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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 07/11/2024
These days dog owners consider their canine companions more like children than pets. So as a pet parent, you probably spend a lot of time and money to keep your pup healthy and happy.
One key to our dog’s well-being is their kidneys, which play an essential part in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and maintaining electrolyte levels. These small yet mighty organs are also crucial for red blood cell production and blood pressure regulation [1].
Since these organs play such a vital role in our bodily functions, what happens if they fail? If your dog’s kidneys start to fail, it can lead to serious health problems. Progressive loss of kidney function is categorized as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)—let’s deep dive into what the disease looks like and how it could affect your dog.
Chronic Kidney Disease in dogs is a long-term condition where the kidneys slowly lose their ability to function properly. Unfortunately, once function is lost, the damage is irreversible. When their kidneys start to malfunction, unfiltered waste and toxins build up in their blood which causes nausea and malaise [1].
Unlike sudden kidney failure, CKD creeps up over time, making it harder to spot until it’s more advanced. As the disease progresses, it can seriously impact your dog's quality of life, leading to various health issues that need ongoing care and attention.
Catching it and intervening early are key to managing the disease and making your dog as comfortable as possible while living with CKD.
Anything that decreases blood flow to the kidneys can cause them to fail. The likelihood of your dog getting chronic kidney disease can be connected to, but not directly caused by, a number of factors, including [2]:
Age: Older dogs are more prone to CKD due to the natural aging process.
Breed: Some breeds are genetically predisposed to kidney disease. Smaller dog breeds often show early signs of kidney disease later than their larger counterparts.
Infections: Bacterial infections, such as leptospirosis, can damage the kidneys.
Toxins: Ingesting toxic substances like antifreeze, certain medications, or contaminated food can harm the kidneys.
Underlying Health Conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic urinary tract infections can increase the risk of CKD.
As we mentioned before, it’s important to look for the signs of kidney disease so that you can catch it early and manage it while it’s still considered early stage kidney disease.
The earliest signs of CKD in dogs are increased urination and therefore thirst as well. Unfortunately, other symptoms aren’t easy to spot until around 66% of the kidney’s tissue is destroyed. These later common symptoms are [1] [2]:
Anemia
Loss (or decrease) of appetite
Weight loss
Vomiting and diarrhea
Lethargy and weakness
Bad breath (ammonia-like odor)
Ulcers in the mouth
Pale gums
Since many of the signs of kidney disease show up so late, your dog may have been struggling for a prolonged period. That’s why it is so important to consult a vet as soon as you notice any of these signs. Don’t wait!
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✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
Once you get your dog to see a professional, most veterinarians focus on two primary tests—a complete urinalysis and a blood chemistry analysis.
A urinalysis is essential for evaluating kidney function. One of the earliest signs of kidney failure is a low urine specific gravity (USpG), which measures the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. An increase in protein in the urine (proteinuria) also indicates decreased kidney function [3].
A blood chemistry analysis checks the function of various internal organs. For kidney function, key indicators include blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA). Elevated levels of these waste products suggest kidney issues [3].
Other important measurements include albumin, globulin, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, and red and white blood cell counts. These help determine the extent of kidney failure and guide treatment.
Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is an early indicator of kidney disease, often rising before creatinine levels. SDMA can detect kidney dysfunction when approximately 50% of kidney function is compromised, allowing for earlier intervention [3].
In addition to urinalysis and blood tests, your veterinarian may recommend [1]:
Urine protein to creatinine (UPC) ratio: Measures protein loss in urine.
Urine culture: Checks for urinary tract infections common in dogs with CKD.
Blood pressure evaluation: Monitors for hypertension, often seen in CKD.
Imaging (radiographs or ultrasound): Screens for kidney stones, tumors, or dead tissue areas.
Understanding these diagnostic tests helps you appreciate the importance of early detection and management of kidney disease in your dog. Always consult your veterinarian to interpret these tests and determine the best treatment plan for your unique situation.
You might hear the terms Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) used interchangeably, but they refer to different stages. CKD covers the whole range of kidney issues, from mild to severe.
CRF, on the other hand, specifically means the end stages of CKD, where the kidneys have lost most of their function.
Now you know understanding and being aware of the severity of CKD is vital as a pet parent.
Recognizing the signs and knowing the causes can be the difference in managing your dog’s disease effectively.
Remember, with early detection and proper care, dogs with CKD can still lead happy lives. Now that you’re more informed, don’t be afraid to talk to your vet and get their advice on your dog’s specific needs. We applaud you for being a proactive pet parent and constantly supporting their health and happiness.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
"Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso."
