chronic renal failure

Question
my best friend who is a german shepherd cross 16 years old was diagnosed with chronic renal failure in november and was put on hills k/d brought him back a couple of months later for urinalysis the only changes were creatnine level being up a bit and bun level being up a bit.i bring him for walks 3 times a day and feed him only one can of medi cal low protein which an older vet suggested.i make sure there is plenty of water down at all times.he also has tendencies to chew paper.i am wondering if there might be something more i should be doing for him.i just want to do the best for him.thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Andrew,
I know how difficult this is- I just lost my own 15 yr old cat to renal failure last Saturday. You are doing the best you can for him now. Keep feeding the K/d along with the Medi Cal low protein. As long as he is eating you have time with him. Unfortunately there is nothing more you can do.

He has lived a very long life for a larger dog, so you have been doing something right all these years. Just keep him well hydrated and watch for any lethargy which could indicate him becoming dehydrated.

He sounds like he is in the first stages of CRF if his levels were only up a bit. So you have some time with him still. Don't give him any snacks unless it is a carrot now and then. Really that is about all you can do. Spend time with him, take lots of pictures and enjoy him.

Too soon his kidneys will become less efficient and he will go into stage two. That progresses pretty fast.
But for now love him up, walk with him and keep him from getting overheated and keep him hydrated.

Best wishes.