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How to Identify Kidney Disease in Dogs

A serious and common disease affecting a number of dogs is kidney disease. In older dogs it is probably one of the leading causes of death. Acute or chronic are the two forms that this disease can take. While the acute form happens very suddenly the chronic form starts slowly and gets worse with time. For the owner getting the news of either one is an upsetting thing.

The kidneys act as a filtration system for the body and an estimated seventy percent of their normal functioning is lost with this disease. Toxins and waste products get into the blood and build up when these do not work correctly. A variety of problems is caused by this and it eventually leads to death. Canine kidney disease has this sad outcome in reality and it is unfortunate.

The ability of a dog's body to properly function is stopped by kidney failure. A number of symptoms and warning signs will likely become obvious when the toxins begin to build up in their bodies. The acute time form usually appears more quickly even though both these chronic diseases show different symptoms. Dogs that suffer with this form of kidney disease can become dehydrated. Gently pull the skin on your dog's stomach to test them for hydration. The skin should spring back. There is a real possibility that your dog is dehydrated if it does not.

You may have noticed your dog not wanting to pass urine or no urine production at all. This is also is a warning sign that your pet may be a victim of acute kidney disease. This disease can lead to your dog having extremely painful kidneys; or you may notice the animal moving with stiff legs or an arched back. These symptoms are signs for any dog owner to watch out for.

There are different symptoms shown with chronic kidney disease. Where they would usually gulp food they may begin to show signs of a decrease in appetite so drastic they do not want to eat. They could even stop eating all together. Weight loss will occur in time. An increase in thirst and the amount of water they drink will increase which is one of the first warning signs that the disease has begun. This signs are common with the condition. There may be an increase in the frequency of urination as the dog can lose bladder control. In some cases urination can become painful and often impossible with blood showing up in the urine. Any signs of urine symptoms, vomiting, lethargic or depressed in your pet should be treated as a warning sign and you should call your vet immediately since canine kidney disease is serious and can be deadly. It could be possible to get control over the disease if it is caught soon enough.

Kidney disease in dogs is serious and if the veterinarian suspects this he will normally follow four steps to determine if the dog has the disease or not. Firstly he will conduct a thorough physical examination. Secondly he will speak to the owner about their dog's relevant history, regarding symptoms and behavior at home. After completing the first two steps he will conduct two steps, a blood test and urinary test. Both of these are necessary as to do one without the other will give a less certain diagnosis. Both of these tests will confirm whether your dog has the acute form or chronic kidney disease.

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Conventional veterinary medicine has limited solutions for treating kidney disease in dogs, but there are natural alternatives that can even reverse dog kidney failure.

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