While kidney failure may not necessarily cause the death of young and otherwise healthy dogs, it is a potentially serious condition that can affect dogs of any age, and reduce their quality of life considerably. Furthermore, an advanced stage of the disease will adversely affect the health of older dogs or those in a weakened state, and possibly cause their death.
This is why you should be aware of the common signs of renal disease and implement treatment measures as soon as possible after you detect them in your own pet.
Among the danger signs you should look out for are a noticeable increase in water consumption and frequent urination (which are actually common during the early stages of the disease), almost colorless urine, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, aversion to certain types of food, general lethargy, weakness or depression, and an overall reduction in coordination. In the later stages of the disease, your dog may not pass any urine at all.
Treatment procedures for renal failure take many forms, with diet modification being a course of action that is often recommended. In most cases, dogs suffering from the disease will benefit greatly from a diet that is low in protein, minerals and salt.
There are quite a few high-quality dog food brands in the market that are ideally suited to this treatment, although it would be best to check with your veterinarian if you are unsure of its appropriateness for your pet. In general, it would be best to avoid the lower priced dog foods that are primarily grain based. You should also probably reduce your dog’s intake of dairy products as well as organ meats.
Adequate water should also be provided to your dog at all stages of the disease. Even if your dog doesn’t seem to want to drink water at all, it would still be a good idea to prepare water for him as usual, and change any water that has been left standing for a while.
When you take your dog to a veterinarian, he will probably have to undergo blood work and urinalysis. This is the only way by which your veterinarian will be able to determine the extent and severity of the condition.
You may also want to ask your doctor bout the feasibility of providing a multivitamin supplement that contains adequate Vitamin C and B-complex, in order to replace essential vitamins and minerals that have been lost to dehydration.
Your veterinarian may also prescribe a better alternative, and may even recommend that you give your pet additional Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E supplements. These two ingredients have been shown to reduce inflammation in the kidneys, and may retard the progress of the condition. Natural remedies may also be worth exploring, although you should again consult with your veterinarian before starting any such treatment procedure.