Kidney disease in dogs is life threatening, and Four Paws wants to help you prevent it anyway you can.
It’s easy to miss the warning signs if you don’t know what you’re looking for, but early diagnosis is crucial in the fight against kidney disease in dogs. By the time most side effects are noticed, nearly 75 percent of kidney function could be lost.
Here are some early signs to be on the lookout for in your dog:
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Bad breath
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Sore mouth
- Weakness
- Lack of energy and sleeping more
- Poor coat appearance
- Depression
If you recognize any of these symptoms, check with your vet on having more thorough tests taken.
If your dog does end up with kidney disease, there are ways of managing it that can make your pet as comfortable as possible. It starts with a proper diet. It’s recommended feeding a high quality protein and fat based food. Here are a list of additional recommendations for your dog’s diet:
- Species appropriate raw, balanced meat based dog food
- Nitrogen taps of probiotic supplements
- Feed organ meat as 10-15 percent of your dog’s diet
- Foods that are high in potassium
Read more on how educating yourself about this disease could give your dog the preventive steps to keep them healthy.