Canine kidney disease is a serious condition that can develop over time or appear suddenly. CKD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs.
The first sign that there is a problem is when your pet begins to drink water and urinate excessively. At first, this type of behavior seems normal to many owners and so it goes ignored. However, it's important to take note and keep track of this behavior over the next several days. If something doesn't seem right, there may be a problem — and the sooner a kidney issue is detected, the better your chances of long-term options and treatment.
Courtesy of Howcast, here are seven steps to recognizing CKD so you can call your vet for advice:
Step 1: See if your dog drinks more than usual
Watch your dog to see if he drinks more water than usual. Dehydration is an early sign of kidney disease.
Tip
Always provide your dog with plenty of fresh drinking water. Measure the water you given them to see if the amount they drink increases or decreases.
Step 2: See if your dog urinates more than usual
Determine whether or not your dog is urinating more than usual. See if you have to make more trips outside during a day, or whether your dog starts having accidents inside the house.
Step 3: Check your dog's energy level
Take note if your dog is constantly tired and unwilling to play. Monitor your dog's energy level to help spot other potential problems.
Tip
Don't feed your dog grapes or raisins. They can cause kidney failure, particularly in dogs with other health problems.
Step 4: See if your dog eats and maintains their weight
Be sure that your dog is eating their food and not losing weight, as loss of appetite can signal kidney disease.
Step 5: Check for thinning coat or discolored tongue
Check your dog's coat to see that it isn't thinning or drier than usual. Look at the dog's mouth, and make sure his tongue isn't a brown color, there aren't any ulcers, and that the dog's breath doesn't have an ammonia-like smell.
Step 6: Respond quickly
React at the first symptoms of kidney disease. Many of the physical signs occur only in the final stages of the illness, when 75 percent or more of the kidney tissue has been destroyed.
Step 7: Take your dog to the vet if they show any signs
Take your dog to the veterinarian if the dog shows any signs of canine kidney disease. Follow the vet's advice and change the dog's diet, administer medicines, or do whatever is needed to stabilize or improve the situation. Early treatment can prevent a more serious situation.
For more health tips, check out this list of 15 things your dog should NEVER eat. You never know, it could save your pet's life.
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