Renal disease is a potentially life threatening condition that may affect dogs later in their lives. The term “chronic kidney failure” can actually be quite confusing since most people equate it with the inability of the kidney to produce any urine.

In truth however, the condition has more to do with the kidneys’ inability to eliminate waste products from the body. In fact, many dogs that suffer from this condition do produce urine–sometimes in excessive amounts–although waste elimination is not being carried out effectively.

Renal failure typically affects dogs that are fairly old. In these instances, the condition can simply be the result of the aging process and its subsequent wear and tear on the organs of the body. It is interesting to note that the condition affects dogs differently based on their size and lifespan.

Smaller dogs may incur the condition when they are 10 to 14 years old, while larger dogs with correspondingly shorter lifespans may get the diseases from as early as 7 years old.

In pets suffering from renal failure, a number of symptoms may become apparent.

Many of these are the result of the kidneys’ inability to filter waste products from the dog’s body. More blood then flows into the kidney in order to improve waste filtration. This typically causes the production of more urine. The increase in urine production may cause dehydration, and your dog’s body compensates by producing a strong urge to drink water. This is why most dogs that are in the early stages of renal failure typically drink plenty of water and pass excessive amounts of urine.

You may also notice other signs in your dog such as reduced appetite, depression, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, and foul breath. In some cases, your dog may also develop ulcers in the mouth. When all of these symptoms are present, your dog is said to have uremia.

As you can see, kidney failure in dogs can be quite complicated. Not every dog will exhibit the same symptoms, nor will all of them be affected the same way. This is why a treatment method for renal failure should address the specific needs of each dog individually. Doctors will also asses the severity of the condition and take into consideration various other factors such as the dog’s age health, and weight before making a recommendation as to which course of action to take.

In any cases, renal failure treatment typically involves replacing lost fluid and electrolytes and addressing the inefficient elimination of waste. Any other issues that are related to or result directly for the condition are also addressed. This would include treatment for mouth ulcers, diarrhea, and vomiting among others.

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