Dogs are very different from humans. But even so, their bodies function in a similar way to ours. Like humans, dogs have kidneys designed to filter out waste and balance the nutrients in their bodies.
Kidneys also help control blood pressure, aid in producing red blood cells, and help metabolize calcium.
And if their kidneys are damaged, impaired, or have problems, this can cause some severe issues for your dog. In some extreme cases, kidney problems can also be fatal to your pet.
In this article, we’re going to look at some signs of kidney failure in dogs so that you can keep a close eye on your pet’s health.
Keep reading to learn more.
Types of Kidney Failure in Dogs
Generally, there are two broad categories under which kidney failure in dogs falls. These are chronic renal failure and acute renal failure.
Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic Renal Failure happens slowly. It occurs when a dog’s kidneys gradually lose their function over weeks, months, and even years.
The most common cause of Chronic Renal Failure is degeneration related to old age. All kidneys have a set lifespan and will eventually degrade, but some dog’s kidneys will degrade faster than others.
Acute Renal Failure
This is something that happens quickly. In some cases, acute renal failure can occur in a couple of days, and at times, just a couple of hours.
Acute renal failure is commonly caused by consuming toxins or contracting an infection.
The main difference between these two types of kidney failure is that Acute Renal Failure if acted upon aggressively and quickly, can be treated. However, chronic renal failure cannot be treated and can only be managed.
Symptoms of Kidney Problems in Dogs
Here are some common symptoms of kidney problems in dogs.
Ingesting Too Much or Too Little Water
Just like with humans, a dog’s kidney and water intake are directly related. Water helps the kidneys do their job, which is to filter out waste. Water also aids in keeping the blood vessels open so blood can flow freely into the kidneys.
So, if you notice that your dog’s water habits have changed, that might be a sign of kidney failure if you see that your dog isn’t drinking enough water or is having way too much water, that might be a sign that you need to have them checked.
Irregular Urine
The kidneys eliminate waste in the blood in the form of urine. If you notice that your dog is urinating more frequently or blood in their urine, that might be a sign of trouble in their kidneys.
And in the case of severe kidney failure, your dog’s urine might decrease, and you might also notice blood in it, and the kidneys could stop making urine altogether.
Severe kidney failure can also cause stomach ulcers to develop. This can result in a black and tarry stool which can sometimes look like coffee grounds.
Vomiting
This is another symptom of kidney problem, but a lot of different things can also cause vomiting.
Although just to err on the side of caution, it’s best always to take it seriously if you notice your dog vomiting more than once within 24 hours.
Dog’s end up vomiting frequently, especially if they’re left on their own. This is because they end up ingesting things they shouldn’t be eating. Though, again, at times, it could also be a sign of kidney problems.
For more information on why your dog may be vomiting, you can check out this article: whatthepup.spotandtango.com/dog-throwing-up-white-foam/
What to Do if a Dog Is Experiencing Kidney Problems?
You shouldn’t take kidney problems in dogs lightly. If you notice that your pet exhibiting some of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
As we mentioned earlier, acute renal failure is treatable. But it can only be treated if acted upon quickly and aggressively.
Kidney problems are a severe health issue for dogs. So, if your dog exhibits symptoms of a troubled kidney, bring them to the vet as soon as possible.
