Meet Dr. Lourdes Arnedo
Lourdes Arnedo is a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon with over nine years of experience, specialising in General Medicine, Emergency Care, Soft Tissue Surgery, and Diagnostic Imaging. She graduated in Veterinary Medicine and completed postgraduate training in Radiology and Abdominal Ultrasonography. She currently works as a clinician, ultrasonographer, and surgeon, providing expert care for pets.
Dr Lourdes Arnedo
Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
Q1: What do you think about having a specialised store like Indar Pet in the UK focused exclusively on kidney and urinary health for dogs and cats?
Dr. Lourdes Arnedo:
From a veterinary perspective, the existence of a specialised store such as Indar Pet is both highly positive and much needed. Renal and urinary diseases are often chronic and complex conditions, which can be emotionally demanding for owners, who frequently feel overwhelmed by the volume of information and the decisions they must make.
Having a dedicated, well-structured space focused specifically on these conditions helps to reduce that sense of overload, improves understanding of the problem, and supports better long-term adherence to veterinary recommendations.
Q2: When a pet is first diagnosed with a kidney or urinary condition, what are the most important first steps owners should focus on?
Dr. Lourdes Arnedo:
In the initial stages, it is essential that owners clearly understand the diagnosis and recognise that, in many cases, this will be a condition requiring medium- to long-term management. Understanding whether the issue is renal or urinary, and what the real implications of that condition are, is key to making informed decisions and avoiding future frustration.
In many patients, particularly those with chronic kidney disease or recurrent urinary disorders, these are not problems that are “resolved” with a single intervention, but conditions that must be managed over time.
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It is crucial to identify from the outset the specific needs of each pet based on their condition, disease stage, and individual clinical situation.
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Early intervention makes a clear difference to disease progression. Timely adjustments to diet, hydration, and lifestyle can slow deterioration, reduce complications, and improve long-term clinical stability.
Q3: From your experience, why is it important for owners to understand the difference between kidney disease and urinary or bladder issues?
Dr. Lourdes Arnedo:
It is essential for owners to understand the difference because, although related, they affect different systems and require very different management approaches. Confusing these conditions is common and can lead to unrealistic expectations or inappropriate decisions for the patient.
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Kidney disease involves progressive impairment of kidney function, which is vital for maintaining the body’s internal balance. It is often silent in early stages and requires ongoing management and regular monitoring.
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Urinary or bladder problems usually affect the lower urinary tract (inflammation, infections, crystals or stones). They can be recurrent and uncomfortable, but their causes, progression, and management are different and often more dynamic. Many cases can be fully resolved.
Q4: What early warning signs of urinary problems or kidney stress do owners often overlook?
Dr. Lourdes Arnedo:
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In kidney disease, a key early sign is increased water intake (polydipsia), usually with increased urine volume. Owners may normalize this gradual change and notice it too late.
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In lower urinary tract problems, signs are more related to urination itself: frequent urination of small volumes, straining, or signs of pain.
Recognising these patterns helps detect the underlying problem earlier. Any persistent increase in water consumption, especially with weight loss, reduced appetite, or urination changes, should prompt a veterinary consultation. Early detection allows earlier intervention and improves outcomes.
Q5: Many owners feel lost or anxious after a long-term diagnosis. How important is education and ongoing support for pet owners in these situations?
Dr. Lourdes Arnedo:
Education and ongoing support are absolutely essential. It is normal for owners to feel overwhelmed, as they are not only receiving a medical diagnosis but also managing a chronic condition daily.
When owners understand what is happening and how their decisions influence health, anxiety decreases significantly. Access to trusted educational resources, such as practical guides or articles, reinforces consultation advice, answers questions at home, and improves adherence to management plans, ultimately enhancing the pet’s quality of life.
Q6: How do hydration and nutrition play different roles in supporting kidney health compared to urinary health?
Dr. Lourdes Arnedo:
Hydration and nutrition are fundamental in both areas, but their roles differ:
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In kidney disease, the goal is to reduce kidney workload and slow damage progression. Hydration maintains renal perfusion; nutrition controls phosphorus, protein, and provides a balanced, tailored diet.
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In urinary tract disorders, hydration aims to dilute urine, reduce irritation, lower mineral concentration, and prevent crystals/stones. Nutrition focuses on urine composition, pH, and solute concentration.
A condition-specific strategy, always under veterinary supervision, is essential for disease control and long-term quality of life.
Q7: Do you see benefits in a more holistic approach for pets with chronic renal or urinary conditions?
Dr. Lourdes Arnedo:
Yes. Chronic renal and urinary diseases affect the whole body. Stress, digestive health, routine, and environment influence disease progression.
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A holistic approach includes clinical, nutritional, and environmental factors.
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Supportive products and supplements can complement, but cannot replace veterinary care.
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Integrating these tools improves daily comfort and long-term stability.
A holistic approach does not mean less medical rigour but a broader, coherent view of the patient to achieve the best quality of life.
Q8: Can stress or environmental factors influence urinary or kidney health, particularly in cats?
Dr. Lourdes Arnedo:
Yes. Cats are especially sensitive to environmental changes. Stress from routine changes, house moves, new animals, conflicts in multi-cat homes, or poor resource management can trigger or worsen urinary issues.
Even kidney disease management can be affected, as stressed cats may drink less, eat poorly, or struggle with dietary changes. A predictable, enriched, low-stress environment improves clinical stability and quality of life.
Q9: In your professional opinion, why is it beneficial to start supportive care early rather than waiting for symptoms to progress?
Dr. Lourdes Arnedo:
Early intervention is one of the most influential factors in renal and urinary disease progression. Waiting until clinical signs appear usually means the disease is more advanced, particularly in kidney disease.
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Early adjustments in nutrition, hydration, and environment reduce strain, prevent complications, and slow functional decline.
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Patient comfort is improved; pain and stress are reduced, and daily management is easier.
Early care leads to better long-term quality of life and strengthens the partnership between the owner and veterinary team.
Q10: Would you recommend a specialist renal and urinary store like Indar Pet to your clients? Why?
Dr. Lourdes Arnedo:
Yes. As a complement to veterinary follow-up, a specialist store provides a structured, reliable environment. Owners can access carefully selected products and educational content aligned with veterinary recommendations.
This helps owners make informed decisions, reduce anxiety, and adhere to management plans. Well-designed specialist platforms like Indar Pet are a valuable tool in the overall management of renal and urinary disease.
A big thank you to Lourdes Arnedo for sharing her expertise with us. We hope this interview provides helpful guidance for dog and cat owners in managing kidney and urinary health. Don’t miss our upcoming interviews and tips from veterinary professionals.