Kidney diseases are very prevalent in canines, and securing your dog from kidney disease requires you to be ready to detect problems before they occur. According to Dr. Celeste Clements, research shows that one in 10 of all pups suffer from kidney disease. Dogs can suffer from kidney disease due to a variety of reasons. And even more, the condition is often challenging to identify. The first signs that kidney disease in animals can be a subtle reduction in weight, urinating/peeing more frequently, and drinking more water. So, if your dog is going to the bathroom, begging to go outside more often, or has a constant thirst, it’s the right time to see your vet.

Sadly, when these signs appear, it’s likely that there’s already been significant kidney damage. Thankfully, developments in veterinary medicine make it easier to recognize kidney disease in dogs sooner (even with no signs).

What are the causes of kidney disease in canines?

Kidney disease among dogs can be challenging to detect early and could be devastating for our beloved dogs. In general, kidney disease (sometimes referred to as “kidney insufficiency or failure”) occurs when your dog’s kidneys aren’t functioning as they should. The kidneys assist in removing the blood of toxins. These waste products may accumulate in the blood if they’re not working correctly. ( Learn more about what the kidneys can do for your pet.) Once caused, this damage is permanent and may be caused by many problems. ( Learn more about the ten most common causes of dog kidney problems.)

The disease of the kidney in dogs can be classified in two ways:

• Chronic kidney disease among dogs
• In dogs, acute kidney damage is typical.

Find out more about kidney disease in dogs:

Kidney disease is a problem for many dogs, and early detection is crucial; any dog’s owner must understand and be aware of everything you can about this disease. We’ve provided some detailed pieces on kidney diseases in dogs as well as other tools below, as some tips to help ensure that your pup’s kidneys are well-maintained as they can to last for a long time:

• Chronic Kidney Disease: What Does Kidney Failure in Dogs Mean?
• 10 Common Causes of Kidney Disease in Dogs
• Kidney Stones in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Kidney disease quick tips:

• Kidney disease is the most common reason for suffering and even death for pets, three and it has proven difficult to treat because it is often not recognized until the most damage has been done and it is permanent.
• Certain aspects such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or other diseases such as Lyme disease or hereditary disorders can make kidney disease more likely.
• Treatment options for kidney disease usually are limited to supporting kidneys and treating signs of kidney disease, as kidney transplants and dialysis aren’t easily accessible for dogs.
• Encouraging your dog to drink more fluids will help improve kidney health.
• As dogs get older, the risk of developing kidney disease rises.

This SDMA(tm) test from IDEXX SDMA(TM) tests is a test for kidney function and can detect the decline in kidney function and diseases that can occur months or years ahead of when it was possible.3[Editor’s note: IDEXX Laboratories is the parent company of Pet Health Network.] This test can enable your vet to intervene early to address the reasons for kidney damage and help support kidney disease.

There’s much to know regarding chronic kidney diseases if you want to safeguard your dog. Having this information is the first step in fighting against this disease which has claimed many lives. Explore the information below and consult your vet on what you can do to keep your dog healthy and happier and live your life for longer.