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My dog has CRF. What holistic treatments or natural remedies help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

What are some holistic treatments/medicine I can look into for my dog with crf

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2018

Thanks for asking PetCoach! When we use a holistic approach to treatment, we need to remember that it is best to think of it as a marriage of traditional western medicine (drugs) with eastern medicine (herbs, acupuncture, etc). Some of the medications we use for congestive heart failure just CANNOT be replaced-- for instance Lasix (furosemide) - this medication is essential in treatment of chf. Additional treatments in addition to frequently used drugs for CHF would include acupuncture, as well as an herb called Hawthorn. This herb is not going to interfere with Lasix (furosemide), Vetmedin (pimobendan), or enalipril. If she is on digoxin (used to treat some arrhythmias), it could potentially interfere. I recommend Standard Process/Medi-herb brand for herbals. Here is a website to find a place that sells this brand: https://www.standardprocess.com/HCP-Search Adding acupuncture and Hawthorn would be the best suggestion I have for you. Good luck with your dog!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I apologize for misreading yesterday!! Yes, for crf, (chronic renal failure), again acupuncture can help support good blood flow to the kidneys and kidney function. Therapeutic laser is also a good option, either in combination with acupuncture or in lieu of it. In terms of herbal medicine, astragalus root, rehmannia,and cordyceps have all been studied and shown to have positive effects on kidney health. You can find these together in combo products such as Renal Essentials by VetriScience labs. Standard Process has a Renal Support supplement (not an herb, but a nutritional supplement) that is good as well. Chronic renal failure is a progressive disease. While these treatments may very well slow the progression, they will unfortunately not reverse the disease course. I hope that helps you, again sorry for the misread!

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