Instructions
Take your dog to a veterinarian regularly. An annual checkup is important for all dogs. At this checkup, the veterinarian will look for signs of disease and possibly even do blood work to ensure your dog is healthy. Kidney failure, when caught early, is more easily treated than kidney failure in its later stages.
Take your dog in to a veterinarian if you notice any signs that something is not right. Kidney failure signs generally do not show up until the disease is more advanced, so it is extremely important to have your dog evaluated as soon as you notice symptoms. Some symptoms of kidney failure include increased thirst and urination, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss.
Eliminate any possible causes. Some medications can contribute to kidney failure. Your veterinarian can tell you if any medications your dog is on can cause kidney failure and he will advise you to stop them. Cut down on the stress in your dog's life. Stress is often caused by sudden changes in your dog's environment.
Allow constant access to fresh water. A dog with kidney failure will naturally drink more water to try to flush the toxins from its body naturally. Do not restrict access to water.
Change your dog's diet. Keep nutrients such as protein, phosphorus and calcium low and potassium and fatty acids high. This balance of nutrients helps the body handle kidney failure better.
Use natural remedies along with your veterinarian's recommendations. An herbal supplement known as Tripsy helps with kidney function. Burdock, dandelion and cleavers all aid kidney functions.
Give your dog any medications as prescribed by the veterinarian. Some medications have been found to help reverse or slow down renal disease and improve kidney function. This step is generally taken after more natural treatments have failed to work.
Take your dog for dialysis treatments. Many people think that dialysis is only for people. However, dogs who have reversible kidney failure are sometimes put on dialysis to quickly rid their bodies of excess toxins to keep their kidneys from being overworked when they do begin functioning normally again. Dialysis is expensive. Therefore, this treatment option is generally only offered if your dog's kidney failure is reversible.
How to Save Dogs in Kidney Failure
Dog owners typically view their dogs as members of their own family and often treat them as such. When your pet becomes ill, it is important to treat them as soon as possible to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment for a healthy life. Kidney disease can affect dogs of any age and can be caused by many different things. Some forms are reversible, while others are not. You can help save your dog's life by taking it to a veterinarian and also treating it at home.