Dog Walking in the Grass | Diamond Pet Foods

A Primer on Your Dog’s Kidneys

It’s estimated that 1 in 10 older dogs will develop chronic kidney disease.1 If you’re lucky, your dog won’t be one of them. The trouble is, by the time most signs of kidney disease are apparent, 75 percent or more of the kidneys may be seriously compromised.1 Early detection of kidney issues in dogs and immediate treatment are the best ways to help protect your dog.

The multi-talented kidneys

Your dog has two kidneys, tucked up along the spine near the last ribs. While you’re no doubt aware the kidneys help make urine, these hardworking organs do much more. Within each kidney, small processing units called nephrons filter the blood and remove metabolic waste and drugs from the body, releasing them into the urine. At the same time, they return important proteins and other substances to the body.

The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining proper hydration while preserving the correct balance of minerals and electrolytes. They’re also responsible for producing hormones that regulate blood pressure and promote red blood cell production by the bone marrow.

Causes of kidney disease

Kidney disease is often divided into two categories. The first is acute kidney injury, which occurs over the course of hours or days and may be associated with ingestion of toxins such as grapes, infection with leptospirosis bacteria from drinking contaminated water, urinary tract obstruction or other issues. In some cases, the damage may be reversible if treated early and aggressively.

Chronic kidney disease generally happens over several months and can be managed but not cured.  In many cases, it may occur as part of the natural aging process, from years of wear and tear on the organs.

Other causes of kidney disease range from congenital defects (present at birth) and hereditary kidney problems to Lyme disease and bacterial infection spread from dental disease.

Signs of kidney disease

The signs can be subtle and include weight loss, lethargy, dehydration, changes in drinking and urination, blood in the urine, vomiting and loss of appetite. In advanced cases, the gums may be white from anemia, or a paucity of red blood cells.

How to protect your dog

Make sure to keep your dog away from any toxins that can lead to kidney problems, including grapes or raisins and ethylene glycol (antifreeze). Store human and animal medications in a locked cabinet to prevent your dog from accidentally ingesting them.

Use tick preventives and remove any ticks as soon as possible to help protect your dog from Lyme disease. Finally, do not let your dog drink from lakes, rivers or streams that may be contaminated with Leptospira bacteria. Ask your veterinarian if your dog would benefit from a leptospirosis vaccine.

Of course, make sure to alert your veterinarian if your dog shows any signs that may be consistent with kidney problems. Regular veterinary exams, including blood tests and a urinalysis, may help identify kidney disease early. There are even screening tests to help detect kidney disease before signs become apparent. If you’re concerned about your dog, your veterinarian can help determine the best next steps to take.

RELATED POST: COMMON CAUSES OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN DOGS

 

Reference

1 Brown SA. Renal dysfunction in small animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual website. Available at https://www.merckvetmanual.com/urinary-system/noninfectious-diseases-of-the-urinary-system-in-small-animals/renal-dysfunction-in-small-animals. Accessed September 23, 2021.

The information in this blog has been developed with our veterinarian and is designed to help educate pet parents. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health or nutrition, please talk with your veterinarian.

