what can you do for a dog in kidney failure
Dog With Kidney Failure Not Eating
[ad_1]Dog With Kidney Failure Not Eating: What You Need to Know
Kidney failure in dogs is a serious and often life-threatening condition that requires prompt attention and treatment. One of the most common symptoms of kidney failure in dogs is a loss of appetite, which can be concerning for pet owners. In this article, we will explore the reasons why a dog with kidney failure may not be eating, as well as provide tips and advice on how to encourage your furry friend to eat. We will also address common concerns and provide answers to help you navigate this difficult situation.
Reasons Why a Dog With Kidney Failure May Not Be Eating
There are several reasons why a dog with kidney failure may not be eating. One of the primary reasons is the build-up of toxins in the body due to the kidneys inability to properly filter waste products. This can cause nausea and a general feeling of malaise, which can lead to a decreased appetite.
Another reason why a dog with kidney failure may not be eating is due to the medications they may be taking to manage their condition. Some medications can cause side effects such as nausea or stomach upset, which can make it difficult for your dog to eat.
Additionally, dogs with kidney failure may experience changes in their sense of taste and smell, which can affect their appetite. They may find food less appealing or appetizing than they used to, leading to a decreased interest in eating.
Lastly, the stress and discomfort of having a chronic illness like kidney failure can also contribute to a dogs loss of appetite. Dogs may feel anxious or depressed, which can further decrease their desire to eat.
Tips for Encouraging Your Dog to Eat
If your dog is not eating due to kidney failure, it is important to take steps to encourage them to eat and maintain their strength and energy levels. Here are some tips to help stimulate your dogs appetite:
1. Offer a variety of foods: Try offering your dog a variety of different foods to see if they have a preference for certain flavors or textures. You can also try adding some warm water or low-sodium broth to their food to make it more appealing.
2. Feed smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of feeding your dog one large meal, consider breaking their meals up into smaller, more frequent feedings throughout the day. This can help stimulate their appetite and prevent them from feeling overwhelmed by a large amount of food.
3. Keep mealtime stress-free: Create a calm and quiet environment for your dog during mealtime to help reduce their stress and anxiety. Avoid loud noises or distractions that could disrupt their eating.
4. Consult with your veterinarian: If your dog is consistently refusing to eat, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues or complications. They may be able to recommend appetite stimulants or other medications to help improve your dogs appetite.
5. Consider homemade or specialty diets: In some cases, dogs with kidney failure may benefit from a homemade or specialty diet that is tailored to their specific dietary needs. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the best diet for your dogs condition.
6. Monitor your dogs weight and hydration: Keep a close eye on your dogs weight and hydration levels to ensure they are maintaining a healthy balance. Dehydration can exacerbate kidney failure and make it even more difficult for your dog to eat, so be sure to provide plenty of fresh water at all times.
7. Be patient and consistent: Encouraging a dog with kidney failure to eat can be a challenging and frustrating process, but it is important to remain patient and consistent in your efforts. Keep trying different strategies and techniques until you find what works best for your furry friend.
Trends Related to Dogs With Kidney Failure Not Eating
1. Increase in kidney failure cases: There has been a noticeable increase in the number of dogs being diagnosed with kidney failure in recent years, which has raised concerns among veterinarians and pet owners alike.
2. Growing demand for specialty diets: As more dogs are diagnosed with kidney failure, there has been a growing demand for specialty diets and nutritional supplements that are tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of dogs with this condition.
3. Rise in popularity of holistic treatments: Pet owners are increasingly turning to holistic and alternative treatments to help manage their dogs kidney failure, including acupuncture, herbal remedies, and massage therapy.
4. Focus on early detection and prevention: Veterinarians are placing a greater emphasis on early detection and prevention of kidney failure in dogs, through regular screenings, blood tests, and monitoring of kidney function.
5. Importance of hydration: Proper hydration is crucial for dogs with kidney failure, as dehydration can worsen the condition and lead to further complications. Pet owners are being encouraged to provide plenty of fresh water for their furry friends at all times.
