Tips for Feeding Purina Dog Food for Kidney Failure

Watching a dog suffer from kidney failure is a very sad experience. The diagnosis may seem depressing, but dogs with renal failure can live longer than expected. A diagnosis of kidney failure is not necessarily a death sentence for your pet. Older dogs are most susceptible to this disease, as their bodies age so does the function of their kidneys start to deteriorate. Certain breeds such as Lhasa Apsos and Akitas are more susceptible to hereditary dysfunction, but chronic kidney failure naturally occurs in dogs 9 years of age and older. Veterinarians recommend a strict diet, low in protein, salt and phosphorous. When my family's dog was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure we started her on Purina Canine NF Kidney Function Formula. She is long gone now, but here are some tips for other owners having to feed their dogs Purina dog food for kidney failure.

Symptoms
Chronic canine kidney disease is progressive, often taking its toll for months and years before symptoms are noticeable. In some cases, dogs do not exhibit symptoms of kidney failure until the disease is advanced. Early symptoms include excessive water consumption and frequent urination. Dogs with kidney failure have pale urine; it appears diluted with almost no color. Excessive urination may lead to frequent accidents in the house, even though your dog is an adult and has long been house trained. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, disinterests in food, weakness and lack of coordination are also signs of kidney failure in dogs.

Diagnosis
Schedule an appointment with your dog's veterinarian if you notice any symptoms. Sometimes yearly physicals can pick up the early signs, which is another reason to take your pet for those routine checkups. Blood work and urinalysis are necessary to confirm renal failure.

Treatment
Immediate treatment of chronic kidney failure in dogs is a dietary change. Dogs with kidney problems require a diet low in protein, salt and phosphorous. Purina Canine NF Kidney Function Formula is specially designed to provide nutrients but limit phosphorus intake. Restricted high quality protein is another ingredient in the formula, which minimizes the intake of nonessential amino acids. Minimization of nonessential amino acids helps dogs decrease the production of nitrogenous waste products. A failing kidney cannot regulate sodium, which is why a low salt dog food formula is necessary to treat the disease.

Purina Canine NF Kidney Function Formula is high in potassium. Potassium is necessary to control electrolytes at the proper levels. This helps dogs avoid dehydration. Frequent water consumption is necessary for dogs with failing kidneys, as water will keep their bodies from dehydration and weakness. Speak to your dog's veterinarian about adding potassium directly to your dog's water bowl.

Purina Canine NF Kidney Function Formula is a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are used in treatment of renal failure, and are said to slow down the progression of the disease. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation.

Along with a proper diet of Purina Canine NF Kidney Function Formula, your dog will need a multivitamin supplement containing Vitamin B-complex and Vitamin C. Your dog's veterinarian will recommend that the supplement be administered daily. The vitamins and nutrients lost by your dog's inability to recycle and retain these vitamins are replenished with a daily supplement. You will need to administer a supplement immediately after feeding your dog his normal serving of kibbles. Wait for any signs of vomiting before giving a supplement.

Hypertension and Stress
Kidney failure is a known factor in developing hypertensions. Hypertension is high blood pressure, which can severely affect a dog's response to treatment. Hypertension can also increase the progression of kidney failure. A medication is prescribed by veterinarians to treat hypertension in dogs. This is a daily pill that must be administered as part of continued treatment. High stress levels will affect a dog suffering from kidney failure. Stress will also cause high blood pressure and may exaggerate other symptoms. Keep your dog calm and relaxed as best as possible, preferably by not making erratic environment changes such as introducing new pets.

Continued Care
Continued blood tests and urinalysis are required while keeping your dog on a Purina Canine NF Kidney Function Formula diet. Your dog's veterinarian will ask for tests every 2-3 months. Your dog's weight will need to be closely monitored, as well as any signs of anemia. Severe weight loss is a sign of the disease progressing to a critical stage. A severely ill dog will require hospitalization for intravenous care and under the skin injections. These are treatments for severe dehydration from renal failure.

Your dog's diet is important, as the pet's kidneys will no longer be able to process certain foods. Purina Canine NF Kidney Function Formula will help to reduce the progression of kidney dysfunction. Always make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink. While there is no cure for renal failure, a dog can live a happier life with a proper diet.

Resources

Kidney Failure in Dogs
Chronic Kidney Failure in Dogs
Purina Canine NF Kidney Function Formula
Canine Renal Disease