Kidney Failure in Dogs, Causes and Prevention

Kidney failure in dogs is a serious and potentially fatal disease if not treated in time. It is important for pet guardians to understand what it is, what symptoms may indicate its presence, how it is treated, and how it can be prevented.

What types of kidney failure can dogs suffer from?

There are two main types of kidney failure that dogs can suffer from acute and chronic.

What is Acute Kidney Failure?

Acute kidney failure is a sudden and often serious illness that occurs when a dog's kidneys stop working properly, which can lead to a buildup of waste and toxins in the body. The most common causes of this acute condition in dogs include ingestion of toxic substances, obstruction of the urinary tract, and dehydration.

What is chronic kidney failure?

On the other hand, chronic kidney failure is a long-term, progressive disease that develops gradually over time. CKD is characterized by a gradual decline in kidney function, which can lead to a buildup of waste and toxins in the dog's body. Its common causes include aging, chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and certain medications.

It is important to remember that if you do not have timely treatment, your dog's health can be greatly affected. If you suspect your pet may be experiencing a kidney problem, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible for proper evaluation and treatment.

Causes of Kidney Failure in Dogs

As we mentioned before, this disease can be caused by several causes such as age, genetic factors, chronic diseases, exposure to toxic substances, infections, trauma, and congenital malformations, among others:

Aging: Chronic kidney failure or CKD is more common in dogs that have reached old age. The kidneys of older dogs may not work as well as they used to, which can lead to a decline in kidney function.

Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and Cushing's disease can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.

Exposure to toxic substances: Dogs can be exposed to toxic substances in their environment, such as lead, mercury, antifreeze, etc. These substances can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.

Infections: Urinary tract infections can damage the kidneys and cause kidney failure.

Trauma: Trauma to the kidneys, such as those that may occur as a result of a blow or fall, can also damage the kidneys.

Congenital malformations: Some dogs can be born with congenital malformations of the kidneys that can lead to chronic kidney problems and kidney failure.

It is important to note that this disease can also be the result of a combination of these factors and that its treatment may vary depending on the underlying cause of the disease in each individual case.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Dogs

Symptoms can vary depending on the dog and the severity of the disease. Some common symptoms include:

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to take him to the vet as soon as possible.

Treatment for Kidney Failure in Dogs

Treatment for kidney failure will depend on the underlying cause of the disease and the severity of the dog's symptoms. In general, the goal of treatment is to reduce the load on the patient's kidneys, control symptoms, and prevent disease progression.

There are some common treatment options for this disease:

It is important to note that treatment for kidney failure in dogs is an ongoing process and that regular follow-up and veterinary care are essential to ensure that treatment is effective and that the dog's health remains stable.


How to prevent kidney failure in dogs?

Preventing kidney failure involves taking steps to protect your dog's kidney health and reduce risk factors that can lead to the disease. Some preventive measures that you can take into account are:

Kidney failure in dogs is a serious disease, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can improve your pet's quality of life and prolong its life expectancy.


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