How to Treat Kidney Disease in Dogs

Kidney failure can affect dogs of any age--and is one of the most common forms of death in older dogs--therefore it's very important to be aware of the symptoms to look for and the following ways to treat kidney disease--in order to prolong your dog's life and quality of life.

Instructions

1

Be aware of the common symptoms of canine kidney disease. Your dog may exhibit some of these symptoms or all of them: excessive water consumption, frequent urination, dilute urine (very little color), vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or aversions to certain foods, lethargy, weakness and lack of coordination. In the later stages there may be little to no urine output.

2

Feed your dog with kidney disease a diet lower in protein, minerals and salt. There are various high-quality dog foods to choose from, but make sure to read and compare ingredients. Avoid grain-based lower quality foods. If feeding a homemade diet, avoid dairy products and organ meats.

3

Provide plenty of water for your dog at all times.

4

Take your dog to a veterinarian for periodic blood work and urinalysis, which is the only way to get an accurate assessment of your dog's kidney "numbers."

5

Give your dog a multivitamin supplement containing Vitamin C and B-complex to replace vitamins and minerals that have been depleted. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation or what to look for. Additionally, Omega-3 fatty acids in conjunction with Vitamin E have been shown to reduce kidney inflammation and may slow the progression of renal failure.

6

Check with your veterinarian about natural remedies to support the kidney and immune system. If your vet runs a traditional practice, he or she may be reluctant to recommend natural remedies. In this case, you might want to consult with a holistic vet.