Kidney Problems in Dogs: How to Protect Your Pet
Kidney problems in dogs are a frequent worry for pet owners. Ideally, you should be prepared to look for them early on. According to studies, one out of ten canines has a renal illness.
Kidney disease in dogs can occur for many reasons, and it can be so hard to identify. Slight weight loss, frequent urination / peeing, and excessive water consumption are just some of the first indicators of renal illness in dogs. As a result, if you see your dog urinating on the floor or requesting more time outside, or if your dog is always thirsty, it’s time to see your veterinarian.
When these symptoms arise, there has usually already been significant renal damage. On the other hand, modern veterinary advancements make it easy to detect renal illness in dogs early (even without signs being present).
Here is all you need to know about kidney problems in dogs, as well as the symptoms, causes, and therapies.
Table of Contents
- Kidneys: What Are They and How Do They Work?
- Acute Renal Failure
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Canine Kidney Disease Symptoms
- How Are Dogs Diagnosed with Kidney Disease?
- Canine Kidney Disease Treatment
- What to Expect if Your Dog Is Diagnosed with Kidney Disease?
- What Can Be Done to Prevent Kidney Failure?
- What Is the Prognosis for This Condition?
- Kidney Disease Dog Food
- Choosing the Appropriate Dog Food
- The Takeaway
- Nutrition Strength Kidney Support for Dogs
Kidneys: What Are They and How Do They Work?
Dogs, like humans, have two kidneys. They’re found immediately behind the last rib in the abdomen. The upper urinary tract includes the kidneys and ureters, whereas the lower urinary tract includes the bladder and urethra.
These bean-shaped organs conduct a variety of essential functions. Kidneys filter waste from the bloodstream, regulate crucial minerals such as potassium and salt, control red blood cell synthesis, store water to keep the body hydrated and excrete urine.
Check out our Nutrition Strength Kidney Support for Dogs here.
Acute Renal Failure
When a dog’s renal system fails suddenly in an otherwise healthy pet, it is known as acute kidney failure in dogs. This type of kidney illness develops within a few days, leading a dog to go from healthy to unwell in a few days.
Toxin exposure is the most prevalent cause of acute renal failure in dogs. Antifreeze, various over-the-counter human medications, and rat poison are all common causes (the form containing the chemical cholecalciferol).
Kidney infection in dogs can potentially induce acute renal failure. If left untreated, severe urinary tract infections might progress to kidney infections (although this is not the only cause).
Reduced blood flow or oxygen delivery to the kidneys can cause acute renal failure. Trauma, extreme dehydration, and heatstroke are just a few examples. Some genetic or acquired health issues can also induce acute renal failure.
Many dogs with acute renal failure don’t live more than a few days. Some dogs, however, can recover if diagnosed early and treated aggressively. Treatment often includes intravenous hydration therapy and supportive medications. Veterinarians will also try to figure out what’s causing the kidney failure and treat it accordingly.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), often known as chronic kidney failure, is a condition that affects the kidneys. A progressive degeneration in the kidney cause CKD, which impairs its capacity to function correctly. CKD is more frequent in older dogs, and it usually develops gradually. Over time, kidney function deteriorates, finally leading to death.
Chronic renal disease in dogs has no known treatment. There are, however, medication options available that can help control the condition, enhancing the dog’s quality of life and perhaps extending survival duration by several years.
Canine Kidney Disease Symptoms
Acute renal failure and chronic canine kidney disease have similar symptoms. The primary distinction is that the acute form appears fast (within a few days). On the other hand, the chronic type manifests itself gradually over time (months to years). The most prevalent early symptoms of renal illness in dogs are the following:
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea (seen in chronic kidney disease);
- Weight loss;
- Increased thirst;
- Increased urination;
- Lethargy;
- Loss of appetite.
