Azodyl Frequently Asked Questions
What is Azodyl and how does it work?
Azodyl is a nutritional supplement for dogs and cats that contains three strains of probiotics that may reduce azotemia, which is a medical condition characterized by an increased concentration of urea and other compounds in the blood that further impair kidney function.
How should Azodyl be used?
The manufacturer's recommended dose of Azodyl in cats and dogs weighing up to 5 lbs is 1 capsule daily. For animals weighing 5-10 lbs give 2 capsules daily (1 in the AM and 1 in the PM). For animals weighing greater than 10 lbs give 3 capsules daily (2 in the AM and 1 in the PM). If necessary, administer capsule with a piece of the animal's favorite food or treat. We recommend trying Pill Pockets if you have a finicky pet that doesn’t like to take pills.
What are the side effects?
According to the manufacturer's materials, there are no reported side effects.
What if a side effect occurs with my pet?
Stop administering Azodyl and contact your veterinarian.
How long does Azodyl take to work?
Depending on the overall health of your pet, the manufacturer says the reduction in BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine levels, two indicators that are used to measure renal health, may occur in as little as two weeks.
How long before or after food can Azodyl be taken?
Azodyl works best when it reaches your pet’s bowel. You want the medication to avoid spending a lot of time in your pet’s stomach and small intestine where there are acids that can be detrimental to the probiotics in Azodyl. By giving the medication not at feeding times, the better chance it has to quickly get to the colon.
Is Azodyl effective if the capsules are opened and given orally in water by syringe? Can I mix it with my pet’s food?
No. The manufacturer states that Azodyl has to be given whole. Do not open, crush, or give your pets the contents of Azodyl capsules via oral syringe. Doing so compromises the delivery system of the live probiotics. If necessary, try administering Azodyl with a piece of your pet’s favorite food or treats.
What happened to the 60 ct. bottles of Azodyl?
The 60 ct. bottles of Azodyl have been replaced by 90 ct. bottles that feature smaller capsules. Some pets, especially cats, had trouble swallowing the larger caspules. These new smaller capsules should alleviate that problem.
Does Azodyl need to be given on an empty stomach?
No. It does not need to be given on an empty stomach.
How long can Azodyl last without refrigeration?
The manufacturer has determined that Azodyl may remain unrefrigerated for a week or more, however we ship it in refrigerated packaging to insure viability. If you have concerns, please contact us at 1-800-710-9770.
How is Azodyl kept cold during shipping?
We ship Azodyl via UPS Overnight in insulated packaging with cold packs to make sure it stays properly refrigerated. However, The manufacturer has determined that Azodyl may remain unrefrigerated for a week or more. If you have concerns about the temperature of your product when you receive it, please contact us at 1-800-710-9770.
Does Azodyl have to be given to dogs with kidney disease?
Azodyl is a nutritional supplement designed to help pets suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) by reducing the strain put on the kidneys. Consult your veterinarian to see if Azodyl can be used to augment any of the other CKD treatments your pet may be receiving.
What if my pet skips a day or two?
While there should be no harm if you get your pet back on the dosing regimen as soon as you can, contact your veterinarian to be sure.
Can Azodyl be given with simultaneous administration of antibiotics?
Pets with chronic kidney disease commonly contract urinary tract infections (UTIs), primarily due to the altered quantity and pH of their urine. Veterinarians usually prescribe various antibiotics to treat these sorts of infections. The manufacturer recommendeds that you space out the administration of the antibiotics and Azodyl by 6 hours. By then, the antibiotics will be fully absorbed and the half-life will be reduced sufficiently that any return to the gut will be negligible.
Will Azodyl help my pet’s kidney stones or urinary tract crystals?
While Azodyl is intended to support kidney function, it is not indicated for the treatment of kidney stones or urinary crystals. Please consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet Azodyl if they are already are taking urinary supplements.
Can my pet’s dosage be reduced?
You should follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage for your pet’s weight. The effectiveness of Azodyl may be reduced if you decrease the dosage. Please consult your veterinarian if you have specific questions about your pet's dosage.
Is there a liquid alternative to Azodyl?
Unfortunately, there are no similar products in liquid form.
What if one of my pets accidentally eats my other pet’s Azodyl capsule?
Because Azodyl is a nutritional supplement and may take up to two weeks before it takes effect, eating one capsule should not harm a pet not suffering from chronic kidney disease. Just make sure to get your affected pet back on the dosing regimen as soon as possible. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any potential side effects.
Does Azodyl cause an animal to lose balance?
Azodyl is a nutritional supplement, so it is unlikely that it would cause those symptoms. However, always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your animal’s wellbeing.
Is Azodyl the same as Epakitin? What are their differences?
Azodyl and Epakitin are both kidney supplements, but they work in different ways. Azodyl may support renal function by reducing uremic toxins and easing the strain on your pet’s kidneys. It also has the potential to reduce BUN and creatinine levels. Epakitin is a kidney supplement that may reduce serum phosphorous levels.
Can my pet use Azodyl with Epakitin?
Yes. According to the manufacturer, Azodyl may be used with any chronic kidney disease treatment your pet is currently receiving, however you should always consult your veterinarian before giving your pet a new supplement or medication. Epakitin is primarily used for reducing serum phosphorous, and about 10-15% of patients with azotemia also have elevated serum phosphorous levels. When used together, Azodyl and Epakitin may help reduce both azotemia and phosphatemia. Please consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any new supplements or medications.
Can you use Rubenal and Azodyl together?
Yes. According to the manufacturer, Azodyl can be used with Rubenal. Rubenal is made from medicinal rhubarb and may help protect healthy kidney tissue and minimize the negative consequences of fibrosis. Azodyl uses probiotics to remove toxins from the blood that place extra strain on your pet’s kidneys. Both products may help pets with chronic kidney disease. However, consult your veterinarian before putting your pet on any supplement regimen.
Can I give my pet Azodyl and Aluminum Hydroxide?
Because different medications and supplements can interact differently with each other, you should speak to veterinarian about whether your pet should be taking Azodyl and Aluminum Hydroxide at the same time.
How long does Azodyl last in the refrigerator?
When stored in a refrigerator, Azodyl will last until the expiration date printed on the bottle.