure is a common diagnosis in aging dogs. There are two avenues kidney failure takes, acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure happens quickly and is often the result of poisoning or external toxins. Chronic kidney failure is a slow progressive disease that unfortunately can often go unnoticed for a long time. There are herbs, such as clovers, that can help keep the kidneys functioning properly if used correctly.

  1. Identification

    • Red clover is known to produce gradual beneficial changes in the body, usually by improving nutrition. According to the Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), red clover is a wild plant that has been used medicinally to treat a number of conditions including some cancers, respiratory problems, skin inflammations and was thought to cleanse the blood by acting as a diuretic.

    Conditions

    • When a dog's the kidneys are healthy, they are able to filter blood plasma by returning good clean blood to the body and create urine to expel the waste. If a dog has kidney failure, his kidneys become less able to concentrate urine and his body uses more fluid. In this instance, his kidneys are not able to filter the blood properly, if at all. If poisons and toxins cannot be expelled, your dog may begin to show signs such as: weight loss, nausea, constipation, fatigue and poor appetite.

    Effects

    • Red clover is important when dealing with dogs who have kidney failure because it helps to rid the blood of toxins and it acts as a diuretic, helping the body get rid of excess fluid.

    Dosage

    • If you choose to use red clover as a supplement for a dog with kidney failure, speak to your veterinarian to get the proper dosage, as it may vary depending upon the form of red clover you use and the weight of your dog.
      Red clover is available in several forms including tinctures, tablets, capsules and liquid extract.

    Warning

    • Red clover contains coumadin and should not be used if your dog has a blood clotting disorder. Red clover also contains a small amount of salicylic acid (aspirin,) caution should be used in dogs taking corticosteroids or non-steroidal medications.