Diet for Kidney Failure in Dogs

Though there is no cure for chronic renal failure, there are many steps that can be taken to minimize the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease(For example, feeding your dog a especially formulated kidney diet, or anoother diet low in protein, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium, is often very helpful). These especially formulated foods will usually have a higher level of potassium and polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids), and both have shown to be beneficial to the kidneys. The downside is that these foods aren't flavorful. The best diet depends on the stage of kidney disease present as one specific kidney diet does not fit all stages of kidney disease. If your dog is resistant to its new diet, a small amounts of tuna juice, chicken stock, or anoother flavor enhancers can be used with guidance from your veterinarian. It is important that you understand the nature and severity of your pet's kidney condition before selecting a suitable diet.
Recipes for Dogs with Kidney Disease
Dogs with kidney disease can fed using the following renal diet recipes:
Recipe 1
1 egg, large, cooked
3 cups potato, boiled with skin
1 tablespoon chicken fat
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600mg calcium)
1/2 mulitple-mineral tablet

Recipe 2
1/4 cup cooked chicken breast
3 cups potato, boiled with skin
2 tablespoons chicken fat
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600mg calcium)
1/2 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet

Recipe 3
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
6 tablespoons. low sodium, low fat chicken broth
1/2 cup cold water
1 cup cooked vegetable (green beans, and carrots or mixed)
In Summary
While prescription diets do have a place in the treatment of pets with kidney disease, numerous high quality pet foods are likely to be acceptable in the earlier stages of kidney disease and may avoid detrimental states like protein malnourishment and muscle loss. Supplements, like Omega-3 fatty acids , B-vitamins and antioxidants, can be added to a commercial diet to help support kidney health.
Living and Management
Kid failure in dogs are a progressive disease. Dogs experiencing this disease must be monitored on an ongoing basis, with consistent check-ups to ensure that it is not necessary to make changes to medications or diet.

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Kidney Failure in Dogs-Cause,Symptoms and Treatment of Kidney Failure in Dogs

What is kidney failure in dogs?
Kidney (renal) failure is a common finding in dogs. Kidney failure is defined as the inability of the kidneys to remove waste products from the blood. The bodies of dogs produce toxins all  everyday and the toxins circulate to the kidneys to be mixed in water, filtered out and excreted through urination. The buildup of toxins produces the signs and symptoms of uremic poisoning. Kidney failure may be appear suddenly (acute kidney failure) or come on gradually over months. Ten in every 1,000 dogs that are examined suffer from chronic renal disease. And while dogs of any age may be diagnosed with the kidney disease, it is more typically seen in older dogs.
What Are The Signs Of Kidney Failure In Dogs?
The first sign that there is a problem is when your pet begins to drink water and urinate excessively. At first, it is usual for owners to ignore this. These signs are caused by the failure of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. This results in a large urine output that the dog has no control, then  dehydration and thirst. As kidney function declines, the dog keeps ammonia, nitrogen, acids, and other chemical wastes in  blood and tissues(This is called uremia). Signs of uremia are apathy and depression, loss of appetite and weight, a brownish discoloration to the surface of the tongue, and an ammonia odor in the breath. Dogs at this stage can urinate less than normal. Ulcers can arise in the mouth. With the nephrotic syndrome the dog can develops ascites and edema. Vomiting with diarrhea, and gastrointestinal bleeding can occur. At the end stages of kidney failure, the dog may falls into a coma.
Symptoms of kidney failure in dogs
Symptoms usually occur gradually over an extended petriod of time. In addition, symptoms can vary and not all of those listed below will be seen in every dog:

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+Vomiting
+Lethargy
+Diarrhea
+Constipation
+Depression
+Weight loss
+Increased thirst
+Lack of appetite (anorexia)
+Acute blindness
+Seizures and comas
+Blood in the urine (hematuria)
An increase in the frequency and number of urination
When kidney failure is acute, symptoms come on quickly and are usually severe. The three symptoms need to watch  are:
+Vomiting
+Complete loss of appetite
+Marked lethargy
Other symptoms you might notice:
+Straining when urinate and decreased urine production
+Disorientation
+Physical weakness and loss of coordination
A dog with renal failure can't produce urine that's concentrated. So, the two main symptoms for renal failure are excessive thirst and frequent urination. Sometimes, symptoms for renal failure aren't usually obvious until most of the kidney function is already lost, so the disease had been active for months or years and already be in the last stages. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, or if you know or even suspect, call your vet or an animal emergency clinic immediately.
Causes of kidney failure in dogs
Causes of kidney failure can include
+Kidney disease
 +Urinary blockage (obstruction of the urinary tract or of the ureters)
+Certain prescription medications
+Lymphoma
+Diabetes mellitus
+Genetic (hereditary) factors.
+Rupture of the bladder or urethra
+Poisoning, especially from antifreeze
+Lyme disease
+Leptospirosis
Diagnosis
Kidney disease in dogs can be reliably diagnosed through blood and urine tests. The common blood tests are a complete blood count (CBC) and a serum biochemical profile. The veterinarian will also determine the urine’s specific gravity(with specific gravity  is the weight of a substance compared with the weight of an equal amount of some other substance taken as a standard). For liquids, the standard is water. Normal canine urine has a specific weight when compared with an equal amount of water. Urine that is abnormally dilute (low specific gravity) is highly suggestive of kidney disease.
Treatment of kidney failure in dogs
In cases of acute kidney disease, the dogs usually has severe signs that occurred suddenly. It can include depression, vomiting or fever, loss of appetite, and changes in the amount of urination. Dogs with kidney failure require periodic monitoring of blood chemistries to detect changes in kidney function that may require medical intervention. Most important step is to restrict salt intake. This wil helps prevent edema, ascites, and hypertension. If the dog is vomiting because of the renal disease, treatment can include giving frequent small meals and medications such as cimetidine or chlorpromazine. The nausea can come and go through the day so small meals offered throughout the day can increase the overall food intake. Dogs suffering from long-term kidney failure will often undergo fluid therapy to assist with depleted body fluid levels (dehydration). Dietary protein is often restricted, because it can further compound the problem. Some other veterinarians believe that as long as the protein is of high biological value, it may help the kidneys retain their function.
Some types of kidney failure are acute and mild, and if the dog is well supported medically, there will be a complete recovery. With chronic renal failure, there is no cure; the disease must be controlled as well as possible for the rest of the dog’s life.
+Dialysis
Dialysis describes two therapies that try to duplicate the filtering tasks of the kidneys. Hemodialysis is the second technique. This therapy is only available at some referral centers across the country, because the equipment is expensive and has to be specially designed to work with dogs.
+Kidney Transplant
Another option for dogs with terminal kidney failure is to consider a kidney transplant. Kidney transplants are only done some veterinary referral centers, but have become more common.
Kidney failure problems in dogs are common and serious but with quick treatment and a change in lifestyle, some dogs can continue to lead long, normal and happy lives.

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Fleas on Dogs- All about Dog Fleas

What is flea dog?
The dog flea is a species of flea (Siphonaptera) that lives primarily on the blood of dogs. Fleas pose a significant risk to dogs and other animals, even humans. It thrive in warm, wet environments, and eat on the blood of their hosts. Scientists have identified nearly 2,000 species of fleas, but suprisingly, it's Ctenocephalides felis(the cat flea) that gives dogs the most grief.
How did my dog get these fleas?
Dogs often get infested with fleas through contact with other animals or contact with fleas in the environment. The strong back legs of this fleas enable it to jump from host to host or from the environment onto the host. (It don't have wings, so they cannot fly!). When dogs are troubled by fleas, they scratch and bite their selves, specially in areas such as the head, neck, and around the tail. Many dogs, sensitive to the flea's saliva, will itchiness all over from the bite of even a single flea.
What Are Some Signs of Fleas in Dogs?

