A dog’s kidneys play a huge role in keeping its body regulated and functional. The kidneys work like a natural filtration system that helps our dogs keep their bodies clean. These organs filter out waste and help regulate the bodily fluids in dogs.
In this blog, we’ll talk about what kidney disease in dogs is, what the signs are, and how it’s treated. Lastly, we’ll talk about how a dog can recover from kidney failure.
What Is Kidney Disease in Dogs?
When these kidneys fail, it leads to a whole set of problems. This means toxic buildup in the body, cascading into multiple problems.
There are two types of kidney disease in dogs: acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease.
Acute Kidney Failure
Acute canine kidney disease develops suddenly, sometimes within just a few hours or days. It’s often caused by something that directly damages the kidneys or hinders them from working. This includes:
Toxins. Common household chemicals, certain medications, and foods toxic to dogs can severely damage their kidneys. Ingesting these substances can cause sudden and serious kidney failure in dogs.
Infections. Some infections, such as leptospirosis, can attack the kidneys. This can lead to inflammation and decreased kidney function in dogs.
Severe Dehydration. When a dog loses too much fluid from vomiting, diarrhea, or heat stroke, the kidneys receive less blood flow. This impairs overall function.
Trauma or Injury. A strong blow to the abdomen can physically damage the kidneys. Common examples include high falls and car accidents.
Urinary Blockages. Another cause of kidney disease in dogs is the presence of urinary obstructions. Urine buildup will cause pressure on the kidneys and result in failure.
Chronic Kidney Failure
On the other hand, chronic kidney failure in dogs is a gradual condition that develops over months or years. It’s more common in dogs with significant age and a predisposition to related chronic diseases.
Similar to acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease can also be caused by toxins, infections, dehydration, injuries, and urinary blockages. Unique causes include:
Genetics. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to having kidney problems, with some born with malformed kidneys that cause problems later on. Examples include Bull Terriers, German Shepherds, and Cocker Spaniels.
Age. Over time, a dog’s kidneys can weaken. The problems start to show in senior dogs.
Dental Disease. When dental diseases like gum disease are left untreated, the infection can worsen and spread to the kidneys.
Cancer. Tumors like lymphomas can impair kidney function by invading the kidneys and destroying renal tissue.
Metabolic Disorders. Diabetes and high blood pressure can damage the kidney’s blood vessels and cause scarring. This leads to decreased kidney function in dogs.
Autoimmune Diseases. In some instances, the body can mistakenly attack the kidneys, causing chronic kidney failure in dogs.
What Are the Early Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs?
Increased Thirst and Urination. Polydipsia and polyuria are two of the earliest signs of decreased kidney function in dogs. This occurs because the kidneys struggle with filtering, making your dog want to drink and urinate more.
Lethargy and Weakness. Dogs with kidney failure may seem a bit weak and low on energy. This happens when their body is unable to eliminate toxins as it normally would, and those toxins can cause them to feel uncomfortable.
Loss of Appetite and Weight. When your dog is experiencing some kidney trouble, it often makes them feel sick, leading to a loss of appetite. This will also result in weight loss, especially when it goes on for longer.
Vomiting or Nausea. Canine kidney disease can cause your dog’s body to build up toxins, which often leads to an upset stomach. This can result in nausea and vomiting, making your dog feel even worse.
Bad Breath. Kidney disease in dogs can also lead to bad breath. This comes from the toxins that have built up and spread to the bloodstream.
Pale Gums or Mouth Ulcers. Kidney failure in dogs can also lead to pale gums through anemia. In more serious cases, your dog might even catch mouth ulcers, which are caused by the buildup of toxins that weren’t filtered out.
Uncoordinated Movements. The buildup of toxins from canine kidney failure can also lead to difficulty with movements.
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