6. Emotional support for pet owners: Dealing with a dog with kidney failure can be emotionally challenging for pet owners, who may feel overwhelmed and stressed. There is a growing focus on providing emotional support and resources for pet owners to help them cope with the demands of caring for a sick pet.
7. Advances in medical treatment: There have been significant advances in medical treatment options for dogs with kidney failure, including new medications, surgical procedures, and dialysis techniques that can help manage the condition and improve quality of life.
Common Concerns and Answers for Dog Owners
1. Concern: My dog is not eating, should I be worried?
Answer: It is important to monitor your dogs eating habits closely and consult with your veterinarian if they are consistently refusing to eat. Loss of appetite can be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.
2. Concern: Will my dogs kidney failure improve with treatment?
Answer: While kidney failure is not curable, it can be managed through a combination of medications, dietary changes, and supportive care. With proper treatment, many dogs with kidney failure can live a comfortable and fulfilling life.
3. Concern: Can I give my dog human food to entice them to eat?
Answer: It is not recommended to feed your dog human food, as it can be harmful and may not provide the necessary nutrients they need. Stick to a balanced and nutritious diet recommended by your veterinarian.
4. Concern: How can I tell if my dog is dehydrated?
Answer: Signs of dehydration in dogs include dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, and excessive panting. If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, be sure to provide them with plenty of fresh water and consult with your veterinarian.
5. Concern: My dog is on medication for kidney failure, could this be affecting their appetite?
Answer: Some medications used to treat kidney failure can cause side effects such as nausea or stomach upset, which can impact your dogs appetite. Consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dogs medication.
6. Concern: Should I force-feed my dog if they are not eating?
Answer: It is not recommended to force-feed your dog, as this can cause stress and further decrease their appetite. Instead, focus on offering a variety of foods and creating a calm and inviting mealtime environment.
7. Concern: Will my dogs quality of life be affected by kidney failure?
Answer: While kidney failure can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, many dogs with this condition can still enjoy a good quality of life with proper treatment and care. Be sure to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive care plan for your furry friend.
8. Concern: How can I help my dog feel more comfortable and relaxed?
Answer: Providing a comfortable and safe environment for your dog, along with plenty of love and attention, can help them feel more relaxed and at ease. Consider creating a cozy spot for them to rest and relax, away from noisy or high-traffic areas.
9. Concern: Is there anything I can do to stimulate my dogs appetite?
Answer: Try offering your dog a variety of different foods, feeding smaller, more frequent meals, and creating a stress-free mealtime environment to help stimulate their appetite. Consult with your veterinarian for additional tips and recommendations.
10. Concern: What are the long-term effects of kidney failure in dogs?
Answer: The long-term effects of kidney failure can vary depending on the severity of the condition and how well it is managed. With proper treatment and care, many dogs with kidney failure can live for several months to years after diagnosis.
11. Concern: Should I be monitoring my dogs weight and hydration levels?
Answer: Yes, it is important to monitor your dogs weight and hydration levels closely, as these can impact their overall health and well-being. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
12. Concern: Can stress and anxiety affect my dogs appetite?
Answer: Yes, stress and anxiety can have a significant impact on your dogs appetite and overall health. Creating a calm and comforting environment for your furry friend can help reduce their stress levels and encourage them to eat.
13. Concern: Is it normal for my dog to have changes in their sense of taste and smell?
Answer: Yes, dogs with kidney failure may experience changes in their sense of taste and smell, which can affect their appetite and interest in food. Be patient and try offering different foods to see what your dog prefers.
14. Concern: Will my dogs appetite improve over time?
Answer: With proper treatment and care, many dogs with kidney failure can experience improvements in their appetite and overall well-being. Be patient and work closely with your veterinarian to develop a plan that works best for your furry friend.
15. Concern: How can I ensure my dog is getting the nutrients they need?
Answer: It is important to provide your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific dietary needs. Consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on the best food options for your dog with kidney failure.
