do dogs with kidney problems lose weight

Kidney Disease in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Your dogs kidneys are essential organs that filter waste products from the bloodstream. When the kidneys are weakened, either by acute or chronic kidney disease, your dogs health could suffer. Because kidney disease progresses over time, its important to learn the common symptoms so tha you can recognize them. If you catch kidney disease in dogs early on, treatment can slow down the progression and allow your dog to live longer.

What Is Kidney Disease in Dogs?

Kidney disease in dogs is sometimes called renal or kidney insufficiency because it occurs when a dogs kidneys stop doing their job as efficiently as they should. The main job of the kidneys is to help clear and excrete waste products from the blood and convert them to urine, says Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC. If the kidneys are not working properly, these waste products can build up in the blood, causing detrimental effects.

Dogs can get either acute kidney disease, which develops suddenly, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), which develops slowly and worsens over an extended period. Both involve loss of kidney function, but they result from different circumstances. Acute kidney disease is a sudden attack or injury to the kidney, whereas chronic kidney disease is a slow, degenerative loss of kidney function, Dr. Klein explains.

What Causes Kidney Disease in Dogs?

Dr. Klein warns that kidney disease could be caused by a lot of things, including infection (such as with the bacteria that causes leptospirosis), trauma, genetics, drugs, toxins, cancer, mechanical obstructions (like kidney stones), and degenerative diseases (where the job and form of the affected body part get worse over time). Anything that decreases blood flow to the kidneys, such as dehydration or heatstroke, can cause the kidneys to fail.

Acute kidney disease in dogs can be caused by exposure to hazardous materials, including toxic plants such as lilies, certain drugs, harmful foods such as grapes or raisins, or antifreeze. Puppy-proofing your home and yard can keep your dog away from potentially harmful items or foods that could be toxic.

Chronic kidney disease in dogs is also associated with growing older. Because kidney tissue cant regenerate once its damaged, the kidneys can wear out over time. As small-breed dogs often live longer than large-breed dogs, they tend to show early signs of kidney disease at an older age10 years old or more, compared to as young as 7 for the large breeds.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs?

The earliest signs of kidney disease in dogs are increased urination and therefore increased thirst. Other symptoms dont usually become apparent until about two-thirds of the kidney tissue is destroyed. So, in the case of CKD, the damage may have begun months or even years before the owner notices. Because of this, its common for the signs of kidney disease in dogs to seem like they came out of the blue when in fact, the kidneys have been struggling for a long time.

Other signs of chronic kidney disease in dogs to watch for include:

Dr. Klein says there are some rarer symptoms of kidney disease in dogs to be aware of, as well. On occasion, there can be abdominal painurinary obstructions or stonesand in certain instances, one can see ulcers in the oral or gastric cavity. In extreme cases, little or no urine is produced at all.

What Are the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs?

Kidney disease in dogs is measured in stages. Many veterinarians use the IRIS scale, which has four stages. Blood work measurements like creatinine and SDMA (biomarkers for kidney function) allow your vet to assign your dog to a particular stage which will determine the exact treatment.

Dr. Klein explains, The stages determine how well the kidneys can filter waste and extra fluid from the blood. As the stages go up, the kidney function worsens. In the early stages of CKD, the kidneys are still able to filter out waste from the blood. In the latter stages, the kidneys must work harder to filter the blood and in late stages may stop working altogether.

How Is Kidney Disease in Dogs Treated?

Dialysis (a medical procedure that removes waste products and extra fluid from the blood) is far more common in humans than in dogs, although peritoneal (kidney) dialysis can be performed in some cases. On rare occasions, surgical kidney transplant is possible in dogs.

But Dr. Klein specifies that depending on the type and stage of kidney disease, the main treatments for CKD are diet changes and administration of fluids, either directly into the veins (intravenous) or under the skin (subcutaneous). The balancing and correction of electrolytes are extremely important in the management of kidney patients, he explains.

Proper nutrition is needed, and there are many available diets formulated for cats and dogs with kidney issues, some by prescription only. Your veterinarian can help guide you to the most appropriate diet for your pet.

Because kidney disease, particularly in the late stages, can cause a dog to lose their appetite, it can be difficult to encourage your dog to eat enough. Dr. Klein advises, There are medications used as appetite stimulators available, such as the prescription drug mirtazapine. Capromorelin has recently been FDA-approved for dogs to address appetite in chronic kidney disease.

When Do You Need to Call Your Vet?

