Chronic or acute kidney failure in dogs is a common condition that besets the canine kingdom. Chronic renal failure happens when the animal’s kidneys progressively worsens in the course of his life. Acute renal failure on the other hand usually occurs when the dog swallows something that is potentially poisonous to them. When he does, his kidneys experience a very rapid breakdown that results in dire consequences.
Kidney Failure in Dogs …
While there are some things you can do to treat kidney disease, why take the chance? Take preventive steps to make sure that your pet is healthy and his kidneys continue functioning optimally for as long as possible. The best way to do this is by giving him a nutritious and vitamin diet.
Diet plays a crucial role in an animal’s health, most especially with kidney diseases. Avoid giving him food that have a high sodium and potassium content. It is said that these elements are more difficult to process and may lead to canine kidney stones. Kidney stones are dangerous. They are crystallized mineral deposits that settle in the bladder and urethra. They cause infection which is carried through the bloodstream and onto the different systems of the dog’s body.
Diet for Kidney Failure in Dogs
Give him high-grade meat, good quality starches and fresh vegetables and fruits. Fresh produce retain moisture that will further improve his hydration levels, thus helping prevent kidney failure in dogs. Find supplements that have omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B and C to boost his immune system and encourage optimal kidney health.
Now, I understand that sometimes it is very difficult to monitor what goes in our dog’s mouth. However, it is good to be aware of the substances that you must avoid putting near your dog at all times to reduce the risk of him being poisoned.
Strong medication, drugs and anti-freeze are dangerous for dogs. In most of these cases, the deterioration of the dog’s kidneys is irreversible and very fast when he ingests even a small amount of anti-freeze. Food like chocolates, grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, fruits seeds (apricots, cherries, etc.) and caffeine are some examples of what NOT to feed your pets because they can cause kidney failure in dogs. In case he does ingest a poisonous substance, induce vomiting and let him drink a lot of water immediately.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Dogs
How will you know if your dog is developing a kidney sickness? The symptoms of kidney ailments are frequent urination, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, enlarged and painful kidneys. If he is not treated right away, this may progress to seizures, difficulty in breathing, heart abnormalities and even blindness (retinal detachment is caused by high blood pressure that sufferers of dogs with kidney sicknesses experience).
Nobody ever wants to hear the diagnosis of kidney failure for their precious pets. It is a difficult ailment to live with but fortunately, not one that is completely hopeless. Consult with the vet for alternative treatments that can be administered to your dog. Provide him with a healthy lifestyle as best as you can and enjoy his company for years to come.