Kidney stones are painful crystalline structures that form and accumulate in a dog's urinary tract and kidneys. They cause enormous pain and blood in the dog's urine, and if left untreated, they can shut down the dog's elimination system entirely. You can treat your dog's kidney stones naturally by feeding him a diet that is low in purines and foods that create a buildup of uric acids in the urinary tract and bloodstream. Here are some suggestions for home remedies to treat your dog's kidney stones.
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Foods that Harm
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Foods that are high in purines cause a chemical release of uric acid, which can build up inside the bloodstream and damage the kidney's function. Red organ and game meats, shell fish, cauliflower, mushrooms, spinach, legumes, peas, gravy and high fat foods should be avoided. Foods that are high in salt and sugar can also increase the likelihood that your pet will contract kidney stones, so feed her foods that have been minimally processed, have fewer ingredients and are as close to their natural state as is possible. Foods that have many artificial additives and chemicals are more likely to contribute to kidney stones, so natural is best when choosing foods for your pet.
Foods that Heal
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Minimize the chance of your dog getting kidney stones, or treat the stones that he already has by putting him on a diet that is high in complex carbohydrates, whole grains, eggs, fruits, nuts, cheese, butter, milk, low fat foods and moderate in high-quality proteins, such as poultry and other white meats. Make sure the food is lacking in fillers and is low in salt. Instead, include plenty of low-purine vegetables and foods that contain Vitamin C. These foods will help to rid your dog's body of excess uric acid and reduce the incidence of kidney stones.
Water
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The importance of fresh drinking water for your pet cannot be emphasized enough. Not only do kidney and bladder stones form more easily in highly concentrated urea, keeping your pet's urine neutral and balanced by providing clean drinking water is one of the best ways to prevent or heal uric acid retention conditions. If you feed your dog canned food, make sure it has a high water content. This, in addition to frequently changed, cleaned and refilled fresh water in her bowl, will help to decrease the concentrations of uric acid in her bloodstream and urinary tract.
Exercise
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Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise each day, even if it means putting him on the treadmill. Regular exercise will help accumulated toxins release and will make him drink more water, which is one of the best cures for kidney stones. If you live in an apartment, try to put aside at least 30 minutes of time to take your dog on a walk around the neighborhood each day as well as his regular, shorter potty breaks. If you live in a house, and your dog has a doggie door with access to the yard, make sure he uses it. If he tends to be a couch potato and hangs around inside a lot, put him out, and close the doggie door for a few minutes three times a day.
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