Some of the earliest signs of kidney diseases in dogs may include subtle weight loss, urinating/peeing more often, and drinking a lot more water.
Here is a guide that takes you through all you need to know about kidney issues in dogs and what you can do about it.
Table of Content
How Long Can Dogs Live with Kidney Disease?
A dog can live with acute kidney diseases for a long while but if the kidney problems get to a chronic phase it can be lethal. Ideally, it’s best to administer treatment when the pet is at a specific stage of chronic kidney disease.
Dogs with stage 1 kidney diseases can live more than 400 days while those in stage 2 can live between 200 to 400 days. Those in Stage 3 do not live longer than 110 to 200 days.
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What Are The Early Signs Of Kidney Failure In Dogs?
It may be difficult to spot when your dog is undergoing kidney failure. Most often mistaken kidney failure in dogs as a stomach upset. However, if your dog exhibits the following symptoms, chances are that she has kidney failure;
- Pale gums.
- Weight loss.
- Muscle cramps
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry and itchy skin.
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Chemical smell to the breath.
- Significant loss of appetite.
- Loss of balance, or stumbling.
- Swelling in feet and ankles
- Urinating either too much or too little.
How Do I Treat Kidney Disease In Dogs?
If you discover that your dog is showing symptoms of kidney failure, you should take her to a vet for a proper and thorough examination. If the results show that your furry friend has a kidney problem, the veterinarian may take any of the following actions;
- Fluid therapy via an IV.
- Give medicine for anemia.
- Recommend changes in diet.
- Administer medicine to reduce vomiting.
- Add electrolytes to balance out blood levels.
- Recommend that the dog undergoes dialysis.
- Give medication to ease gastrointestinal problems.
- Administer medicines that encourage the production of urine.
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Can Dogs Survive Kidney Disease?
The prognosis for dogs suffering from acute kidney failure is poor. Analysis shows that more than half of pets suffering from acute kidney failure die from the condition. The others on the other hand are euthanized to prevent suffering.
In other words, the survival of kidney failure is not guaranteed even for your furry little friend.
Is A Dog In Pain When It Has Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure makes dogs uncomfortable for as long as they live. Most of them do not feel pain but the uncomfortable state the situation presents makes the condition unbearable.
How Fast Does Kidney Disease Progress In Dogs?
Kidney diseases progress fast in dogs. Analysis shows that the average survival time for Kidney disease Stage 1 in dogs was more than 400 days. However stage 2 reduced to 200 to 400 days Stage 3: 110 to 200 days, and Stage 4: 14 to 80 days.
If the treatment for kidney diseases is not administered to the dogs, chances are that it progresses so fast and kills the dog. However, successful treatment of CKD delays disease progression which provides higher chances of survival and quality of life.
What Foods Help Repair Kidneys In Dogs?
One of the treatments for dog kidney diseases entails recommending a special diet for the affected dog. Dogs with renal health issues should be fed high-quality protein.
The first should contain low phosphorus and sodium. It should also be rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Food with a mix of good quality meat, veggies like bell peppers, and either a supplement of omega-3s or fish, flax, sardines, or anchovies will help repair kidneys in dogs.
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What Should Dog With Kidney Disease Not Eat?
Do not feed your dogs kidney failure foods containing high salt. High sodium diets may increase blood pressure thereby worsening kidney damage.
No more high salt treats such as cheese, bread, deli meat, and many commercial dog and cat treats. Rather opt for high-quality protein diets for your dogs with renal issues.
What Are The Last Stages Of Kidney Failure In Dogs?
When a kidney issue in dogs gets to the chronic stage, the dog will start exhibiting decreased amounts of urine production or total cessation of urination.
Do Dogs With Kidney Failure Drink A Lot Of Water?
Dogs often drink copious amounts of water regardless of their condition. This is why they undergo excessive urination.
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Is Chicken Good For Dogs With Kidney Problems?
Chicken is protein therefore it’s okay to feed your dog with renal failure a “fresh, cooked, moisture-rich, lean protein chicken. Of course, this includes turkey breast or defatted beef.
However, while preparing do not add too much salt because may increase blood pressure thereby worsening kidney damage.
Can Stage 1 Kidney Disease Be Cured?
Whether it’s stage 1, 2, 3, or 4 there is no cure for Kidney diseases. What could be done is reduce its progress or slow down its level of damage.
To manage kidney disease you have to place your furry little friend on a protein diet, medication, and optimal care. The correct treatment and lifestyle changes can help keep your dog and its kidneys healthier and longer.
Do Dogs With Kidney Failure Smell?
Yes, dogs with kidney issues can release the bad breath as a result of the build-up of toxins in the blood. However, this only advances when kidney failure has advanced to a chronic stage.
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Conclusion
Ideally, it’s better to prevent any circumstances that will lead to your dog having a kidney problem because kidney problems are not treatable but can be managed through the processes we have listed above.
References
- https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/ – Kidney Disease in Dogs: What Dog Owners Should Know
