Kidney Failure in Dogs Symptoms? You love your dog, and your dog means the world to you. As such, you want to be sure that they’re as healthy as possible and that they stay that way throughout their lifetime. Kidney failure in dogs’ symptoms can help keep your canine companion out of the doghouse by alerting you when there’s something wrong with them before it’s too late. This guide will provide 10 common kidney failure in dogs symptoms to watch out for so that you can spot any issues early on and get treatment before they become serious problems.
An Overview
Dogs are susceptible to kidney failure just like humans. The main difference is that they can’t tell us when something is wrong. As dog owners, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of kidney failure so we can get our furry friends the help they need. Here are ten signs to watch out for
1) Weight loss
2) Nausea and vomiting
3) Pale gums
4) Loss of balance or stumbling
5) Chemical smell to the breath
6) Significant loss of appetite
7) Fever or elevated body temperature (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
8 ) Swollen abdomen
9 ) Shortness of breath
10 ) Seizures
1) Weight loss
One of the first signs of kidney failure in dogs is weight loss. Even if your dog is eating the same amount of food, they may start to lose weight because their body isn’t able to absorb all the nutrients. You may also notice that your dog is drinking more water than usual and urinating more often. If you notice any of these changes, take your dog to the vet for a check-up.
2) Nausea & Vomiting
One of the first signs of kidney failure in dogs is nausea and vomiting. This is usually caused by a build-up of toxins in the blood, as the kidneys are not able to filter them out effectively. If your dog is nauseous, they may refuse to eat or drink, and may also start to lose weight. Other symptoms of nausea and vomiting can include pale gums, loss of balance, or stumbling. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for a check-up.
3) Paleness of Gums
One of the earliest signs of kidney failure in dogs is paleness of the gums. This is caused by anemia, which occurs when the kidneys are not able to produce enough erythropoietin (a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production). As the disease progresses, you may also notice that your dog’s gums are more swollen and bleeding easily. If your dog’s gums are pale, it’s important to take him to the vet for a checkup.
4) Imbalance / Stumbling
One of the common kidney failure in dogs symptoms you might notice is your pup losing their balance or stumbling more often than usual. This is because their kidneys are struggling to filter out toxins, which can lead to neurological problems. If you notice your dog starting to stagger or fall over more often, take them to the vet for a check-up.
5) Lack of Appetite
One of the most common signs of kidney failure in dogs is a loss of appetite. Your dog may go off their food completely or just seem less interested in eating. This can happen for a number of reasons, including kidney disease, infection, stress, or even certain medications. If you notice your dog has lost their appetite, take them to the vet for a check-up.
6) No More Production of Urine
One of the most serious kidney failure in dogs symptoms is no longer producing urine. When this happens, it’s a sign that your dog’s kidneys are no longer able to filter out toxins and waste from their blood. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in their system, which can be deadly. If you notice that your dog has stopped urinating, or is only producing very small amounts of urine, take them to the vet immediately.
7) Excessive Thirst
One of the first and most common signs of kidney failure in dogs is excessive thirst. If your dog is drinking more water than usual, you’ll want to take notice. Excessive thirst can lead to increased urination, which can then cause dehydration. If you notice your dog is drinking a lot more water than normal, take him to the vet for a checkup.
8) Bad Breath (Chemical Smell)
One of the first and most noticeable signs of kidney failure in dogs is bad breath. Your dog’s breath may take on a chemical smell, which is caused by the build-up of toxins in their body. If your dog’s breath smells unusual, take them to the vet for a check-up. The doctor will likely order blood work to see if there are any abnormalities with the kidneys or liver.
With time, there are also other symptoms that can develop, such as nausea and vomiting, loss of balance or stumbling while walking, weight loss, pale gums, significant loss of appetite.
9) Loss of Energy / Lethargy
One of the most common signs of kidney failure in dogs is a sudden loss of energy or lethargy. If your dog suddenly seems tired all the time, it could be a sign that their kidneys are struggling to filter out toxins. Along with lethargy, you may also notice your dog isn’t interested in playing or going for walks like they used too. If you think your dog might be suffering from kidney failure, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible for treatment.
10 ) Seizures
One of the most serious symptoms of kidney failure in dogs is seizures. Seizures are caused by a lack of oxygen in the brain, and they can be very dangerous. If your dog has a seizure, it’s important to get them to a vet immediately. Seizures can be a sign that the kidney failure is very advanced and your dog may not have much time left.
Conclusion
No pet owner wants to think about their dog suffering from kidney failure, but it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. If you notice any of the following ten signs in your dog, it’s time to take them to the vet for a check-up.