In conclusion, dealing with a dog with kidney failure not eating can be challenging and stressful for pet owners. It is important to monitor your dogs eating habits closely, consult with your veterinarian for guidance, and provide a supportive and loving environment to help your furry friend through this difficult time. By following the tips and advice provided in this article, you can help encourage your dog to eat and maintain their health and well-being despite their condition. Remember, patience and consistency are key when it comes to caring for a dog with kidney failure.[ad_2]
What to Feed a Dog with Kidney Failure Who Will Not Eat
Your dog has not been well. It all began when he started peeing more than usual, drinking larger volumes of water, losing weight, and vomiting from time to time.
When you went to the vet, you received the worst news everyour beloved pet has kidney failure.
Nothing breaks a pet lovers heart than hearing such news. Lucky for you, the condition can be managed by changing up the dogs diet among many strategies.
After learning the dietary requirements you need to observe, you hit another bump on the road.
Your sweet little guy wont eat. You have tried making the food yummy, cooking it differently, going the extra mile, etc. but he wont budge.
That can be frustrating! What are you supposed to feed him?
We have a few tips you can leverage when it comes to what to feed a dog with kidney failure who will not eat.
The Deal with Kidney Failure
Kidney issues in dogs are quite common. As they age, some of their organs fail to perform at optimal function.
Things like urinary tract infections may trigger the condition as well as blood pressure.
When the kidneys are working but not at full potential, the dog is said to have kidney disease.
However, if the situation graduates to a point where the kidneys fail completely, he has kidney or renal failure.
Kidneys may stop failing over a course of time or stop working suddenly.
Dogs with diabetes, cancer, and of course, chronic kidney disease (CKD) may develop failure.
Other pups are just predisposed to the illness because of genetic issues.
Renal failure typically has no treatment but there are things you can do to reduce symptoms and slow down its progression.
Why Does A Dog With Kidney Failure Stop Eating?
One of the symptoms of both kidney disease and kidney failure is loss of appetite.
Others include constipation, lethargy, diarrhea, depression, vomiting, increased thirst, acute blindness, presence of blood in the urine, seizures, comas, and frequent urination.
Usually, the reason for decreased appetite is the accumulation of wastes in the dogs body.
Also, with all the things happening in the dogs body, the last thing he would want is to eat food.
It is the same case as humans. For instance, when you are anemic or have an infection that is ravaging a part of your body, you are bound to feel nauseated.
With nausea, you barely have an appetite. A dog with renal failure puts a high demand on the body to send more blood to the kidneys to help filter waste.
He may get anemic in the process as few red blood cells are produced. All these cause a decreased appetite as well.
You have to employ certain strategies to get the pup to bite something. Even his favorite foods may not look appealing as they once were.
Hopefully, the tips suggested below will be of help somehow.
How to Get a Dog with Kidney Disease to Eat
Watching your sick doggie push his plate away breaks your heart into a million pieces.
You know he requires plenty of nutrition but hes just not in a position to do what is needed.
In this case, you have to use wisdom to make sure the pup eats.
Here are a few things to consider:
1. Change His Food
Dogs with CKD have a narrow list of foods compared to those in tip-top shape.
With them, you have to stick to low protein, low phosphorous, and low sodium foods.
This means that your pet will not have the liberty to eat some of the nourishments he loves and in portions he is used to. This alone can put stress on his body.
To help him, put different foods on his plate. Get creative in preparing the meals. Go from making broths to adding some well-cooked veggies in the mix.
Dont be afraid to make yummy but healthy treats and feed those sometimes.
The most important thing is to keep the meals low in the aforementioned nutrients.
Chicken broths are especially loved by many dogs. Consider making the same for yours.
Just ensure that the sodium content is low else his blood pressure will shoot up.
If hes not into chicken, try boiled ground beef or turkey and see if he will show more interested.
Canned foods can be a great option as well, so you might want to give it a go as well.
