As loving pet owners, we always want the best for our dogs, especially when they face health challenges. Many dogs suffer from chronic conditions that require ongoing medications, such as antibiotics, NSAIDs and steroids, and while these medications are often necessary to manage conditions like infections, allergies, or joint issues, their long-term use can have unintended consequences, especially when it comes to your dog's kidney health and gut function. Adding to these risks, everyday household chemicals, such as bleach, can introduce toxins into your pet's environment. Sodium hypochlorite in cleaning products, synthetic dyes in detergents, and harmful compounds in conventional candles may be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested, further burdening your dog's kidneys and overall detox system.
In this blog, we'll explore how antibiotics, medications and household products can affect your dog's gut microbiome, increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and ultimately lead to kidney strain. Plus, we’ll show you how Proflax Kidney Care, a 100% natural flaxseed oil and herbal tincture supplement, can support kidney health and flush out toxins — a critical need for dogs on long-term medications and exposure to toxic household chemicals.
How Antibiotics and Medications Harm Gut Health
Antibiotics are a critical tool in fighting bacterial infections, but they don’t just target harmful bacteria — they also disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut. The gut is home to a delicate microbiome, which plays a significant role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Disrupted Gut Flora: Antibiotics kill off both harmful and beneficial bacteria, leading to an imbalance in your dog’s gut microbiome. This can result in digestive issues such as diarrhoea, gas, and bloating.
Weakened Immune System: Since a significant portion of your dog’s immune system resides in the gut, disrupting the gut flora weakens their overall immunity, making them more susceptible to infections or flare-ups of existing health problems.
Overgrowth of Yeast: With the balance of bacteria disrupted, harmful bacteria and yeast (such as Candida) can proliferate, leading to chronic skin infections, ear infections, and sometimes more severe internal issues.
The Connection Between Gut Health and Kidney Function
The health of your dog’s gut is intrinsically linked to the function of their kidneys. Here’s how this works:
Toxin Build-Up: When the gut is out of balance, your dog’s body may struggle to properly digest food and absorb nutrients. This leads to an increased build-up of toxins in the bloodstream, which your dog’s kidneys must work overtime to filter. If their kidneys are already under stress due to medications or other health conditions, this increased workload can cause kidney strain or even lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) over time.
Dehydration and UTIs: Many medications, especially steroids, can increase thirst and urination. This might seem harmless at first, but excessive urination can lead to dehydration, which reduces kidney function and makes your dog more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs, in turn, can worsen kidney function and cause further complications.
Chronic Inflammation: Long-term use of medication can contribute to systemic inflammation, which can directly affect the kidneys and exacerbate any underlying kidney issues.
How household products may be affecting your dogs kidneys
Household chemicals such as bleach, detergents, and scented candles can have indirect and direct implications for your dog’s kidney health, particularly when exposure is prolonged or involves ingestion of harmful substances. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have noticed an increase of kidney issues in our customer's dogs. This might be influenced by several factors, including environmental changes and the increased use of cleaning products such as antibacterial sprays due to hyper sanitisation.
The kidneys filter toxins from the bloodstream, maintaining chemical balance in the body. When dogs are exposed to substances like sodium hypochlorite, dyes, perfumes, or synthetic fragrances, their kidneys must work harder to process and eliminate these toxins. Chronic or acute exposure can contribute to kidney strain or damage over time, compounding risks for conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI).
Sodium Hypochlorite in Bleach
- Toxic Effects: Sodium hypochlorite can cause not only skin irritation but also systemic toxicity if ingested or inhaled. The kidneys play a critical role in clearing these toxins, and overexposure may overwhelm their filtering capacity, leading to potential kidney injury.
- Link to AKI: AKI occurs when the kidneys are suddenly damaged, often by toxins, including household chemicals.
Laundry Detergents
- Absorption Risks: Residual detergents left on dog bedding or furniture may lead to prolonged low-dose exposure through the skin or licking. Surfactants and dyes may act as nephrotoxic agents, stressing the kidneys over time.
- Preventative Measures: Rinsing bedding thoroughly can reduce the potential for toxin build-up in the bloodstream, thereby supporting kidney health.