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+ Flea dirt  in a dog’s coat
+ Flea eggs on dog (or in dog’s environment)
+ Allergic dermatitis
+Excessive scratching, licking or biting at skin      
+ Hair loss
+Scabs and hot spots
+ Pale gums
+Tapeworms
The dog usually experiences severe itching in all areas where the fleas may reside. Problems caused by fleas may range from mild to severe itching and discomfort to skin problems and infections. Because of compulsive scratching and biting, the dog can lose hair, get bald points, exhibit hot spots by to extreme irritation, and grow infections that result in smelly skin.
Dog Flea Treatment
When you are treating fleas, you need to focus on three things: the dog, the house and the yard. Sometimes if you address the house aggressively enough, you are possible to ignore the other two areas, so you should start by addressing all three.
The yard is the hardest area to treat, unless of course the dogs are kept in a pen outside. Cedar in a pen can help repel fleas, but beware, some dogs are allergic to cedar. Cut the tall grass, trim back the bushes and shrubs, after rake up all the leaf litter under the bushes. There are also yard sprays, which will help reduce the number of fleas in the yard
If the dogs spend any time inside, the house is often the biggest problem area. The best solution is to use Boric Acid to all surfaces the dog has been on. This includes all: carpet, couches, and hardwood. Boric acid is readily available as 20 Mule Team® Borax in the laundry aisle at the grocery store.
On your dog
Be sure to consult your veterinarian regarding which methods and products will be best for your dog. Common options include a topical, liquid treatment used on the back of the neck, shampoos, sprays and powders. Many products kill both adult fleas and their eggs, but they may be vary in efficacy.
If my dog has fleas? What should I do?
Consult your vet, who will confirm the diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options. Your veterinarian may determine the best plan for preventing fleas in the future.
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Giardia in Dogs-Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Giardia in Dogs

In 1995, the kennel population of more than 110 dogs at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's Midlands Regional Centre in Leamington Spa was hit by an uncommon severe outbreak of diarrhoea. The cause proved to be an infection of the intestine by a commonly-occuring, single celled organism - or protozan known as Giardia.
So, What is Giardia in dogs?
Giardia is a single-celled parasite that lives in your dog’s intestine. It infects older dogs but more usually infects puppies. Dogs become infected when they devour Giardia that may be found in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces. The organisms, once ingested, make their way into the intestine, usually causing diarrhea. Giardia are found throughout the United States and in many other parts of the world(sometimes called “beaver fever”). Veterinary research docs suggest that 5% to 10% of all dogs in North America have giardiasis at any given time.
How will Giardia affect my dog?
Some dogs infected with Giardia do not get any disease. Giardiasis, the illness caused by Giardia infection, often results in diarrhea. Having giardiasis for a long time may be cause weight loss; poor condition; and even death.
Causes of Giardia in dogs
Giardia often live in different kinds of water sources, just like ponds or lakes. If your dog drinks from a contaminated water source, they may be become infected with giardia. The parasite is in the cyst phase and once within the intestine, the cyst goes through several phases of maturation. Finally your dog will pass the infective cysts in their stool and these cysts lie in the environment and may be infect other animals.
Giardia symptoms in dogs( or symptoms giardia in dogs)
Giardia may be cause a number of gastrointestinal symptoms in domestic dogs. Owners can notice one or more of the following:
+Loss of appetite (inappetance; anorexia)
+Weight loss
+Bloody stools (hematochezia)
+Pale-colored stools
+Greasy stools (steatorrhea)
+Diarrhea (can be acute, chronic or intermittent; usually poorly formed or loose stools; often profuse and watery)
+Gas (flatulence)
+Abnormally strong-smelling (malodorous) stools
+Abdominal pain (cramping; nausea)
+Lethargy (tiredness)
+Weakness
+Dehydration (may be severe)
+Fever (occasional; not common)
+Vomiting (occasional; not common)
Dogs with giardiasis can have no symptoms, as is the case in most dogs, or diarrhea and vomiting. In some cases, dogs will exhibit diarrhea that is soft, frothy, greasy and with a strong, awful odor or too much mucus.
Treatment for Giardia in dogs
The FDA has not approved any drugs for specific use against canine giardia. However, there are drugs usually used by veterinarians which are highly effective in treating the infection as well as to stop the shedding of cysts in feces. The drugs Fenbendazole as well as Febantel are safe and effective in treating the illness and in eliminating shedding cysts. The drug Metronidazole (commerce name Flagyl)  is an alternative, but may have some side effects/toxicity, although positive include that it can be effective against other causes of diarrhea as well.
Prevention of Giardia in Dogs
Also to vaccination, the only way to prevent giardia in dogs is to eliminate the causes of giardia in dogs which is standing water or unhygienic kennels or other areas where dogs congregate.  When walking your dog, try and give clean drinking water instead of relying on standing bodies of water or natural water sources such as ponds or lakes.
If your dog is diagnosed with giardia, environmental disinfection is important. Using diluted chlorine bleach at 1:32 or 1:16 dilutions (500 ml in 4 liters of water or one cup in a gallon of water) is effective in killing the cysts. Be sure to avoid contact with the feces by using gloves. We recommend thoroughly cleaning your dog’s living and sleeping areas, and then letting the areas to dry out for several days before reintroducing dogs.
Remember, Giardia in dogs may be infect people, so good, personal hygiene should be used by adults when cleaning kennels or picking up the yard, and by children who can play with dogs or in potentially contaminated areas.