2. Exercise before Meals
In case you havent yet, feed your pup right after you come back from his daily activity.
In general, dogs are best fed after exercise not before. This is according to running Dogs Maintenance author Penny Taylor. She claims that doing this may prevent bloat and other tummy troubles.
When a pup eats close to his workout, the bodys ability to metabolize food is greatly compromised.
While this is a theory for healthy pups, it plays true for sick ones as well.
Exercise causes the dog to use up stored energy. As a result, the body will demand more fuel triggering hunger.
This may not be the case for all dogs but it may work for you.
3. Change His Feeding Situation
Being sick puts a lot of stress on a dog. It causes him to be less active, withdrawn, and just laid-back.
Because of this, he may need more private places to eat. Perhaps eating in the open is making him more anxious.
If there are other pets at home, try feeding the sick one alone.
Fights during meal times are not meant for sick pups. Again, it may not work but it certainly is worth trying.
4. Warm His Food
Dogs are driven by smell. What better way to inspire your doggie to eat than to make the food appeal to his sense of smell?
Rather than serving room-temperature meals, try popping them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up a little.
This will cause an aromatic release and may encourage the pup to take a bite.
5. Add Odoriferous Toppings
Another genius trick is to add toppings with strong aromas to your dogs food.
Odoriferous toppings include things like ground beef, hard-boiled eggs, ground liver treats, canned mackerel or sardines, canned pumpkin, and blue-green algae.
The choice of which toppings to use will depend on what your pup already loves
. As usual, steer clear of anything with a lot of protein, sodium, and phosphorous.
What Treats Can You Give A Dog With Kidney Failure?
Treats have always been big in the canine world. No dog can say no to a bowl of delicious yogurt or chicken flavored greenies.
The one suffering from renal failure needs treats even more than a healthy one.
With the loss of appetite, a random snack in the middle of the day can make all the difference.
Healthy natural treats introduce all the right nutrients to your dogs body. They add vitamins and minerals without needing to be filtered by the kidneys that much.
The best thing about them is that they are readily available at home. You have probably stocked them in your pantry already. These include the following:
- Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene among other vitamins, carrots are great treats for virtually all dogs. They are crunchy, delicious, and nutritious and most pups love them. Just slice them into bite-sized pieces and offer the pup.
- Broccoli: You can also steam some broccoli and give it to the dog as a healthy treat in between meals. Roasted and raw work just as well.
- Apples: With a ton of fiber and nutrients, apples qualify as good treats for a sick dog.
- Green peas: Whether frozen or fresh, green peas are some of the most amazing treats for a pooch with kidney failure.
- Squash: Cooked squash is another super healthy treat for your beloved pet. Just choose dog-safe types of squash such as zucchini, yellow squash, and butternut squash.
- Bananas: Loaded with healthy nutrients, bananas are another great choice for a dog that is ill. You want to moderate things here as these have high sugar content.
- Watermelon: Like us, dogs love watermelons as they are healthy, hydrating treats. For a dog with renal failure, hydration is a big deal.
- Strawberries: These are good sources of vitamin C and will help your dog greatly. Just dont go overboard as they are high in sugar like bananas.
What Human Food Can Dogs With Kidney Disease Eat?
Dogs suffering from CKD can consume most of our foods provided they dont have salt and seasonings.
Things like scrambled egg whites, cooked steak, pork ribs, steamed broccoli, fish, and vegetables are good for such pups. If you have any of these on your plate, feel free to give it to your pup.
Basically, dont offer high sodium foods like hotdogs, cheeseburgers, pizza, fatty meat pieces, and chicken skin.
High-phosphorous foods such as organ meats, dairy products, egg yolks, and bones are also a No-No.
If the dog is losing weight too fast, increase his fat intake by feeding fatty meats like pork and lamb.
Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil may also reduce the progression of the condition.
Finally, give healthy fish sources with low-mercury levels such as tilapia, sardines, salmon, cod, clamps, Pollock, crab, flounders, oysters, and shrimp.
