Maintaining Healthy Kidneys

Daily Longevity Tip: Maintaining Healthy Kidneys

Tip Summary: Understanding the signs of kidney problems and how to maintain kidney health can significantly impact their longevity.

Hey Dog Longevity friends! Over weekly longevity discussion with Dr. Stortz, DVM, in the Dog Longevity community this past weekend, Dr. Stortz brought up that as dogs age, kidneys are often times the first organs to cause problems. This is because they’re so important for filtering out toxins and regulating the bloodstream. Today let’s talk about signs you can watch, tips to maintaining kidney health, and implications on longevity:

Signs of Kidney Problems in Dogs:

• Frequent, diluted urination

• Increased thirst

• Nausea, vomiting, retching, or loss of appetite due to toxin build-up

• Tiredness and lethargy

• Pale gums and mouth ulcers

• Weak bones

Tips for Maintaining Kidney Health:

1. Water Intake: Ensure constant access to fresh, clean water. Adequate hydration is key for kidney function.

2. Protein Management: Balance protein levels in their diet. High-quality proteins in the right amounts help prevent toxic buildup without causing deficiencies.

3. Reduce Sodium Content: Manage sodium levels to avoid hypertension, but ensure it's not too low to maintain palatability and prevent metabolic acidosis.

4. Good Fiber Levels: Maintain sufficient fiber for healthy gastrointestinal motility.

5. Minimize Stress: A calm environment helps maintain regular eating and drinking habits, essential for kidney health.

6. Dental Care: Regular teeth brushing reduces the risk of periodontal disease, which is linked to renal failure.

7. Limit Toxins: Avoid exposing your dog to harmful substances like chocolate, grapes, raisins, antifreeze, and certain cleaning products.

8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Diets high in Omega-3s, particularly from fish oil, can reduce inflammation and support kidney health.

9. Reduce Phosphate Content: Lowering dietary phosphate can help reduce kidney damage and has been linked to increased lifespan, especially in cats.

Impact on Longevity: By following these tips, you can help protect your dog’s kidneys from damage, reduce the risk of kidney disease, and potentially extend their life. Healthy kidneys are essential for filtering waste, maintaining blood pressure, and balancing electrolytes, all of which contribute to overall health and longevity.

Source: Nutravet's Top Tips to Maintain Kidney Health in Pets

10 Days Left in Giveaway: The giveaway for our dog longevity company, Naturally Royal, is live! We also extended the giveaway until the 19th, to give you more time to earn points and unlock rewards. Help us spread the word and earn free products! We’re also giving away a $500 gift certificate for the top sharer by the end of the period.