The following symptoms tend to increase as kidney disease advances and more toxins accumulate in the circulation. In addition, your dog can have the following symptoms:
- Dehydration;
- High blood pressure;
- Gastric ulcers;
- Decreased urine output;
- Blood in the urine;
- Inability to control body temperature;
- Anemia;
- Seizures.
When dogs have acute renal failure, these signs can worsen rapidly for days. In the event of chronic renal disease, depending on the dog’s reaction to therapy, all symptoms gradually worsen for months to years.
How Are Dogs Diagnosed with Kidney Disease?
It’s vital to understand that symptoms of chronic kidney disease don’t usually occur until the disease has advanced to a particular stage. That is why it’s critical to take your dog to the vet for regular examinations and follow your physician’s lab test recommendations.
Screening healthy dogs can detect slight changes over time. Kidney illness may be discovered early in your dog’s life with regular test work, and treatment can begin before he becomes ill.
You have to take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you see indications of renal disease or any other sickness. The veterinarian will start by asking you questions about your dog and completing a physical exam. Following that, your veterinarian is likely to suggest lab tests. The following are some of the most commonly proposed laboratory tests:
- Complete blood count (CBC): This test examines red and white blood cells for signs of anemia, infection, and other abnormalities.
- Blood chemistry panel: Measures blood components that show how effectively organs are working; kidney results include blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.
- Electrolytes in the blood: This test determines if the electrolytes in the blood are balanced (one of the main jobs of the kidneys)
- Urinalysis: Determines the final products of the metabolism; examines urine concentration, measures protein, and looks for symptoms of infection or other disorders.
The results of these tests will typically provide enough information for your veterinarian to identify renal disease. The BUN and creatinine levels will be higher if your dog has a renal abnormality (these chemicals build up in the bloodstream when the kidneys can’t filter the blood properly).
Blood phosphorus levels may also be high. An excessive quantity of protein in the urine may be present (an indication that the body is losing protein because the kidneys cannot properly filter). The CBC may show anemia, which is a sign of renal disease.
Following a diagnosis of kidney disease, more tests may be necessary to determine how far the illness has progressed. Blood pressure assessment is critical in dogs with renal failure since hypertension is common. Your veterinarian may prescribe abdominal radiographs (X-rays) and / or abdominal ultrasonography.
Canine Kidney Disease Treatment
Once your veterinarian has a complete picture of your dog’s health, he will develop a treatment plan. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the disease and will change over time as your dog’s condition worsens.
Keep in mind that you should do regularly lab tests to track changes in kidney disease severity. Lab tests may be paramount one or more times each day for dogs with acute renal failure. Lab tests are routinely performed every few weeks to months in dogs with chronic renal failure (more or less depending on how the dog is doing). The findings of lab tests dictate treatment costs.
Fluid therapy is the cornerstone of renal disease treatment. Acute renal failure necessitates intravenous (IV) fluid diuresis. When chronic kidney disease is first to spot, it may also be utilized (depending on the lab results and condition of the dog).
IV fluids are supplied at a high enough pace through an IV catheter to cleanse the system of toxins. It is essential to prevent a fluid rate that is high enough to harm the dog’s heart. Renal disorders in dogs may necessitate IV diuresis for many days, at which time they must be in the hospital.
Dogs with chronic renal illness are frequently kept alive by their owners administering subcutaneous fluids at home. That is pretty simple. Your veterinarian’s clinic will show you how to do it and offer all necessary supplies. Giving your dog fluids will keep him hydrated and provide additional fluid to assist his kidneys.
A therapeutic kidney diet for dogs is a specific treatment for chronic renal failure. Changing the amounts of certain nutrients in one’s diet might help to reduce renal stress. Protein, phosphorus, calcium, and salt, for example, are either absent or present in low proportions in therapeutic renal diets.
Supplements and medications are part of our dogs’ lives for several reasons. Phosphate binders can reduce the quantity of phosphorous absorbed by the body, easing the stress on the kidneys (which normally filter phosphorous out of the blood).