Is chicken OK for dogs with kidney disease?
According to PetMD, high-quality chicken is certainly a good protein source for a dog with CKD.
As long as you stick to the daily protein requirement which is 14-20%, your dog will do just fine.
It goes without saying that the chicken should be organic.
Refrain from those that have added chemicals and preservatives or high levels of sodium. These will only do more harm than good.
Are Eggs Good For Dogs With Kidney Disease?
Eggs, like chicken, are equally good for a dog suffering from kidney disease.
When broken down, the amount of waste released (uric acid, urea, hippuric acid, and creatinine) is much lower compared to other protein sources.
Ultimately, this means the kidneys are less burdened thus preserving their function.
However, theres a huge disclaimer when using eggs for dogs with this medical disorder.
You can only give egg whites and not the yolk. See, the latter is very high in phosphorous.
The problem with having too much phosphorous in the bloodstream is that it can decrease kidney function fast, cause joint pain, weak bones, and fatal heart attacks.
This is because phosphorous calcifies kidneys. What this means is that it pulls calcium from your dogs bones making him weak.
Also, since the kidneys cannot purify phosphorous, a lot of it will be present in the blood and may cause a heart attack.
For this reason, you might want to cease feeding your dog the egg yolk.
Do as much as you can to avoid adding phosphorous to his body. Only offer cooked egg whites.
Raw Diet for Dogs with Kidney Disease
One of the most recurring things about dogs with kidney disease is that they are easily dehydrated.
Frequent urination, vomiting, and diarrhea all cause large volumes of water to leave the dogs body.
To keep dehydration at bay, a raw diet is a good idea as it introduces moisture to the dogs body.
Typically, dry dog food has a moisture content of less than 10%.
Things like kibble strain the kidneys a great deal and can worsen the symptoms over time.
Wet food, on the other hand, has plenty of moisture.
A good balanced raw diet should have an abundance of high-quality protein, fruits, and vegetables.
Crockpot Dog Food for Kidney Disease
Crockpots make life much easier as they make convenience a reality.
All you have to do is chop up your ingredients, throw all of them in the pot, and let it slow cook the meal.
With all the hustle and bustle that pet owners go through, it would be great to have some food choices that do best in this special kitchen appliance.
Well, turns out there are plenty of foods you can cook in your crockpot. A simple recipe includes ground beef, canned kidney beans, chopped butternut squash, carrots, and canned peas.
After you get your measurements right, slice the ingredients and add them to your pot.
Mix them well and cook them slowly for six hours.
Now, divide the food into the right portions and let your dog enjoy them.
You can also add kales, sweet potato, carrots, blueberries, boneless chicken, turkey, pork, green beans, chicken liver, and water.
How Can I Improve My Dogs Appetite With Kidney Disease?
A dog that has little or no appetite is the one that doesnt eat or enjoy his food as much as he used to.
While this is frustrating to witness, you can help the dog by doing some of the following.
I. Keep the food appetizing
The first order of business when it comes to increasing your pups appetite is making his food as appetizing as possible.
Move away from boring and flat foods that your dog doesnt enjoy very much.
If the food is not tasty, add toppings that are aromatic and pleasant.
II. Stay Consistent
Another strategy that works is sticking to a preferred feeding schedule for the doggie.
To lighten the work for the pups kidneys, you might want to feed three to four meals a day.
Determine which times to feed the pup and stay consistent as much as you can.
Dogs love biological clocks and feel hungry at the same time every day.
III. Cut back on treats
If your canine buddy loves eating his treats but wont touch his food, it might be time to cut back on those to increase appetite during the actual mealtime.
Closing Thoughts
There you have it; a few tips on what to feed a dog with kidney failure who will not eat.
Generally, kidney failure in canines is a nightmare for pet parents. It renders the dog weak, sick, stressed, less active, and disinterested in food.
The last one is especially heartbreaking.
Fortunately, you can change your tactics to motivate the little guy to nourish his body.
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