You may have heard the saying «put it through your paces» before.
And the kidneys in particular should definitely be checked if you suspect that your dog is suffering from kidney problems.
What symptoms it at kidney problems in dogs are and how you can recognize them, you will find out in the following guide.
What exactly are kidney problems in dogs?
Kidney problems is a very broad term. Because there is various diseases affecting the kidneys and can be called a kidney problem.
The most common kidney problems in dogs are the following diseases:
There is also the rare disease diabetes insipidus (renal and central), which should not be confused with diabetes mellitus.
However, advanced diabetes mellitus can also lead to kidney disease.
Furthermore, drug therapies can also cause long-term damage to the kidneys and thus lead to kidney problems in dogs.
Symptoms of kidney problems in dogs: what are the typical signs?
Typical kidney problem symptoms in dogs are fatigue – both in behavior and in the coat – as well as a Increased need to drink and increased urination.
The opposite can also be the case and the dog even urinates significantly less.
A hunched posture as well as vomiting, diarrhea and a noticeable odor coming from the dog can also be signs of kidney problems in the dog.
languor
Exhaustion – i.e. exhaustion – is one of the most common signs that you can use to identify kidney problems in dogs.
Why it is like that? If the kidneys do not function properly, the dog’s body is no longer sufficiently supplied with the important minerals.
Possible toxins also remain in the organism, which in turn can also lead to lethargy, listlessness and exhaustion.
dullness in the fur
Dull, lackluster coat is another of the canine kidney problem symptoms. One reason may be that the dog is urinating more and is therefore slightly dehydrated.
This in turn causes the skin and fur to dry out.
You can see this, among other things, in dandruff as another sign of kidney problems in dogs.
Increased need to drink & increased urination
Dogs that suffer from kidney problems often drink significantly more. As a result, these dogs also urinate more.
The signs, also known as polydipsia and polyuria, are symptoms that you can use to identify kidney problems in dogs.
Good to know
These two signs of kidney problems in dogs can indicate so-called diabetes insipidus.
The dog smells funny
Organic diseases are often associated with noticeable odors. So, an abnormal odor in dogs is another one of the symptoms of dog kidney problems.
Do you notice that your dog smells like urine or even ammonia? Then this can be a sign of kidney problems in the dog.
weight loss
Kidney problems often affect the dog’s appetite. Unfortunately, it is inevitable that he will lose weight as a result.
This weight loss is very drastic, especially in the case of advanced kidney disease – and the diseased dog is only skin and bones.
Does your dog appear very thin, maybe even emaciated? Then this can be one of the symptoms of kidney problems in dogs.
vomiting & diarrhea
Even vomiting and diarrhea can be symptoms that can help you identify kidney problems in your dog.
Ultimately, the dog’s body fights with toxins that should have been eliminated from the body long ago.
Through vomiting and diarrhea, an attempt is made to eliminate the toxins in other ways.
Of course, there can be countless other reasons behind these signs, which is why you should have the cause found out as soon as possible.
Already knew?
Some dog breeds have an increased risk of kidney disease. These include the poodle, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Yorkshire Terrier.
When should you go to the vet and what are the treatment options for kidney problems in dogs?
You should know about possible kidney problems in the dog get it checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible – This is usually done through urine and blood tests.
Based on the results of these tests, the dog’s treatment is then determined. It can be done with an infusion and medication, among other things.
These can include so-called diuretics, i.e. drugs that have a draining effect.
However, these are never used for diabetes insipidus, since dehydration is the last thing that would benefit the fur nose’s health.
Dialysis is also possible in some cases and is one of the last remaining life support measures, especially in the case of advanced renal insufficiency.
In addition to the two therapeutic approaches mentioned, changing the diet can also help to at least alleviate kidney problems.
There are different dry and wet foods that are tailored to the needs of dogs with kidney disease.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic kidney disease in dogs – as much as we would like to give you another piece of news.
The situation is different if there is acute kidney disease. If it is recognized quickly and treated appropriately, the dog can usually make a full recovery.
Has your dog had acute kidney problems or is he still suffering from them? Then we say thank you if you share his story in the comments.