Antacids are drugs that assist reduce the quantity of acid produced in the stomach (this occurs when the pH is not well-regulated by the kidneys). Antiemetics can help with nausea and vomiting caused by kidney disease, and in rare situations, they can also help with appetite.
ACE inhibitors can help regulate blood pressure and decrease protein loss through the kidneys. You may need to take more blood pressure medicine.
Due to its high cost and scarcity, dialysis is not part of the treatment plan. This therapy entails the use of blood-filtering equipment.
Only a few large specialist hospitals offer dialysis services. If dialysis is available, dogs with acute renal failure may benefit the most.
A kidney transplant is very uncommon. Only select veterinary doctors are qualified to execute this costly, high-risk treatment.
What to Expect if Your Dog Is Diagnosed with Kidney Disease?
Remember that, despite your best efforts, acute renal failure may become a life-threatening problem. Consult your veterinarian about the benefits and drawbacks of various therapies. So that you may be as prepared as possible, inquire about expected consequences. Know that while your veterinarian will do everything necessary to preserve your dog, treatment may not be effective.
Even with the best therapy, some dogs with chronic renal disease will only live for a few months. Keep in touch with your veterinarian regarding your dog’s symptoms at home. Make sure you complete all of the suggested rechecks. Be adaptable and upbeat, but not unrealistic.
The majority of dogs eventually lose their ability to react to therapy and become very ill. Many owners are opting for compassionate euthanasia to stop their pets’ suffering at this time.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Kidney Failure?
Keep Chemicals Away from Your Dog
Your dog doesn’t have to suffer from kidney illness. Take steps to keep your dog away from household chemicals and cleaners. It’s vital to remember that dogs are natural chewers, therefore storing chemicals in a locked cabinet won’t suffice. You may also believe that “child-proof” seals would keep your dog secure, but this is not the case.
Dogs may easily chew plastic bottles, allowing them to swallow dangerous chemicals. Make sure bottles are secured in locked cupboards or high up out of reach of dogs.
Avoid Medications and Other Harmful Substances
Aside from keeping your dog away from potentially harmful home cleaners and chemicals, it’s also a good idea to keep your dog away from drugs, food, and other things:
- Raisins;
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen;
- Grapes;
- Contaminated water sources;
- Oral hygiene.
Because poor oral hygiene can lead to chronic kidney disease, keeping your dog’s teeth clean is essential for long-term health.
Consult your veterinarian about how often you should clean your dog’s teeth, as well as food and treats that may aid in dental hygiene.
What Is the Prognosis for This Condition?
Acute renal failure remains a dangerous and frequently deadly condition, despite all of the breakthroughs in therapy. Over 60 per cent of puppies with this illness die because they do not respond to any form of kidney support for dogs.
Dialysis is typical for patients who have failed to respond to medical therapy, and the risk of mortality without dialysis is about 100 per cent. Depending on the underlying cause of kidney failure, 50 per cent of those dogs may recover with dialysis.
Even when patients recover from acute renal failure, their recovery may be partial, leaving them with chronic kidney disease and the need for lifelong care.
Kidney Disease Dog Food
Vets suggest a therapeutic diet strong in omega-3 fatty acids and low in salt, protein, and phosphorus for dogs with chronic renal impairment. In such cases, your veterinarian may advise potassium supplementation.
Why Do Dogs with Renal Illness Need to Eat Less Protein?
Although decreasing the amount of protein in a dog’s meal is divisive, it serves two primary purposes. The first is to help minimize the amount of waste produced during protein metabolism. The second is to reduce the quantity of protein that enters the kidneys’ filtering mechanism.
That means that feeding your dog a low-protein diet may help to reduce the stress placed on his kidneys, allowing him to maintain his renal function for longer.
Why Should Dogs with a Renal Illness Have Their Phosphorus Levels Reduced?
