Kidneys are the organ that eliminates toxins, regulates hydration and assist in the production of red cells, so you could say they’re quite important.
Kidney problems can be serious, and if you suspect that your dog might have them, you should seek advice from your vet as soon as possible.
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What causes kidney problems in dogs?
There are two kinds of kidney (or renal) disease in dogs, acute and chronic.
Acute kidney disease occurs when kidney dysfunction comes on suddenly. For example, it’s sometimes caused when dogs ingest something that they shouldn’t, such as grapes, raisins, or the ethylene glycol present in antifreeze.
Dogs can also experience kidney failure as a side effect of medications or bacterial infections. Acute kidney failure is often fatal but can be reversed with the proper treatment, which is why it’s so important you get to the vet as quickly as possible.
Chronic kidney disease develops over a more extended period, often as a result of a genetic condition. Dogs with chronic kidney disease can live for a long time with the proper care, but you need to understand the definition of dogs chronic kidney disease stages to make sure your pet stays healthy.
Weight loss
Sudden weight loss is one of the most common signs of kidney failure in dogs. As a rule, if your dog loses 10% of its body weight, you should consult with a vet.Sudden weight loss can be a sign of kidney failure, but it can also signify parasites, cancer, heart disease, or metabolic disorders.
Whatever the cause, if your dog loses weight suddenly, it’s essential that you see your vet as soon as possible to establish the cause.
Vomiting
Vomiting can be an indicator of several different health conditions in dogs. However, dogs do vomit quite often without any underlying health condition. Sometimes they might have eaten something that disagreed with them, or they may just have eaten their food too quickly!
If your dog vomits once and doesn’t have any other symptoms, this isn’t usually something to worry about. However, if they vomit more than once or they are exhibiting other symptoms, it’s a good idea to get them to the vet.
Pale gums
Your dog’s gums should typically be a pink color and moist to the touch. If they are pale, then this is something that you should get checked out by your vet as it can indicate kidney failure and other health conditions.
Stumbling
If your dog seems less coordinated than usual, or they appear to stumble or walk in a ‘drunken’ way, this is always cause for immediate mediate attention.
Other signs
Other signs of kidney failure include:
- Increase or decrease in water consumption.
- Increase or decrease in volume of urine.
- Blood in the urine.
- Breath that smells like chemicals.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s a good idea to contact your vet, as the sooner treatment begins, the more effective it will be.
