Kidney Failure in Dogs: Your Questions Answered

When your dog is sick, all you want to do is find answers and make him feel better again. Sometimes when your dog gets sick it may be a passing thing, but other times it is something serious. If your dog is suffering from kidney failure then you need to step up and take action. Kidney failure in dogs is not something to mess with. You may be full of questions about what is happening with your dog, how you can help your dog and if your dog will ever get better.

Here is a list of common questions and answers that will help clear things up for you:

What is kidney failure?

Kidney failure is when the kidneys are unable to remove waste from the blood. The main function of the kidney is to rid the body of unwanted waste products and is therefore a very vital organ and required system for a healthy body. Waste products build up in the body if they are unable to be filtered due to kidney failure and this can lead to a serious situation if not dealt with quickly.

Does kidney failure in dogs prevent dogs from being able to urinate?

Kidney failure does not stop the production of urine. Your dogs will have no problem urinating and may in fact urinate more frequently when suffering from kidney failure. This is because inefficient filtration of waste in the blood causes the body to increase blood flow to the kidneys in an attempt to increase filtration of waster. That in turn causes the kidneys to work harder and therefore causes a higher production of urine.

What other symptoms will my dog be displaying?

The symptoms of kidney failure in dogs include the increase in urine production, as mentioned. Other symptoms to watch for include drinking more to replenish the liquids lost from the frequent urination, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, and bad breath. Your dog may also not act like himself with a tendency to be depressed. Another sign to look for are ulcers in the mouth.

What should I do if I suspect my dog is suffering from kidney failure?

Consult your vet for a full and thorough diagnosis into your dog's symptoms and condition.

How is the condition treated?

If caught early enough, your dog will be treated with an IV to flush the kidneys and try to get them working properly again. If the kidneys are damaged too much and will not resume normal function, a kidney transplant may be necessary.

Can I prevent kidney failure in my dog?

Some cases of kidney failure in dogs are strictly age related and may not be preventable. However, if you feed your dog a healthy diet, avoiding low grade foods and foods that contain substances linked to kidney disease in dogs then you may be able to hold off any genetic or age related kidney failure and possibly even prevent it all together.

Hopefully, these questions and answers cleared up some things for you. Kidney failure in dogs is very serious. Just as in humans, if kidney failure is left untreated, your dog will die. It is a serious situation that requires you to take action. With proper action in the early stages many dogs successful come out of kidney failure and go on to lead a healthy and happy life.


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