The kidneys help keep a dog healthy by regulating blood pressure, removing waste products from the blood, and preventing dehydration.The kidneys can stop functioning as a dog gets older.A good diet can slow disease progression and help a dog with the disease have a good quality of life.If your older dog has a disease that affects the kidneys, it's a good idea to feed him a low-calcium diet and keep him hydrated.
Step 1: Discuss diet choices with your vet.
When your vet diagnoses your dog with a disease, they will talk to you about what to eat.Commercial dog food is available.It's possible to make a homemade diet for your dog.A homemade diet requires a lot of time and attention.If you want to make your own diet, you need to work with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist.Ask your vet questions about your dog's new diet.Is my dog going to eat less food?Which brands of dog food should I buy?Is this diet the only food my dog can eat?
Step 2: A low-protein commercial diet is a good choice.
It is important to feed an older dog with a disease.The kidneys work hard.Look for a diet with a high-quality source of meat.A normal dog diet has about 1/3 to 1/2 less meat than a kidneys diet.A low-protein diet is more expensive than a normal diet.If your dog is severely restricted, it can lead to other health problems.Your vet can tell you how much your dog needs.Other important vitamins and minerals can be found in a low-protein commercial diet.
Step 3: Slowly switch your dog to the new diet.
Your dog will need time to get used to the new diet.It is advisable to transition your dog to the new diet over a period of at least one to two weeks.Start with a small amount of the new diet.When your dog is eating only the new diet, increase the amount of it every few days.
Step 4: Encourage your dog to eat.
Your dog may not like the diet.Your dog needs to eat the diet so it gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs.Feed your dog a different diet if it doesn't like it.Instead of two large meals, serve several small meals a day.Make the food smell better by heating it in the microwave.A small amount of cottage cheese or yogurt can be added to the diet.Talk to your vet about giving your dog something to eat.
Step 5: Keep an eye on your dog's eating habits.
Contact your vet if your dog stops eating.Your vet may need to place a feeding tube in your dog, which will allow it to receive food.A dog that is sick can have an upset stomach and not feel like eating.
Step 6: You should follow up with your vet.
Your vet will need to keep a close watch on your dog's blood levels when he eats a low-protein diet.If your dog's blood levels are too low, the restriction may be too severe.If they are too high, you may need to feed your dog a diet with less meat.
Step 7: Limit your dog's intake of phosphorus.
Older dogs need to be kept at proper levels of certain minerals.Excess phosphorus can cause other health problems.The GI tract hasphosphate in it.Commercial diet that contains reduced amounts of phosphorus.If your dog needs a binder, your vet will let you know.
Step 8: Limit your dog's food intake.
When the kidneys are damaged by too much sodium, it can be bad.The commercial diet is low in sodium.Since too little salt can lead to dehydration, you should not restrict it too much.Dog table scraps can be high in sodium, so don't feed them.
Step 9: Give your dog a supplement.
A lot of potassium is lost through the urine in older dogs with kidney disease.Your vet will recommend giving your dog a supplement if his levels are too low.Dogs with the disease are more likely to have low potassium than cats.
Step 10: Discuss your dog's calcium needs with your vet.
Changes in the levels of calcium and phosphorus can affect older dogs.Calcium levels can change.Your vet will keep a close watch on your dog's calcium levels and determine if you need to make any changes to his diet.Calcitriol can be used as a calcium supplement for dogs.There is no consensus among veterinarians about the benefits of calcitriol for dogs with this disease.
Step 11: Adding a supplement of vitamins is a good idea.
A lot of vitamins B and C can be lost in a dog's urine because they urinate more often.Extra amounts of vitamins are found in the commercial diet for the kidneys.If your dog is not eating well, it may need vitamins.If your dog needs vitamins, talk to your vet.
Step 12: Your dog's blood work needs to be monitored by your vet.
Your dog's nutrition needs will change as the disease progresses.By monitoring your dog's blood work over time, your vet will be able to determine if you need to make changes to your diet.If you are feeding your dog a homemade diet, it is important to monitor blood work.
Step 13: Provide your dog with fresh water.
You will need to keep your dog hydrated in addition to feeding it a good diet.Adequate hydration is important to care for an older dog.Provide your dog with a constant supply of water.Your dog may not be able to drink enough water on its own as the disease progresses.You may need to give your dog fluids that are injected under the skin.
Step 14: Encourage your dog to drink.
A dog can feel so sick that it doesn't want to drink.Dehydration can make the disease worse.Give your dog some soup to drink.If you want to do this, you need to talk with your vet so he can help you choose a low-sodium soup for your dog.
Step 15: There is a decrease in water intake.
A dog with a disease will stand in front of its bowl of water and not drink it.Contact your vet if you notice that your dog is drinking less water.Your vet may recommend giving your dog fluids.