A Critical Component of Kidney Disease Treatment: Less Stress

A dog diagnosed with chronic kidney failure should be switched to a diet prescribed by a veterinarian as soon as possible. It will contain less phosphorus than her regular diet, which will work to slow the progression of her disease. The mechanism is not completely understood, but a high-phosphorus diet has an effect on parathyroid hormone that results in further kidney damage. Without that interaction, the disease doesn’t worsen as quickly.

The same vet-ordered diet will also contain less protein than your dog’s regular meal plan. That won’t necessarily slow the progression of the disease, but it will help your pet feel better. It means there will be fewer protein byproducts for the kidney to filter, and that will result in fewer kidney disease symptoms, such as decreased appetite, weight loss, and vomiting.

Along with providing a different diet, you will need to make a conscious effort to entice your dog to drink enough water. Without that, the blood supply to her kidneys will decrease, making their function poorer still. Low-sodium bouillon, unsalted chicken broth frozen in ice cube trays, with a cube thrown into each bowl of water — whatever it takes to make water more interesting to her.

But there’s more to diet and water when it comes to treating your dog’s kidney disease.

The Less-Stress Factor

No dog should have to live in a house with a lot of yelling or reprimands — even if they’re not directed at her. Acutely aware of our moods, dogs suffer emotionally when good feelings are overshadowed by acrimony. But the harmony quotient literally becomes a matter of health status when it comes to a dog with kidney disease. If a dog feels stressed, it can impact how much she eats and drinks. And since diet is such an important component of kidney disease treatment, that in turn can negatively impact her health when she is in such a vulnerable state. Really do try to keep things calm and pleasant in your household if your dog’s kidneys have begun to fail.

Physical stress needs to be minimized as well. For instance, don’t leave a dog with kidney failure outside on a very cold or dry hot day. Her body simply cannot respond as well as it should to physiological demands. Again, that can play into adverse changes in her appetite and thirst level. Make sure she’s as physically comfortable as possible.