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Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea- Causes and Treatment of Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea

What is vomiting and diarrhea in dogs?
Vomiting and diarrhea are one of the most common symptoms seen in dogs. They will occur alone or together. Like digestive upset can range from mild discomfort to serious life-threatening illness. These problems may be mild and minor or serious and life-threatening. Below are some common questions pet owners ask when their dog has vomiting and diarrhea.
What is vomiting and diarrhea? or What is dog vomiting? or What is dog diarrhea?
Diarrhea occurs when food and fluid pass through your dog's intestinal system faster than normal. Vomiting is caused by irritation of the stomach or first part of the small intestine.
In most cases, dog vomiting is simply from your dog consuming something spoiled, or eating garbage around the yard(are common occurrences among pooches). However, you do need to be concerned when these symptoms persist for more than a day. Diarrhea and vomiting could be signs or symptoms of an underlying illness or worms. Your dog could have ingested toxic food such as rodent bait, caused in food poisoning.
What is causes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs?
Causes of diarrhea in dogs
The two most popular causes of diarrhea in dogs are dietary indiscretion and intestinal parasites.
Cause of vomiting in dogs
The most popular cause of vomiting in dogs is eating things such as sticks, leaves, bones, trash, or greasy table foods that irritate the lining of the digestive tract.
Also, vomiting and diarrhea may be caused by a variety of problems including eating too fast, eating too much, eating something that is not digestible, changes in the dog's food, eating spoiled food or garbage, infectious agents (including bacterial, viruses or parasites), as well as systemic problems such as cancer, diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or liver disease.
Treatting dog vomiting and diarrhea
The first step in treating dog vomiting and diarrhea is to stop the vomiting and diarrhea. Medication can be given to do that. The second step is to rehydrate your dog if necessary.
Usually, digestive upset can be handled with conservative medical therapy ( Ex:  your vet may recommend withholding food or feeding several little, bland meals to rest the digestive tract so that it can heal). A prescription diet or medicine to soothe the tract or inhibit vomiting may be prescribed. More serious or persistent cases may require hospitalization and possibly surgery. Vomiting and diarrhea for even a day or two can lead to dehydration, and your dog may need fluid therapy. Fluids are often administered intravenously, but are in some cases also given under the skin, where they are consumed gradually over several hours. Hospitalized pets can also receive treatment with antibiotics and nutrients, or other medications.
If my dog has vomiting and diarrhea, when should I call my veterinarian?
Vomiting:
+Blood in vomit
+Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea
+Vomit looks and smells like stool
+Vomiting persists more than one or two days
+Ingestion of a poison is suspected.
+Depression
+Lethargy
Diarrhea:
+Bloody diarrhea
+Diarrhea accompanied by vomiting
+Ingestion of a poison is suspected.
+Diarrhea persists more than one or two days
+Abdominal pain
+Depression
+Lethargy
It is important to understand that vomiting and diarrhea in dogs can take several forms. They can come together as a pair of gastrointestinal problems, or may show up separately. When in doubt, always get your vet advice as soon as possible.

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Dog Constipation-Causes,Symptoms and Treatment of Constipation in Dogs

