Canine Kidney Failure Symptoms

Dogs are like humans. They need to eat, drink and also play in order to survive. Aside from these, dogs are also capable of feelings. This means that just like men, they can also feel excitement, joy, anger, sadness, apprehension and fear. This is probably one of the reasons why they are considered to be man’s best friend since they also have the characteristics that are similar to human beings. Unfortunately, the similarities between dogs and men do not stop here. This is because our canine pets are also prone to experiencing different types of diseases and ailments that most of us men can also encounter. One of the most common illnesses that can affect the health of dogs is none other than having kidney problems. Kidney problems can be easily treated once it is detected and managed as soon as possible. Nevertheless, the condition could also lead to kidney failure once it is left untreated. This means that dogs can also die due to kidney failure. Because of this possibility, it is important for us to learn more about kidney failure in order to help improve the condition of our pets. This can be done by letting ourselves become aware of the different canine kidney failure symptoms.

What is Kidney Failure?

Kidney failure, which is also referred to as renal failure is a type of condition that causes the kidneys to stop its functioning for the body. This condition can be very fatal both on men and dogs once it is not managed immediately and appropriately. As we all know, the kidneys are important organs in the body since it is where the wastes and the toxins in the system are being eliminated from the bloodstream. There are actually two basic types of failure namely the chronic and the acute kidney failure. The former occurs over a long period of time while the onset of the latter is said to sudden. It is said that proper and fast recognition of the symptoms of kidney failure can already be enough in order to increase the chances of saving the lives of our dogs.

A canine kidney failure is usually diagnosed once the kidneys are already incapable of removing the wastes and toxins from the bloodstream. Once this happens, the body can begin to experience different complications such as azotemia, which is the buildup of toxins in the body. There are actually 4 stages or phases of kidney failure among canines. These stages include the following:

• Stage 1 – there is still no evident or significant changes in the level of toxins in the blood. This makes it difficult to detect kidney failure on its early stage.
• Stage 2 – stage two also does not show significant symptoms yet. However, toxins can already be seen in the blood.
• Stage 3 – the third stage is where the dogs will already begin to show signs and symptoms of the kidney problem. Aside from this, the toxin level in the blood also begins to elevate towards dangerous levels.
• Stage 4 – the fourth and last stage is characterized by the advancement of the kidney failure or damage. This can also show signs of weakness to the dogs as well as the lethargic behavior.

Causes of Canine Kidney Failure

Kidney failure in dogs can also be caused by many different factors just like in humans. For one, canines can also suffer from cancerous lesions such as the lymphosarcoma. This is a type of malignant growth that affects the kidneys causing it to stop function, which will eventually lead to kidney failure. Sudden failure of kidneys in dogs can also be caused by several reasons such as shock, dehydration, infection, poisoning (antifreeze), heat stroke, congestive heart failure and presence of blood clots in the kidneys. On the other hand, chronic kidney failure can be due to several underlying causes such as kidney dysplasia (kidney defect), canine kidney stones, caner, parasite problems, immune system disease and as well as inborn kidney defect. Chronic renal failure usually occurs very slowly over months or years without showing any signs or leads to kidney failure.

Symptoms of Canine Kidney Failure

Because of the problems in the functioning of the kidneys, our dogs are capable of exhibiting symptoms. One of these symptoms includes problems in the bowel movement. Once a dog suffers from kidney failure, the dogs can experience changes in the bowel movement. Aside from this, some can experience a decreased in urination or water consumption. Both problems can lead to dehydration, which can also further aggravate the situation. Changes in the appetite are also very common among dogs with kidney failure. Those with renal failure usually show lack or loss of appetite. Because of this, it can also lead to the dog’s weight loss, which is another comm0on symptom of the kidney problem. This particular weight loss can either be mild or severe, depending on the circumstances of the condition.

Depression can also be exhibited by dogs with kidney failure. Some dogs can show lack of interest in any activities that they may previously enjoy. Vomiting as well as diarrhea are also expected in this type of situation. Because most of these symptoms can be linked to other types of diseases or malfunctioning in the body, it is important or necessary for us to visit the vet in order to determine exactly the underlying cause of the symptoms. Doing this can also prevent the situation of our dogs from worsening.

These are some of the common symptoms of canine kidney failure. As we can see, dogs can also suffer greatly from different types of ailments. This makes us responsible for them not only as their owners but as well as their best friends. Together let us prevent dogs from experiencing this type of burden or suffering, which has already taken the lives of many other canines.