How to Prevent Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis is a condition that arises secondary to another illness and can affect cats and dogs. Diabetes, kidney problems from damage or defects, and ingesting toxins, such as antifreeze, can cause metabolic acidosis, which is a discrepancy in the body's acids and bases. Unfortunately metabolic acidosis in mild forms may not be symptomatic; your pet may seem just fine. In serious cases your pet may be very sick. In some cases, you can prevent metabolic acidosis by providing good, basic care to your cat or dog.

Things You'll Need

Quality pet food
Insulin, if needed
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Feed a nutritious diet that meets your pet's needs. Poor diets can lead to poor health in your pet, which in some cases can present itself as metabolic acidosis. Your veterinarian can help you decide which food is best for your cat or dog.
- 2
  Give your pet access to water at all times. Dehydration can lead to metabolic acidosis. Your cat or dog should always have clean water available to keep well-hydrated.
- 3
  Keep antifreeze and other toxins away from pets. Cats and dogs are drawn to antifreeze and just a small amount can make them very sick very quickly. Keep antifreeze bottles closed and put away and clean up any spills immediately.
- 4
  Treat your pet's diabetes. If your cat or dog has diabetes, be vigilant about following your veterinarian's instructions on administering insulin and its diet.
- 5
  Take your pet to your veterinarian for regular checkups and include basic blood work to check on the health of the organs. Your vet's office may call this a "wellness check" and it will help find problems before they lead to metabolic acidosis. This is important in cases where the condition is not obvious because your pet appears healthy.