Senior Dog Comfort & Care

Getting older can be tough on your dog’s kidneys. Your dog’s size is often related to when the onset of kidney issues occur. The early signs can happen at about 10 to 14 years of age for small dogs or as early as 7 years old for large dogs. Regularly monitoring your dog’s kidney values, starting well before the age of onset, allows for early intervention. Recognizing the signs of kidney disease is important. If you notice increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, and/or lethargy, have your dog seen by their veterinarian. While there is no cure, treatments can slow the progression and help lessen the side effects of the disease. Depending on your dog’s situation, treatments can include specialized diets, medications, and supplements.

To help protect your dog from earlier onset kidney disease, ensure they are always well hydrated. Control stress and maintain a healthy weight to help manage blood pressure. Provide omega-3 fatty acids, avoid toxin exposure, use tick prevention, don’t allow your dog to drink from ponds/puddles, and provide routine dental care and veterinary visits with lab work.