Treating Canine Renal Failure (Kidney Failure)

Treatment for canine renal failure includes subcutaneous fluids, and dietary changes with various supplements. This page looks at how to treat and care for dogs with chronic canine kidney failure.

As mentioned in our page on Canine Kidney Failure, there is no cure for chronic renal failure in dogs. The disease has to be controlled and monitored for the rest of the dog's life.

Let's look at some of the best and simplest treatments for chronic renal failure in dogs.

Treating Canine Renal Failure - Water and Subcutaneous Fluids

It is extremely important to provide clean fresh water for a dog with chronic renal failure at all times. The dog needs a large amount of water intake to compensate for his large urine output.

Sometimes, however, the dog may not be able to drink enough water to compensate for the loss of water through the kidneys. In such a case, subcutaneous fluids can be given to the dog by a vet in the clinic, or dog parents can learn how to give them at home. Subcutaneous fluids are an excellent way to help keep the toxins flushed out of the bloodstream.

Dogs with advanced stage of kidney failure may need subcutaneous fluids daily.

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Treating Canine Renal Failure - Dietary Management

Protein

Protein is poorly metabolized by dogs with renal failure, therefore some veterinarians believe that a low-protein diet (restricting meat intake) is necessary for dogs with this disease.

However, other veterinarians believe that low-protein diets, if not carefully managed, can lead to malnutrition. They argue that a diet with high-quality protein sources (such as eggs, cottage cheese, milk, and yogurt) is better than a low-protein diet. They believe that as long as the protein is of high biological value, it will not hinder the proper functioning the kidneys.

If your dog is suffering from chronic renal failure, be sure to discuss pros and cons of a low-protein diet with your vet.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus combines with calcium and gets deposited in the kidneys, causing additional damage to the kidneys. Restricting phosphorus intake is essential for dogs with chronic renal failure. (As meat contains high quantities of phosphorus, that's why some vets believe that limiting meat protein intake is one good way to restrict phosphorus.)

For some dogs, medications to lower the phosphorus level in the body are required along with dietary management.

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Treating Canine Renal Failure - Nutritional Supplements

Several nutritional supplements have been found to be helpful for dogs with kidney failure:

Vitamins B and C: When a dog urinates frequently due to renal failure, he also elimiates vital water soluble vitamins B and C. It is therefore essential to give supplements of vitamins B and C supplements to dogs with kidney failure.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Studies suggest that dogs with kidney failure can benefit greatly by taking omega-3 fatty acids.
Sodium Bicarbonate: Bicarbonate ions are essential for the proper functioning of the kidneys. However, frequent and excessive urination can flush out bicarbonate ions from the kidney tissue. One easy way to supplement a dog with sodium bicarbonate is to add a pinch of baking soda to the dog's food every day.

Here is a natural supplement that is good for dogs with chronic kidney failure. It contains vitamins B and C, Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a number of kidney-supporting herbs. Please check it out: Vetri-Science Renal Essentials for Dogs.

To prevent kidney failure in dogs, use herbs to support kidney functions. PetAlive Kidney Support is a natural herbal remedy that contains kidney-supporting herbs such as burdock, dandelion, and cleavers. Used regularly, this remedy will promote kidney functioning, support healthy blood pressure within the normal range and maintain routine excretion of waste products.