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.
How Do Vets Diagnose Kidney Failure in Dogs?
Diagnosing kidney disease in dogs will require specialized tests to identify specific markers and indicators.
Exams and Laboratory Tests
We can diagnose your dog’s kidney issues through physical examinations and laboratory tests. These are the ones we’ll use to check your dog’s kidneys.
Our vets will start with several blood tests. A complete blood count can measure red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These will be markers in identifying anemia, infections, or inflammation.
We’ll also measure blood urea nitrogen levels and creatinine, which are waste products the kidneys usually remove. When these are high, it means that the kidneys are not functioning properly.
Next, our vets can collect a urine sample. If this sample is diluted and has a high amount of protein, kidney problems are highly suspected.
Another test we can do is an SDMA test. This test identifies elevated levels of amino acid byproducts in the blood. When SDMA levels rise, even when 25-40% of kidney function is lost, it allows for an earlier diagnosis.
Imaging
Our vets will also use X-rays and ultrasounds to check your dog's kidneys and their condition. These diagnostic imaging tools help us check for any abnormalities that may help us identify the cause. These may be cysts, tumors, or obstructions.
How to Treat Kidney Failure in Dogs?
Treating decreased kidney function in dogs requires several steps. For cases of acute kidney injury, emergency care is crucial for dogs. We will need to provide IV fluids first to keep your dog stabilized. This will restore hydration levels and flush out any potential toxins.
Medications
For dogs with kidney failure, medication is often a key part of treatment. We will prescribe the appropriate medications to help with your dog's symptoms and help restore kidney function.
Antibiotics
Phosphate binders
Blood pressure medications
Nausea and appetite medications
Potassium supplements
Hydration Therapy
Along with medications, hydration therapy is a great way to help cleanse your dog’s kidneys and treat dehydration, which could be the cause of your dog’s kidney failure. Intravenous fluids help hydrate your dogs and flush out the toxins in the process.
Diet Plan
A dog’s diet plays a big role in managing kidney failure. Dogs with kidney disease often need a special prescription diet low in protein, phosphorus, and sodium while high in essential vitamins and minerals. These kidney dog foods take the pressure off and help with improving function.
Dialysis
In severe cases, especially with acute kidney failure, dialysis may be an option. This treatment option filters out the toxins from the blood, helping the kidneys do their job while they recover. It’s not the most common treatment option, but it can be great for dire situations.
Can a Dog Recover from Kidney Failure?
While it depends on a variety of factors, a dog can recover from kidney failure. Acute kidney failure, which happens suddenly, should be given immediate veterinary attention to help your dog recover quickly.
On the flip side, chronic kidney disease in dogs is typically a progressive condition that will require long-term care. This means regular medication, visits, and treatments.
How to Prevent Kidney Failure in Dogs
While not all kidney issues can be stopped, there are several ways to reduce the risk of your dog getting kidney failure.
Provide Fresh Water
Always make sure to keep your dog hydrated by providing fresh water all the time. By doing so, you’ll help keep its body clean and its kidneys in flushing out waste. Always make sure your dog has access to clean water near its bed, so they can take a sip on hot days.
Feed a Balanced Diet
What your dog eats matters. Always make sure their diets are safe and nutritious. By doing so, you can avoid a lot of health problems and make sure their kidneys stay healthy for a long time.
Hide Chemicals
Household cleaning products and chemicals pose a huge threat to your adventurous dog. This is why storing these harmful chemicals properly can help your dog avoid these toxic substances.
Visit the Vets
Regular checkups help keep your dog’s health in check, especially its kidneys. Routine tests can help reveal kidney issues before the symptoms start to show. This is important for maintaining the health of older dogs, as they are more prone to chronic kidney failure.
We can also give specific advice on preventing kidney failure based on your dog’s age, breed, and health.
“Protecting your dog’s kidneys ensures that they lead long and happy lives.”
- Dr. Leticia Maia
Final Thoughts
While kidney disease in dogs is a serious issue, it can easily be solved with the right care and parental knowledge. With our help, you can help your dog enjoy a longer and healthier life.
All it takes is regular visits to our clinic, a great diet plan, and the correct medicines for your dog to thank you for keeping its kidneys.
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