Kava Dog Food for Kidney Failure

History

• Kava is an herbal medicinal supplement found in the root of the kava shrubs of the South Pacific and Europe. Containing sedative properties, the extract from the root has been used for thousands of years by humans to treat insomnia and anxiety. Researchers are still investigating how kava can help other species.

Kava for Dogs

• The use of kava with dogs is not widespread in the veterinary community. Some vets use the herbal remedy to treat separation anxiety and other anxiety behaviors. Kava has also been used as a tranquilizer.

Effects of Kava on the Kidney

• Kava's effect on kidneys is still under investigation. In some cases, kava is linked to kidney damage and kidney stones. The research conducted was based on human testing where large quantities (more than what a standard dose would consist of) of the herb were given to participants. Other factors could have contributed to the kidney damage, so researchers could not say that the herb was responsible for the problems.

Warnings

• Researchers find that kava has similar effects on dogs as it does on humans. While the herb has a positive effect on relieving anxiety and insomnia, veterinarians have concerns that the side effects found in humans could be similar to those experienced by dogs.
  Since there is some concern in the medical world of kava's negative effect on kidneys, veterinarians do not recommend using kava when there is a pre-existing problem with the kidneys. Further research will continue to determine the true effects of this alternative medicine on both canine and human bodies.

Considerations

• Kava is available over-the-counter. Before administering this herbal remedy to a dog, especially one experiencing kidney problems, it is important that pet owners consult a vet. Due to the unknown factors presented by the use of kava, a vet should monitor the dog closely in the event that further damage to the kidneys occurs.