Kidneys and Protein (how much, labrador, vet, prescription)

[Hopes]

Now that I will be increasing the protein (per the vet) in my old labrador's diet, what signs should I watch for is his kidneys have trouble processing the increased protein?

[subject2change]

The main thing would be increased thirst and urination. Will the vet be testing kidney function? This is pretty standard in senior testing, but you might want to have it done more frequently. When my dog's kidneys started failing, tests showed it before there were any noticeable changes in her, especially since they found it in early summer, when dogs tend to up their water intake with the warmer weather anyway.

[Hopes]

Thanks! He is scheduled to have full bloodwork done the first week of April.

We just started the protein today. Fingers crossed. Hope he can gain muscle mass without complications.

[eggalegga]

You could ask your vet how often you should monitor your dog. I'd inquire as to how much a urinalysis would cost and how often you should check it. Obtaining a urine sample from a small female dog is a challenge....but I did it. My dog as diagnosed after routine blood work test and a follow-up urinalysis to confirm. She's in early stage kidney failure. Changed her diet to prescription dog food. Going back next month (6 month's later) for another urinalysis. She's a very happy, active 11 year old.

[Ghostrider275452]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Now that I will be increasing the protein (per the vet) in my old labrador's diet, what signs should I watch for is his kidneys have trouble processing the increased protein?

Why are you increasing the protein? Not a good idea in an older dog.