Healthy kidneys filter life – when they fail, toxins take their place.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in dogs occurs when the kidneys can no longer effectively filter waste products from the blood. It may be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (progressive and irreversible), with chronic kidney disease (CKD) being most common in older dogs.
Risk factors include age, certain breeds (Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers), toxins, infections, and genetic predisposition. Early detection is key to slowing progression and improving quality of life.
Kidneys are silent workers – damage is often advanced before signs appear.
Core signs of Kidney Disease include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Vomiting, nausea, or bad breath (uraemia)
- Lethargy and weakness
- Pale gums or ulcers in the mouth
Kidney disease cannot usually be cured, but with diet, fluids, and medication, many dogs live months to years with good quality of life.
Kidney Disease – FAQ
Causes include ageing, genetic predisposition, infections, toxins, or underlying illnesses such as high blood pressure.
Blood tests (BUN, creatinine, SDMA), urinalysis, and sometimes imaging (ultrasound, X-ray) are used to confirm kidney dysfunction.
No, chronic kidney disease cannot be cured. Treatment focuses on slowing progression and managing symptoms through diet, fluids, and medication.
Veterinary kidney diets with reduced protein, phosphorus, and sodium help reduce kidney workload and maintain balance.
Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, and Shih Tzus are among breeds more predisposed to kidney problems.
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