Ask the Vet About Kidney Disease in Dogs and Cats

Hey! You could try adding chicken to her food to encourage her to eat! It can be difficult to get dogs with kidney disease to eat unfortunately but maybe talk to your vet about getting her a prescription for an appetite stimulate to keep her eating! -Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! When cats have kidney disease, they lose more water through their urine and become dehydrated even if they drink water! The fluids help rehydrate them and also help flush out some of the toxins that build up. However, fluids are only part of the treatment for kidney disease! Make sure your cat is on a proper kidney support diet and whatever supplements your vet recommends. -Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! I prefer Mirataz! -Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! You could try a supplement like Pet-Tinic! It does contain both Iron and B12 along with some other vitamins and minerals. -Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! We have something called Phos Bind that can help! I will put the link below. You can order this to have as backup before you get your normal ALDROX from your vet. PHOS BIND (aluminum hydroxide) https://www.1800petmeds.com/rx+vitamins+for+pets+phos-bind+for+dogs+%26+cats-prod12922.html

Hey! You may need to check for diabetes if your dog is drinking alot of water. OR cushings disease, hyperthyroidism or some lymphomas. Or it could just be psychogenic drinking alot. I suggest having your vet do a physical exam and run some bloodwork to help see what is going on. I hope this helps! Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! Keeping your pet on a kidney diet is one of the ways to help. And then giving them SQ fluids once a week as prescribed by your veterinarian which helps them live longer. Keeping them hydrated helps but don't let this consume you.There is only so much you can do. Unfortunately, kidney disease is a slow progressive disease, I advise all of my clients to try their best to keep their pets happy! I hope this helped! Dr. Lindsay Butzer

HEY! Yes you can put advantix on her for fleas and ticks. Advantix has been around a long time and I have never had any problems with it causing kidney failure in my patients. Flea protection is so important! Please treat her and it will be fine. Thank you! Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! Yes you do. Please contact your local vet for a script and we can fill it. Thank you, Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! Im so sorry to hear this! I have herding breeds myself called Lapponian Herders. 15 years old is amazing! For your Sheltie with kidney disease, don't stress out so much about the diet, but make sure she is eating and getting calories. At a certain point it is going to be about quality of life. You want her to eat anything to keep weight on. You can feed her boiled rice and turkey (lower in protein) and see if she will eat that. Or try other prescription Kidney diets that are from Blue Buffalo and try Wet food which is more enticing. I hope this helps! Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! I am very sorry, Lyme disease in the end stages is bad and most people do elect humane euthanasia in regards to their pets quality of life. There is no medicine other than supportive care and hospitalization that can help him live longer. I am so sorry! Feed him whatever he will eat. ~ Dr. Lindsay Butzer

Hey! I don't think you particularly need grain free diet? But If you do I don't have a particular kidney diet that is grain free. Grains are safe for dogs to eat, so I would not get caught up only looking for grain free. Grain free also can cause heart disease? So please consider a safe regular diet for kidney disease that is lower in protein for the kidneys. PetMeds sells Blue Buffalo Natural KS kidney support diet. Ill put the link below to shop online to get it shipped to your door. I hope this helps! Dr. Lindsay Butzer https://www.1800petmeds.com/blue+natural+veterinary+diet+ks+kidney+support+dry+dog+food-prod61203.html

Here is a direct link to our article about treating kidney disease, with many treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription and a section about supplements: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/kidney-disease-treatment-dog-cat-31.html

Since cats have a higher protein requirement, their food is higher in protein, so no, it's probably not ideal, but consult your veterinarian, who has access to her bloodwork and entire history for the best advice.

It's not really ideal because it is too low in protein for a totally normal dog.