Kidney Problems in Dogs

Dogs bodies behave quite similarly to human ones despite being a distinct species. The kidneys in dogs bodies balance nutrition and remove waste. In this blog we will discuss all about kidney problems in dogs like causes, symptoms and treatments etc.

Additionally, kidneys promote the creation of red blood cells, lower blood pressure, and aid in the metabolism of calcium.

Learn the symptoms of canine kidney disease and what you can do to cure and prevent it.

What causes kidney problems in dogs?

Dogs may experience acute or chronic kidney issues. While chronic kidney failure develops slowly over time, acute kidney failure occurs suddenly over a few days.

Causes of Acute Kidney Failure

The most prevalent cause of acute renal issues in dogs is toxin ingestion. It may be a chemical, such antifreeze, cleaning supplies, or contaminated food.

A urinary blockage in your pet’s body might potentially cause issues. Your dog’s kidneys are less oxygenated and more vulnerable to infection when blood flow declines.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Failure

Older dogs are more likely to develop chronic renal disease, and because it usually manifests slowly, it can be challenging to identify the specific reason. Because they are modest in nature, the early signs of chronic kidney disease are quickly neglected or disregarded.

In elderly dogs, dental disease is a major contributor to chronic renal failure. When a dog eats and drinks, bacteria accumulate on the teeth and enter the digestive tract. Although your dog’s kidneys are built to filter waste, germs can gradually reduce kidney function.

Symptoms of kidney problems in dogs 

• Drinking more or less water
• Change in volume and frequency of urination
• Loss of interest in playing or interacting
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in urine
• Signs of dental disease like pale gums, smelly breath, mouth ulcers

You might be tempted to serve your dog food off of your plate, but some items, can harmful for your dog such as:

• Alcohol
• Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine
• Coconut
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia and other nuts
• Milk and dairy
• Onions, garlic, chives
• Raw or undercooked meat and eggs
• Salty/processed snack foods
• Yeast dough

Treatment for kidney problems in dogs

To check for any issues, your veterinarian will do diagnostic urine and blood tests. While, in addition to the blood and urine tests, a diagnosis of renal illness or failure can typically be obtained based on physical examination.

In order to rule out underlying causes of renal illness and/or to determine the stage of renal disease your dog is suffering, additional tests may also be carried out.

However, if the condition is exceedingly severe, your dog may not respond to therapy.A kidney transplant, dialysis, or hospitalisation for fluid therapy are examples of aggressive therapies.

Remember that there is no treatment for chronic renal illness. The severity of the condition is correlated with the prognosis. The amount of time your dog will likely survive is likely to decrease as the severity of their renal condition increases.

The treatments are meant to reduce the amount of work the kidneys need to do, to update substances like potassium, and to reduce trash that develops.

It can take weeks or months before your dog responds positively to conservative therapy for the first time.

In order to enhance your pet’s quality of life and maybe slow the course of disease and lengthen their longevity, your veterinarian may also recommend dietary adjustments.

What food we can give if our dog has kidney/renal problem?

Vet-pro Renal Dog Food:  Vet-Pro Renal an effective diet for your dog with kidney dysfunction. The low amounts of phosphorous, protein and sodium help to relieve kidney from overloaded functioning.

Royal Canin Renal Dog Food: Renal is scientifically formulated to support renal function in cases of chronic kidney disease.

Calibra Dog Food (Renal): Support of renal function in case of chronic renal insufficiency

Vet Life Renal Dog Food:  Farmina Vet Life Renal is a complete dietetic food for dogs formulated to support the renal function in case of chronic or temporary renal insufficiency.

Consult with a Veterinarian

Be aware that collaborating with your veterinarian is actually the finest strategy to guarantee your cat receives the proper diet. The best person to give advice on what foods to give your cat and how much food and what medicine to give her each day is your veterinarian.