Kidney failure in dogs occurs most often in aging animals and in animals exposed to ethylene glycol (antifreeze). Younger dogs with certain genetic conditions can experience kidney failure and dogs that have experienced trauma. No matter what the cause, kidney failure is a terminal disease and treatment is aimed at giving the dog the best possible quality of life for as long as possible, until the disease has advanced to the point of death.
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If my dog is experiencing kidney failure, why is he urinating so much?
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Kidney failure does not mean that the dog will no longer be able to produce urine. It refers to the kidneys' declining ability to filter toxins from the blood.
Why does my dog drink so much?
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If your dog is drinking excessively, it is a sign that something is not right. Many conditions will cause an increase in the consumption in water and kidney failure is one of those conditions. If you notice that your dog is drinking more than normal, take him to the veterinarian for an examination.
Why has my veterinarian scheduled my dog for regular fluid treatments?
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Intravenous or subcutaneous (under the skin) fluid therapy helps the dog flush the toxins from his blood as well as combat dehydration. Fluid therapy is the No. 1 treatment for kidney failure and a dog that is not receiving these treatments will not survive the disease for very long.
My dog, which was diagnosed with kidney failure, has started vomiting. Why?
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As the kidneys decline, toxins begin to build up in the bloodstream, causing nausea and vomiting. If the dog is vomiting, you have probably missed a few other, more subtle signs that the dog has begun to decompensate. The toxins in the blood will build up gradually. The dog feels compelled to drink more and more water to try to compensate for the growing toxin load. The problem is that the water is not being processed, just sent straight to the bladder for elimination, so the dog begins to dehydrate. When that happens, he starts to lose his appetite, becomes lethargic, the mucous membranes become sticky, the eyes become sunken and lifeless, and the coat becomes unkempt. All of these more subtle signs will let you know that something is going on and a trip to the vet is warranted. If your dog begins vomiting, he should be taken to the vet immediately as urgent medical intervention is required.
Is kidney failure painful?
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The disease itself is not painful for the dog. However, the symptoms can become so, if the disease is not properly managed. It is paramount for you to remain vigilant when treating a dog with kidney disease to learn when additional treatments are necessary and when your dog has lost the battle.
When Should I Give Up?
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Only you and your veterinarian will know when you have gone as far as you can in helping your pet through this difficult time. Understand that this disease is incurable and you haven't done anything wrong. It's tough making the decision to euthanize your pet, but understand that kidney failure will cause a painful and undignified death. Sometimes euthanasia is the kindest decision you can make for your pet.
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