What is Constipation in Dogs?
Constipation in dogs isn't a disease, it is a symptom. Like human, most dogs will be constipated at some time or another in their lives, and it's often nothing to worry about. Most healthy dogs have one or two stools a day, however when feces are retained in the colon for two or three days, it become dry and hard, and require forceful straining to pass. If your dog feels to be straining yet can't pass a stool, or when  the stool is exceptionally hard, he has probably constipated. The condition is usually caused by dietary indiscretion or use of certain medications, but sometimes constipation may be caused by some underlying medical disorder. Constipation may be dangerous, if the constipation lasts more than a few days, you need to consult your vet.
Causes of Constipation in Dogs
+Dehydration:Dehydration is the cause that is most often associated with constipation. When your dog is dehydrated, the colon absorbs more fluid from the waste being passed through the intestines. Results in dry, hard stools, and can greatly contribute to constipation in your dog. If there are other contributing causes to your dog’s constipation, basically increasing water intake will not cure your dog's condition.
+Indigestible Objects:Just like with small children, many dogs that are suffering from constipation have ingested indigestible objects(rubber balls, sticks, shoelaces, paper clips, and plastic bags...), which can cause blockages in the small and large intestines. However, this can be remedied with at-home care, while other dogs may need surgery or invasive procedures to remove the foreign object.
+Poor Quality Food:Lower-quality dog food is usually subjected to harsh preservatives and chemical dyes. Many pet owners do not understand the importance of carefully choosing the best food for their dog. Consequently, many dogs are fed highly processed, inexpensive dog food that will cause many digestive issues.
+Low fiber diet: Fiber absorbs a large amount of water during digestive processing, as well as combines with waste material to form much softer stools. This is the most widely known cause of constipation in dogs. A dog is without sufficient dietary fiber has a much higher likelihood for constipation.
Symptoms of Constipation in Dogs
The most common signs seen by owners of a constipated dog is frequent forceful attempts at defecation, with little or no results. The symptoms of constipation can include one or more of the following:
+Straining to defecate
+Small, hard, dry fecal material
+Discharge of a little amount of liquid or mucus from the anus after repeated attempts to defecate
+Painful defecation
+Depression
+Abdominal bloating and discomfort
How treatment of constipation in dogs?
These treatment options are for simple constipation only. Sometimes, constipation can be treated with laxatives to draw water into the intestines and soften the feces(treated with a stool softener such as Laxatone, or you can buy at one of the giant pet warehouses, or DSS capsules, which can come from your veterinarian). Enemas can also be used to evacuate the bowel or change diet( adding fiber to your dog's food).
Preventing Constipation In Your Dog
Constipation is usually 100% preventable. Many dogs that have a sedentary lifestyle are much more likely to suffer from constipation. So, exercise is important for overall health, and may be a large part of preventing your dog from becoming constipated.  Also, as mentioned above, adding fiber to your dog’s diet  as well as the amount of water your dog consuming.
Generally, constipation in dogs will occur some time in your dogs lifetime and in most cases adjustments in their diet as well as their water supply will rectify it. However, if it starts to happen more than a few days, you need to consult your vet.

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Cat Constipation- Causes,Symptoms and Treatment of Constipation in Cats

Constipation in cats isn't a disease, but constipation is a relatively common condition affecting primarily older cats. Cats always have at least one healthy bowel movement every day. However, if your cat is passing dry, straining, hard stools when trying to defecate or making unsuccessful trips to the litter box. This may be a sign that your cat is constipated, please see your veterinarian.
For those cats, chronic constipation lead to a condition called megacolon,  the colon becomes abnormally dilated & enlarged, a potentially fatal complication.
What are the causes of constipation in cats?
+Crying and Straining out in pain when trying to eliminate.
+Dehydration:Chronic low-level dehydration is a very common cause for constipation, especially among diabetic.
+Hair Ingestion:Longhaired cats are both at risk of ingesting hair during self-grooming.
+Low-fiber diet:Diet which are low in fibre can cause constipation.
+Old Age:Older cats are prone to constipation due to a lack of exercise, a reduce in the contraction of the large bowel.
+Obstruction of the colon
+Bone Ingestion:Sometimes cats that hunt for birds and rodents often ingest bones and bones can cause constipation.
In general if you don't know the cause, please consult a vet.
What are symptoms of constipation in cats?
+Irritability
+Painful abdomen
+Lethargy
+Poor appetite or even loss of appetite
+Painful defecation
+Small hard stool
How treatment constipation in cats?
Generally depending on what’s causing your cat’s constipation, your veterinarian can recommend one or several of the following treatments:
+With mild constipation, your vet may recommend bulk-forming laxatives.
+Stool softener
+Medicine to increase the contractile strength of the large intestine
+High-fiber diet
+Surgery to remove congestion in the bowels
+Increase in water intake
Generally constipation in cats can easily recover from the problem with proper attention and won't necessarily experience it again.

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