When your dog’s kidneys fail, the quantity of phosphorus in his blood rises. Increased phosphorus levels are a sign of undesirable side effects, including vitamin D insufficiency and a dog’s body’s capacity to absorb calcium. Normalizing blood phosphorus levels in dogs with chronic renal disease through the diet may help postpone the onset of the disease.
It’s vital to remember that the quantity of phosphorus in dog food is proportional to the amount of protein in the meal. To minimize phosphorus in your dog’s diet, you’ll need to limit their protein consumption as well.
It’s also worth noting that lowering your dog’s blood phosphorus levels just through diet is usually only successful if the kidney disease is detected and treated early on. In the latter stages of the condition, medicines may be necessary.
Why Should Dogs with a Renal Illness Have Their Sodium Levels Reduced?
It may also be helpful to reduce salt in the diet of dogs with chronic renal disease. Reducing salt in your dog’s diet can assist in minimizing the stress on the kidneys and keep the blood pressure in check.
In addition to eating a therapeutic diet, lowering your dog’s salt consumption will need paying close attention to the goodies you provide. Jerky and cheese slices have a high salt content. That is why you should avoid them when preparing your dog’s meal.
Why Should I Give My Dog More Omega-3 Fatty Acids in His Diet?
Omega-3 fatty acids are paramount for dogs with chronic kidney disease by lowering the generation of inflammatory chemicals that cause oxidative stress in the kidneys. Omega-3-rich foods commonly include salmon and other fish, which many dogs appreciate. Also, you can add fish oil or flaxseed oil as a supplement.
Choosing the Appropriate Dog Food
Your dog’s veterinarian will suggest the best diet to assist your dog in combating renal failure or illness. Every dog, like every person, is different. Your veterinarian will prescribe a diet for your dog based on the severity and duration of the disease. Other essential factors are your dog’s overall health and age.
Phosphorus and protein levels in most store-bought dog diets are likely to be too high for dogs with chronic renal disease. However, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe therapeutic meals. Prescription diets often suit all of your dog’s dietary needs while also limiting salt, phosphorus, and protein. Consult your veterinarian to determine which food is best for your dog.
The Takeaway
While any pet owner’s fear about kidney problems is understandable, don’t give up hope if your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with a kidney disease that might lead to renal failure. Depending on the conditions, you and your veterinarian may be able to take steps to help your pet live longer.
Water and correct nourishment are essential for maintaining your pet’s kidneys in good functioning order. While dry food is easy, wet food is occasionally necessary for your pet’s diet. Ensure that your puppy has access to freshwater daily. Clean the water and food bowls daily.
Keep your dog away from poisonous plants, household cleaners, essential oils, antifreeze, and potentially toxic foods. Call your veterinarian or a pet emergency clinic right away if your dog consumes or licks something that might hurt its kidneys.
Nutrition Strength Kidney Support for Dogs
Check out our Nutrition Strength Kidney Support for Dogs here.
Nutrition Strength Kidney Support for Dogs – Renal, Bladder and Urinary Tract Health Supplement, Plus Immune and Digestive Support, with Organic Cranberry and Astragalus is specially made with a blend of organic ingredients, including Cranberry, Astragalus Root and Nettle Leaf, to help promote kidney and bladder health.
A great way to support your pet’s well-being, our kidney support supplement benefits your furry friends by:
- Cleansing and detoxifying the kidneys and supporting the bladder.
- Protecting the lining of the urinary tract.
- Maintaining normal and comfortable urine flow by flushing build-ups of toxins in the kidney and bladder.
- Supplying antioxidants to protect from free radical damage and promote a healthy immune response.
- Supporting digestion while offering bloated stomach and gas relief.
Nutrition Strength’s kidney support for dogs premium tablets supply the nutrients that are needed to support renal and liver function and to promote normal detoxification, fluid retention and renal circulation.
A great source of antioxidants, cranberries for dogs can help balance the urine’s pH levels and support the bladder, while also improving your pet’s digestive and immune function. Our safe, tasty herbal supplement also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Image source: Wikimedia / Takashi Hososhima.