Search

  • Where to Buy Diamond Pet Foods Near Me
    [gravityform id="22" ajax="true"]
    <div class='gf_browser_unknown gform_wrapper gravity-theme scoop-form_wrapper' id='gform_wrapper_22' style='display:none'><div id='gf_22' class='gform_anchor' tabindex='-1'></div> <div class='gform_heading'> <h2 class="gform_title">The Scoop Newsletter</h2> <span class='gform_description'></span> <p class='gform_required_legend'>&quot;<span class="gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk">*</span>&quot; indicates required fields</p> </div><form method='post' enctype='multipart/form-data' target='gform_ajax_frame_22' id='gform_22' class='scoop-form' action='/blog/health/renal/dog-kidney-issues/#gf_22' > <div class='gform_body gform-body'><div id='gform_fields_22' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below'><div id="field_22_8" class="gfield gfield--width-full gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible" data-js-reload="field_22_8"><p class="sign-up-text">Sign up to receive email communications, including our <span style="white-space:nowrap;">e-newsletter</span>, The Scoop, where you can be the first to know about social contests, new blog posts and more!</p></div><fieldset id="field_22_1" class="gfield field_sublabel_above field_description_below hidden_label gfield_visibility_visible" data-js-reload="field_22_1"><legend class='gfield_label gfield_label_before_complex' >Name</legend><div class='ginput_complex ginput_container no_prefix has_first_name no_middle_name has_last_name no_suffix gf_name_has_2 ginput_container_name' id='input_22_1'> <span id='input_22_1_3_container' class='name_first' > <label for='input_22_1_3' >First Name</label> <input type='text' name='input_1.3' id='input_22_1_3' value='' aria-required='false' /> </span> <span id='input_22_1_6_container' class='name_last' > <label for='input_22_1_6' >Last Name</label> <input type='text' name='input_1.6' id='input_22_1_6' value='' aria-required='false' /> </span> </div></fieldset></fieldset><div id="field_22_2" class="gfield gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible" data-js-reload="field_22_2"><label class='gfield_label' for='input_22_2' >Email<span class="gfield_required"><span class="gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk"> * <span class='sr-only'> Required</span></span></span></label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_email'> <input name='input_2' id='input_22_2' type='text' value='' class='large' placeholder='EMAIL ADDRESS' aria-required="true" aria-invalid="false" /> </div></div><fieldset id="field_22_3" class="gfield gfield--width-full pet-parent-radio gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below field_description_above gfield_visibility_visible" data-js-reload="field_22_3"><legend class='gfield_label' >PROUD PARENT OF A<span class="gfield_required"><span class="gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk"> * <span class='sr-only'> Required</span></span></span></legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_22_3'> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_3_0'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_3' type='radio' value='DOG' id='choice_22_3_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_3_0' id='label_22_3_0'>DOG</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_3_1'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_3' type='radio' value='CAT' id='choice_22_3_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_3_1' id='label_22_3_1'>CAT</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_3_2'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_3' type='radio' value='BOTH' id='choice_22_3_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_3_2' id='label_22_3_2'>BOTH</label> </div></div></div></fieldset></fieldset><div id="field_22_7" class="gfield gfield--width-full gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible" data-js-reload="field_22_7"><button class="dropdown-toggle" type="button" id="puppy-drop" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">DO YOU HAVE A PUPPY? *</button></div><fieldset id="field_22_6" class="gfield gfield--width-full scoop-puppy-radios field_sublabel_below field_description_above gfield_visibility_visible" data-js-reload="field_22_6"><legend class='gfield_label' >Do you have a Puppy?</legend><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_22_6'>*By answering "Yes" to this question, you agree to receive the <i>Puppy Love</i> email series</div><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_22_6'> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_0'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='NO' id='choice_22_6_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' aria-describedby="gfield_description_22_6" /> <label for='choice_22_6_0' id='label_22_6_0'>NO</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_1'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 1 month old (or younger)' id='choice_22_6_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_1' id='label_22_6_1'>Yes, they're 1 month old</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_2'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 2 months old' id='choice_22_6_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_2' id='label_22_6_2'>Yes, they're 2 months old</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_3'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 3 months old' id='choice_22_6_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_3' id='label_22_6_3'>Yes, they're 3 months old</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_4'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 4 months old' id='choice_22_6_4' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_4' id='label_22_6_4'>Yes, they're 4 months old</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_5'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 5 months old' id='choice_22_6_5' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_5' id='label_22_6_5'>Yes, they're 5 months old</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_6'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 6 months old' id='choice_22_6_6' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_6' id='label_22_6_6'>Yes, they're 6 months old</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_7'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 