Kidney failure is the inability of the kidneys to eliminate toxins from the body. This disease is common in older dogs and can be accompanied by other conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Below, we explain how to detect this disease and what is the best diet for dogs with kidney failure.
What are the symptoms of kidney failure in dogs?
The main symptom of dogs with kidney failure is polyuria, that is, an increase in urine production. The fact of expelling more urine increases thirst and dehydration. As the animal’s kidney function decreases, toxins such as ammonia and nitrogen accumulate in the blood. This process is known as uremia and is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Apathy and lethargy.
- Depression.
- Loss of weight and appetite.
- Muscle weakness and lack of coordination.
- Breath with an ammonia odor.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding. In the most severe cases of uremia, the animal may go into shock, coma, or even kidney failure.
Now, if you are wondering how long a dog with kidney failure lives, you should know that this condition can be managed with an adapted diet and proper veterinary treatment. That’s why it is vital that, at any symptom or suspicion, you take your furry friend to the vet. An early diagnosis can save its life.
Diet for dogs with kidney failure
If your pet suffers from this condition and you want to provide natural food for dogs with kidney failure, you must go to the vet to help you design a specific and personalized diet. If you lack the time or resources to prepare a homemade diet, you can always offer kibble formulated for dogs with kidney failure.
In any case, the diet for dogs with kidney failure must meet the following requirements:
- Low sodium and phosphorus content. Although phosphorus and sodium are essential minerals for your furry friend’s health, when a dog has kidney failure it cannot eliminate the excess of these substances. To avoid cardiovascular risks, you must control sodium and phosphorus intake by reducing salt consumption and using foods with controlled levels of these minerals.
- Moderate amounts of high-quality animal protein. Proteins are essential in your pet’s diet, but their breakdown produces toxins such as ammonia, which need to be eliminated through the kidneys. Therefore, if your dog suffers from kidney failure, you will need to control its protein intake to help its body process them properly.
- Increased intake of vitamins. When a dog urinates more than usual, it loses large amounts of water-soluble vitamins. To compensate for this loss of nutrients, the diet of a dog with kidney failure should include a higher intake of vitamins such as B and C.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 promotes blood filtration and improves kidney function. That’s why a diet rich in fatty acids helps slow the progression of kidney disease.
In these cases, we recommend the range of products from veterinary food for dogs with kidney problems. You will find a selection of foods, snacks, and supplements scientifically formulated to support the treatment of the most common kidney diseases in dogs.
How much water should a dog with kidney failure drink?
Under normal conditions, toxins circulating in the blood, from metabolism and food, dissolve in water through the kidneys. The renal system filters and expels these toxins through urine. However, when a dog suffers from kidney failure, its body has trouble staying hydrated and toxins accumulate in the blood.
As a result, the kidney needs more water to excrete the same amount of toxins. Although it is difficult to establish exactly how much water a dog with kidney failure should drink, the truth is that it will need to hydrate more often and always have access to clean, fresh water. In short, if you think your dog has kidney failure, we recommend you take it immediately to the vet to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.
In addition, you will need to provide an adapted natural diet, either homemade meals or special kibble for kidney problems. In any case, the diet for dogs with kidney failure should be low in salt and phosphorus, and rich in vitamins and high-quality animal protein.
