Your Pet Could Be Plaugued With Dog Kidney Failure...

In this article, you will learn about dog kidney failure. Although it may not be a disease that you can completely shelter your dog from, there are many steps that can be taken to minimize the risks.

Intro to Dog Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is as common to your pet dogs as it is to humans. Basically, your dog's kidney functions like a human's. Thus, it is important to maintain your dog’s kidney health.

Kidneys are responsible for maintaining the balance of some chemicals in the blood. A kidney also acts like a filtering mechanism which disposes body wastes in the form of urine. Aside from the primary functions, kidneys also play a minor role in other body processes.

Kidneys facilitate in the regulation of blood pressure and calcium production. It also helps in the metabolism of phosphorous. Kidneys aid in the production of red blood cells. Because of these numerous functions, a kidney failure, especially in your canine friends, can cause serious damage.

Dog kidney failure can be caused by several factors. Like human kidneys, dog kidneys become less and less effective as your dog grows older. Poisons, infections and other diseases can also cause a dog’s kidney to fail. Veterinarians also believe that kidney problems are hereditary.

When you dog’s kidney fails, it either means that the kidneys have just been overworked or damaged. Most of the time, sudden kidney failures are reversible but chronic kidney failures are not. The symptoms of chronic kidney failures are gradual and might occur over a span of several months or even a few years.

Most of the time, pet owners bring their dogs with kidney failure to veterinarians to be injected with some synthetic medications. Dog kidney failure can be diagnosed after doing certain blood and urine tests. A failing kidney usually produces much more diluted urine since it is not able to properly filter out the internal wastes.

Dog kidney failure can be very fatal, especially if your dog has other internal problems. Usually, treatments for other diseases can further harm the kidneys, such as those anti-cancer and anti-fungal drugs. So before you inject anything into your dog, make sure that you have weighed all the risks and benefits of each option with the help of your veterinarian.

Aside from the regular injections that your dog gets from the vet, you can also help your dog’s kidney to function well. Ensure that your dog takes in unpolluted water. Most vets will advise you to give your dog plenty of purified water. Clean but chemically-contaminated water will not help in prolonging your dog’s life.

Keep as many chemicals away from your dog as possible. This includes the preservatives, artificial flavors and coloring agents found in most foods. Contaminated air and soil also stress the dog’s kidneys, and thus, would worsen his condition. If your dog is always exposed to exhaust fumes or cigar smoke, check what you can do to minimize these kidney stressors.

Help your dog get as much exercise as possible. Exercise is always good for the body’s organs to function properly. You can take your dog for a brisk walk around the neighborhood or maybe bounce your pet gently on a trampoline. Your dog would surely love that. Even rocking your dog on a rocking chair helps.

Your dog might need a special kidney diet to help alleviate his condition. Start by giving him more vitamins and minerals. Your dog’s consumption of sodium, phosphorous and protein should be limited. You can consult your vet for a more detailed diet plan. Dog foods which fit your dog’s nutrient needs are already available.

When your dog’s kidney fails, it really is something to worry about. Sure, there are already a lot of medications available, but these medications won’t be enough. You would have to spend more time with your dog and ensure that he’s getting enough exercise and the right amount of nutrients.

Treatment of dog kidney failure is done primarily at home where you can take care of your dog yourself. Your dog will need all the special attention you can possibly give him. The vet may prescribe some not-so-cheap medications to hopefully bring your dog back to health. However, if the kidney damage is irreversible, the most you can probably do is to keep your pet away from harmful toxins.

It might really be a lot of work to have a dog with kidney failure, not to mention a bit expensive. Your dog will be able to appreciate everything that you did for him. As they say, dogs are mansbest friend. So isn’t it just right that you do everything in your power to help a friend?

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The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.