7 months old' id='choice_22_6_7' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_7' id='label_22_6_7'>Yes, they're 7 months old</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_8'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 8 months old' id='choice_22_6_8' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_8' id='label_22_6_8'>Yes, they're 8 months old</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_9'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 9 months old' id='choice_22_6_9' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_9' id='label_22_6_9'>Yes, they're 9 months old</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_10'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 10 months old' id='choice_22_6_10' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_10' id='label_22_6_10'>Yes, they're 10 months old</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_11'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 11 months old' id='choice_22_6_11' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_11' id='label_22_6_11'>Yes, they're 11 months old</label> </div> <div class='gchoice gchoice_22_6_12'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='Yes - 12 months old' id='choice_22_6_12' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )' /> <label for='choice_22_6_12' id='label_22_6_12'>Yes, they're 12 months old</label> </div></div></div></fieldset></fieldset><fieldset id="field_22_9" class="gfield gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below field_description_below hidden_label gfield_visibility_hidden" data-js-reload="field_22_9"><div class='admin-hidden-markup'><i class='gform-icon gform-icon--hidden'></i><span>Hidden</span></div><legend class='gfield_label gfield_label_before_complex' >Newsletter Subscribe</legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_checkbox'><div class='gfield_checkbox' id='input_22_9'><div class='gchoice gchoice_22_9_1'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_9.1' type='checkbox' value='Company Newsletters, Contests &amp; More' checked='checked' id='choice_22_9_1' /> <label for='choice_22_9_1' id='label_22_9_1'>Company Newsletters, Contests & More</label> </div><div class='gchoice gchoice_22_9_2'> <input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_9.2' type='checkbox' value='Puppy Love for your pup&#039;s first year?' checked='checked' id='choice_22_9_2' /> <label for='choice_22_9_2' id='label_22_9_2'>Puppy Love for your pup's first year?</label> </div></div></div></fieldset></fieldset><div id="field_22_10" class="gfield gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below field_description_below hidden_label gfield_visibility_hidden" data-js-reload="field_22_10"><div class='admin-hidden-markup'><i class='gform-icon gform-icon--hidden'></i><span>Hidden</span></div><label class='gfield_label' for='input_22_10' >No Puppy subscribe</label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_10' id='input_22_10' type='text' value='Company Newsletters, Contests &amp; More' class='large' aria-invalid="false" /> </div></div><div id="field_22_11" class="gfield gfield--width-full gform_hidden field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible" data-js-reload="field_22_11"><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_11' id='input_22_11' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' aria-invalid="false" value='The Scoop PopUp' /></div></div></div></div> <div class='gform_footer top_label'> <input type="submit" id="gform_submit_button_22" class="gform_button button om-trigger-conversion scoop-pupout-submit-btn" value="I WANT THE SCOOP!" onclick='if(window["gf_submitting_22"]){return false;} window["gf_submitting_22"]=true; ' onkeypress='if( event.keyCode == 13 ){ if(window["gf_submitting_22"]){return false;} window["gf_submitting_22"]=true; jQuery("#gform_22").trigger("submit",[true]); }'> <input type='hidden' name='gform_ajax' value='form_id=22&amp;title=1&amp;description=1&amp;tabindex=0' /> <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_22' value='1' /> <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='22' /> <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='' /> <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_22' value='WyJbXSIsImMyNGQ4YmRhNTdlODFiZTdmMDZjOGZkNWQzMDc1YTc1Il0=' /> <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_22' id='gform_target_page_number_22' value='0' /> <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_22' id='gform_source_page_number_22' value='1' /> <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' /> </div> </form> </div> <iframe style='display:none;width:0px;height:0px;' src='about:blank' name='gform_ajax_frame_22' id='gform_ajax_frame_22' title='This iframe contains the logic required to handle Ajax powered Gravity Forms.'></iframe> <script type="text/javascript"> gform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 22, 'https://www.diamondpet.com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.svg' );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_22').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_22');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_22').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_22').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_22').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_22').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { /* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome */ jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_22').offset().top - mt); }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_22').val();gformInitSpinner( 22, 'https://www.diamondpet.com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.svg' );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [22, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_22'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}setTimeout(function(){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_22').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_22').offset().top - mt);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [22]);window['gf_submitting_22'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_22').text());}, 50);}else{jQuery('#gform_22').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger('gform_post_render', [22, current_page]);} );} ); </script>