Search Results
651 results for “dog kidney”
What are the signs of kidney damage in dogs?
Kidney damage signs are not obvious; early ones are low energy, poor appetite and pain, easily missed. The kidneys have strong reserve capacity, so clear signs appear only after significant damage. Assess the degree with kidney bloodwork and ultrasound, then give targeted treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs?
Kidney disease comes in two forms, acute and chronic, and kidney tissue cannot regenerate. Once damage is done it is permanent, and signs appear only after two-thirds to three-quarters of kidney function is lost. Early warning signs include changes in urination, increased thirst, lethargy, poor appetite, and digestive upset. Late-stage failure brings severe, unmistakable symptoms. Recognizing these signs early gives your dog the best chance at management and comfort.
What to Do About Kidney Stones in Cats and Dogs
Kidney stones form inside the kidney, common in older cats and dogs and often found during checkups. A stone can drift into the very narrow ureter and block it, trapping urine in the kidney, causing hydronephrosis or nephritis and rapid decline; it can also strain the kidney's internal structures and lead to failure. Surgery exists but usually does more harm than good. The good news: struvite stones can often be dissolved with diet or medication once the type is identified by a urine test.
Kidney Disease: The Silent Threat to Cats and Dogs
Kidney disease is a silent killer of pets—early signs are subtle, and by the time you notice lethargy, weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, reduced appetite, vomiting, or bad breath, treatment may be overdue. Studies suggest 1 in 3 cats and 1 in 10 dogs has kidney disease. Newer testing (SDMA) can flag problems when only 25% of function is lost, far earlier than traditional tests (75%). Management means vet-guided diet and medication, no table scraps or treats, encouraging water, and regular monitoring.
How Long Can a Dog with Kidney Failure Live? Three Ways to Add Years
There is no single answer to how long a dog with kidney failure survives—it depends on type, stage, and treatment. Acute failure from toxins or blockage can often be reversed if treated within about 48 hours. Chronic failure in older dogs can't be cured, but mid-stage dogs commonly live 1–3 years and some over 5 with good management. Diet, medication, and daily care are what buy the time.
Treatment of Chronic Kidney Failure in Dogs
Treatment of chronic renal failure (CRF) in dogs must be based on the severity, cause, secondary diseases, and other factors your veterinarian analyzes beforehand. The ultimate goal is supportive care while treating and eliminating infection, dehydration, and malnutrition. This article outlines the treatment options and home care.
Pet Vomiting (Part 3): Vomiting from Internal Parasites and Toxicity in Dogs and Cats
Internal parasites living in a dog or cat's gut irritate the intestinal lining and trigger vomiting, sometimes expelling visible worms. Food poisoning causes far more violent vomiting along with seizures and drooling, and demands immediate induced vomiting and gastric lavage. Routine deworming and keeping toxic foods — onions, grapes, chocolate, macadamia nuts — out of reach are the best defenses.
What You Should Know About Vomiting in Cats and Dogs
Vomiting in pets splits into physiologic, from eating too fast or wrong food, and pathologic, from disease. Causes range from diet and gut issues to toxins and organ disease, and the timing of vomiting hints at the source, so see a vet when signs persist.
Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs
Many common houseplants can poison a dog if chewed, from calcium-oxalate and saponin plants to those with cardiac glycosides, grayanotoxins, or allium compounds. Know the symptoms and keep toxic plants well out of reach.
Medicines You Must Keep Away from Your Dog
Half of pet-poison calls involve dogs eating human meds—NSAIDs, acetaminophen, antidepressants, and more. Store all medicines locked away and never mix dog and human pills.