Scented Candles
- Airborne Toxins: Burning paraffin-based candles can release harmful chemicals that dogs inhale. These chemicals may be absorbed into the bloodstream and subsequently filtered by the kidneys. Chronic exposure to airborne toxins could contribute to kidney workload and eventual dysfunction.
- Safer Alternatives: Switching to natural beeswax or soy candles with pet-safe essential oils may mitigate these risks.
Wider Perspective: Detox Burden on Kidneys
The kidney's function as a detoxification organ makes it particularly vulnerable to long-term exposure to irritants and toxins. Household chemicals contribute to a cumulative "toxic burden," which, when coupled with other factors such as aging or preexisting conditions, can predispose dogs to kidney diseases. Symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or lethargy may indicate underlying kidney stress.
Signs Your Dog May Be Suffering From Kidney Strain
If your dog has been on medication for a while, it’s crucial to be vigilant and watch for signs of kidney strain or urinary issues. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
- Increased thirst (drinking more water than usual)
- Frequent urination, or accidents in the house
- Lethargy or fatigue (less active or playful)
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
- Vomiting or nausea
- Straining to urinate or painful urination (signs of UTIs)
- Weight loss despite normal eating habits
Recommendations for Protection
* Reduce Exposure: Opt for pet-safe cleaning products, detergents, and candles.
* Hydration: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water, which helps the kidneys flush out toxins efficiently.
* Monitor Symptoms: If your dog shows signs of kidney issues, consult a vet early to prevent further damage.
By managing environmental toxins, you can minimise kidney strain and promote your pet’s overall health.
Supporting Kidney Health Naturally with Proflax Kidney Care
While medications are necessary to treat many health issues, supporting your dog’s kidneys naturally with a supplement like Proflax Kidney Care can help to flush out toxins, restore balance, and support overall kidney function.
Proflax Kidney Care is a 100% natural supplement made from flaxseed oil and a blend of herbal tinctures designed specifically to support kidney health in dogs with conditions like kidney disease, stones, UTIs, or bladder issues. It’s vet-approved, fast-acting, and British-made.
Key Benefits of Proflax Kidney Care:
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Promotes Blood Flow to the Kidneys: The herbs in Proflax Kidney Care, such as Angelica Sinensis, support circulation and blood flow to the kidneys, which is essential for detoxification and optimal kidney function.
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Effective Diuretic: Horsetail and Pellitory of the Wall help to naturally increase urination, which allows your dog’s kidneys to flush toxins more effectively and prevent toxic build-up.
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Supports Blood Sugar Balance: Proflax Kidney Care helps to balance blood sugar levels, which is vital for dogs with kidney disease or diabetes.
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Reduces Inflammation: Ingredients like Reishi mushrooms and Astragalus help reduce inflammation in the kidneys and support the body’s natural ability to heal.
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High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The flaxseed oil in Proflax Kidney Care is rich in Omega-3s, which help to reduce systemic inflammation, a key factor in managing kidney disease.
Herbal Blend in Proflax Kidney Care:
- Horsetail: A natural diuretic that helps to support the kidneys and urinary tract.
- Pellitory of the Wall: Supports detoxification of the kidneys.
- Angelica Sinensis: Aids circulation and blood flow to the kidneys.
- Reishi Mushrooms: Supports immune function and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Astragalus: A powerful adaptogen that supports kidney and heart health.
- Liquorice Root: Helps reduce stress, aids respiration, and makes the formula more palatable.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Kidney Health
When your dog is on long-term medication or has been exposed to toxic household chemicals, it’s crucial to take a holistic approach to their health. By supporting their gut health, reducing the stress on their kidneys, and promoting proper detoxification, you can help ensure that they feel their best and avoid further complications down the road.
Proflax Kidney Care is a natural and effective solution for dogs with kidney disease, UTIs, or bladder issues. Its carefully selected ingredients work synergistically to support kidney health, flush toxins, and promote overall wellness. Couple Proflax Kidney Care with Tummy Tastic pre & probiotic for a complete and comprehensive supplement solution.
If you're concerned about your dog’s kidney function or you want to take a proactive step in supporting their health, consider Proflax Kidney Care today.