Studies show that chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 1% of the general dog population and 3% of cats. This number increases as animals age with about 10% of older dogs and 35% of older cats diagnosed with CKD. Awareness and early detection are extremely important.
In this article, we will take a look at kidney failure in pets, including causes, symptoms, treatment, and what you can do to support your pet’s healthy kidney function.
The role of kidneys
The kidneys play a vital role in your pet’s body. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products and excess substances from the blood, regulating electrolyte balance, and producing hormones that stimulate red blood cell production and maintain bone health.
When kidney function declines, these processes are disrupted, leading to various health complications.
How does kidney failure differ from kidney disease?
Kidney failure refers specifically to the loss of kidney function, which can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (gradual decline). Kidney disease covers a broader range of conditions that affect kidney health, including inflammation, infections, and abnormalities.
What is the difference between acute and chronic kidney failure
Acute kidney failure: This condition develops suddenly, often within hours or days, and can be caused by factors such as toxins, infections, or dehydration. If you catch acute kidney failure quickly enough it can be reversible with prompt treatment.
Chronic kidney failure: This is a progressive condition that develops over months or years, often due to age-related degeneration or underlying health issues. Chronic kidney failure is generally irreversible and classified into stages based on severity:
Stage 1: Kidney damage is present, but no clinical signs.
Stage 2: Mild clinical signs and elevated waste products in the blood.
Stage 3: Moderate to severe clinical signs, including weight loss and vomiting.
Stage 4: End-stage kidney failure with severe symptoms and a poor prognosis.
What causes kidney failure?
Various factors can lead to kidney failure in pets, including:
- Toxins: Ingestion of substances like antifreeze, poisons such as rat or mole poisons, certain plants, and medications.
- Infections: Bacterial infections such as leptospirosis.
- Genetic predispositions: Certain breeds are more susceptible to kidney diseases.
- Chronic conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and dental disease can contribute to kidney dysfunction.
- Age: The risk of kidney disease increases significantly as pets age.
What symptoms should I watch out for?
- Increased thirst
- Urination and incontinence
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Bad breath
- Discoloured gums – usually pale but in some cases the gums and tongue turn a dark brown colour
- Seizures (Once your dog or cat has seizures, it is time to consider euthanasia as the body can no longer cope with the build-up of toxins)
Recognising these symptoms early is important as every hour counts when treating kidney failure. Your pet may not have all of these symptoms, and these symptoms don’t always mean your pet has kidney failure, so it is important to have them checked by a vet as soon as possible after the symptoms appear.
How is kidney failure treated?
Treatment for kidney failure depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.
Acute Kidney Failure: Treatment may involve hospitalisation, intravenous fluids, medications, and possibly dialysis. Early intervention can lead to recovery in some cases.
Chronic Kidney Failure: Management focuses on slowing disease progression and improving quality of life. This may include dietary changes, medications to manage symptoms, and regular monitoring by a veterinarian.
How do I prevent kidney failure?
Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor kidney health, especially in older pets, are essential. Make sure your pets do not have access to toxic substances, and check your house plants are pet-friendly. Certain lilies can cause kidney failure if eaten by cats. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight and making sure your pets have access to fresh water, preferably filtered water due to possible chemicals and unclean water, at all times is crucial.
The role of nutrition
Nutrition plays a big role in managing kidney health. A diet low in phosphorus and sodium can reduce the workload on the kidneys and help manage symptoms of kidney disease. Protein is a delicate balance for pets with kidney disease. They need to have just enough protein to maintain their muscle mass and bodily functions and provide essential amino acids. When an animal is suffering from kidney failure, they can be lethargic and less enthusiastic about their food, so their diet needs to be tasty and nutritionally dense. This means that more nutrients are packed into each bite and that your pet will still be getting the nourishment they need, even if they are eating less.
Specialised renal diets are often recommended for pets with kidney issues.
Is kidney failure fatal?
The prognosis for pets with kidney failure varies widely. If treated promptly, many pets can recover from acute kidney failure fully, although some may experience lasting kidney damage.
Chronic kidney failure is progressive and leads to a reduced lifespan. With appropriate management, pets can live for months to years post-diagnosis, but it is not curable, and the condition will be fatal in advanced stages.
Quality of life
Quality of life is an important consideration in managing pets with kidney failure. Regular veterinary care, treatments, supplements and dietary management can help pets with kidney issues.
Anima-Strath is a natural nutritional supplement that helps to support and maintain your pet, particularly when the body isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should. Anima-Strath helps strengthen the body, stimulate appetite and and is proven to increase the absorption of nutrients from the diet by 6-10 times better! Using Anima-Strath to supplement your pet with kidney disease can help maintain their quality of life.
You need to monitor your pet closely and consult with their vet to ensure their needs are met as the disease progresses. By understanding the disease, recognising symptoms, and working closely with your vet, you can help improve your pet’s quality of life.
What supplements can help my pet?
 | Anima-Strath helps maintain a better appetite and absorption of nutrients from your pet’s food and supports the body. It is nature’s pick-me-up, and while it does not cure kidney disease, it does promote quality of life. |
 | Pegasus Pet Renal 12c can be used to support chronic Kidney & Bladder issues; blood in urine, bladder retention, kidney stones, involuntary urination and incontinence. |
 | A.Vogel Nephrosolid is a tonic that works directly on the kidneys, supporting their function. |
 | Vitozol CBD is a natural THC-free daily supplement to help your pet’s wellbeing. Vitozol CBD may help ease symptoms of kidney failure such as digestive problems, inflammation, pain and seizures. |
References and additional reading:
- Chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats – what pet owners need to know (no date) Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats & Dogs | Morris Animal Foundation. Available at: https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/chronic-kidney-disease-in-cats-and-dogs (Accessed: 30 July 2024).
- Kidney disease and renal failure in dogs (no date) Blue Cross. Available at: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/kidney-failure-and-disease-in-dogs (Accessed: 30 July 2024).
- Kidney disease in dogs and cats (no date) Animal Care Center of Green. Available at: https://animalcarecenter.com/services/kidney-disease-in-dogs-and-cats/ (Accessed: 30 July 2024).
- Symptoms of kidney failure in cats (no date) Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Cats | Huntersville Vets. Available at: https://www.lakecross.com/site/blog-huntersville-vet/2020/11/05/symptoms-kidney-failure-cats (Accessed: 30 July 2024).
- Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital & Veterinary Emergency Hospital (no date) Renal Failure in Dogs | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment in Flat Rock. Available at: https://www.wcrah.com/site/blog-flat-rock-vet/2021/05/17/renal-failure-dogs (Accessed: 30 July 2024).
- What to feed a dog with kidney disease (no date) PetMD. Available at: https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/what-feed-dog-kidney-disease (Accessed: 30 July 2024).