Kidney health is a critical consideration for all dog owners. The kidneys help clean the blood and eliminate waste matters from the body. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for keeping the kidneys functioning properly. Several health conditions can affect your dog’s
organs, so you must be aware of the signs and symptoms of kidney disease. Usually, dogs with this disease feel very thirsty and lethargic, urinate frequently, don’t eat properly, lose weight, vomit, face diarrhea, and other issues. If your dog manifests any kidney problems,
you must take him to a vet for a checkup.
Causes of kidney problems in dogs
Some of the most common reasons can be trauma, toxicity, and infection. Infection is a
common cause of kidney disease because this organ helps with blood filtering and toxin
eradication from the body. When the kidneys become infected, they can’t do their job,
which leads to toxins building up in the blood, due to which serious health consequences
can occur in your dog. Trauma to the kidneys can also cause kidney disease. Suppose your
pet’s kidneys become damaged by an accident or surgery. These will fail to function
correctly. Or, if the dog consumes something poisonous, such as certain drugs or chemicals,
it can again hurt their kidneys. Other than these, you can also blame kidney stones, kidney blockages, cancer, genetic
factors, and others for this issue in your dog.
Food choices for a dog affected by a kidney disease
You may be curious to learn what foods help repair kidneys in your dogs. After all, you want
your pet to live a healthy, happy, and long life. If your dog suffers from renal failure or other
kidney challenges, the focus must be on giving him the proper diet. Vets say they need a
therapeutic diet that is not high on protein, sodium, and phosphorous but has adequate
omega-3 fatty acid content. Sometimes, potassium can also be an addition. Do you wonder
why you should control the intake of these nutrients by your dog? Here are some insights.
Protein
There can be mixed opinions about controlling a protein diet, but two factors make this an
important decision. First, it will not create much waste caused by protein metabolism, and
second, a small amount of protein will not interfere with the kidneys filtering system. It is
essential to follow this to keep your dog’s kidneys a little burden-free for smooth
functioning for a long time.
Phosphorous
Weak kidneys can lead to a high phosphorus accumulation in your dog’s blood, creating
issues of specific vitamin deficiency in their body and affecting their calcium metabolism. If you control this element in their diet, your dog’s kidneys may not suffer more. In advanced cases, you may also need to give your pet some medications, as the vet recommends.
Sodium
Chronic kidney conditions may also require cutting down your dog’s sodium diet to remove
a little pressure from the organ and regulate blood pressure levels. When it comes to this,
you will want to avoid any treats with high sodium levels, such as cheese slices and other
items.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Adding foods rich in this content can, however, help slow down the chronic condition of
your pet. It can check inflammation that puts a burden on the kidneys. For this, you can
consider giving salmon and other such items. Or, you can supplement their diet with
flaxseed oil or fish oil.
Treating a dog’s kidney ailment
It is essential to realize that this condition is not curable. You can only manage it so that
your pet can live its life. When you speak to your vet, they will guide you properly on the
treatment. You can sigh of relief knowing that the early phase of this disease can be
treatable at home. Some dogs usually feel more uncomfortable than any pain. One of the
critical things in ensuring they live with it is keeping them hydrated. So, make sure it gets
plenty of fresh water to drink. You can add hydration supplements and a special diet for the
disease. Severe cases may require subcutaneous fluids through drips, for which you can
learn the technique from the vet. In the case of an acute problem caused by organ deterioration after your pup consumed ibuprofen, grapes, or something else, you may have to give him additional subcutaneous
fluids, antibiotics, etc. With cats, a kidney transplant can be an option. But it’s not common
for dogs. Still, removing one kidney can alleviate their risks when needed, just like what
happens with humans.
Things to expect about your dog’s future after kidney disease
The length of your dog’s life depends on the stage of his kidney disease. Then, its breed and
treatment also matter. That’s why you don’t want to delay medical assistance. The experts
inform some dogs continue to live a long life after getting this disease if it is in the early
stage. There are four stages to this disease – stage I can be manageable, while stage IV
means severe.
Nevertheless, you should try your best to help your little furry friend have a happy life. Since
diet can be critical, your vet’s input will be most significant. Kidney-specific diet may not
allow the disease to progress, causing severe issues. Like humans, they may have special dietary requirements based on their medical history, age, and health. Your vet can recommend the safest options. The readymade dog foods come with varying ingredients and different ranges. Some unique formulations can prove helpful while having a lower amount of protein, sodium, and phosphorous. So, don’t avoid consulting them.
Owning a pet is as much fun as is the responsibility. Like you care for any other family member, you also have to pay attention to their health. It is necessary to do so for your pet’s well-being. When something is wrong, their behavior and health will give signals. If you spend time with your dog, it will not be difficult to recognize something that looks off. You can immediately get alert and talk to the vet to clear your suspicion.