The prognosis and expected life span for a dog with kidney disease depend on the type of disease, the speed of progression, and underlying conditions present in the dog. However, the more serious the disease, the poorer the outcome. Thats why its so crucial to catch the illness early on.

According to Dr. Klein, In chronic kidney disease, there are methods, such as diets and medications, that can be used to lessen the burden of work the kidneys need to do and may help slow down the progression from one stage to the next. In acute kidney disease, there is less time and fewer choices available to prevent further damage to the kidneys and to try to jump-start the kidneys to get them to function normally.

Regular veterinary exams, including bloodwork, are an excellent way to spot kidney problems before the outward symptoms become apparent. And if you notice any of the above signs, dont hesitate to get your dog to the vet for further testing. It can make a huge difference in preserving kidney function and your dogs well-being for as long as possible.

Kidney Disease in Dogs: What Dog Owners Should Know

Kidney disease is very common in dogs, and protecting your pooch from kidney disease means you should be prepared to look for problems early. Studies show that 1 in 10 dogs suffer from kidney disease, reports Dr. Celeste Clements. Dogs can get kidney disease for any number of underlying reasons, and even worse, its often difficult to spot. Some of the earliest signs of kidney disease in dogs may include subtle weight loss, urinating/peeing more often and drinking a lot more water. Therefore, if you notice your dog is peeing on the floor or asking to go out more, or if your dog is always thirsty, its time to visit your veterinarian. Unfortunately, sometimes once these signs are present, theres typically already been a great deal of kidney damage. Fortunately, new advances in the veterinary world are making it easier to find kidney disease in dogs earlier (even without signs being present).What is kidney disease in dogs?Kidney disease in dogs is notoriously hard to catch early and can have devastating effects on our canine friends. In general, kidney disease (sometimes called kidney insufficiency or failure) happens when your dogs kidneys stop doing their job as well as they should. The kidneys help clean waste products from the blood, if they are not working properly these waste products can build up in the blood.(Learn more about what kidneys do for your dog.) This damage, once done, can be permanent and can be caused by a variety of issues. (Learn more about 10 common causes of kidney disease in dogs.)Kidney disease in dogs is classified in two primary ways, as:

Learn more about kidney disease in dogs:Since kidney disease impacts so many dogs and early detection is so critical, its a great idea for any dog parent to learn and know everything you can about the disease. Weve included some in-depth articles about kidney disease in dogs and additional tools below, as well as tips for helping keep your dogs kidneys as healthy as possible for the long-haul:

Kidney disease quick tips:

• Kidney disease is a leading cause of suffering and death in pets,³ and has been so difficult to combat because it was often not detected until most of the damage was done and permanent.
• Certain factors like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or other infections, including Lyme disease, or hereditary conditions could make kidney disease more likely.
• Treatment options for advanced kidney disease are usually limited to supporting the kidneys and treating the signs of kidney disease as dialysis and kidney transplants are not readily available for dogs.
• Encouraging your dog to drink more water can help with kidney health
• As dogs age, the likelihood of developing kidney disease increases.

The IDEXX SDMA test is amaker of kidney function and can help identify decline in kidney function and disease months to years earlier than previously possible.³[Editors Note: IDEXX Laboratories is the parent company of Pet Health Network.]This can allow your veterinarian to take early action to treat some causes of kidney damage, and better support kidney disease.Theres much more to learn about chronic kidney disease if you want to protect your dog, and having this knowledge is step one in the fight against a disease that has claimed far too many lives. Check out the resources below, and ask your veterinarian what you can be doing to keep your dog healthier, happier and in your life longer.

A new test is available to help detect kidney disease earlier, ask your veterinarian about the new IDEXX SDMA test.

Learn about IDEXX SDMA testing

More Kidney Disease Resources

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Weight Loss in Older Dogs (Whats Normal vs When to Worry)

Just like their owners, many dogs struggle to keep their weight down and stay in tip-top shape.

Weight loss is generally viewed positively by owners and vets. In fact, most owners find themselves seeking out low-calorie dog foods to promote weight loss when their older dogs start packing on extra pounds.

However, some owners have the opposite problem, struggling to have their dog keep weight on. There are some occasions in which weight loss can indicate a problem particularly when it occurs in older dogs.

Most geriatric animals lose a little muscle mass as they age (your grandma probably cant bench press as much as she used to), so a bit of weight loss is not necessarily unusual or cause for concern. Except when it is. The trick is to determine when your older dogs weight loss is normal and when it indicates a health problem.

Below, well discuss some of the reasons older dogs suffer from weight loss and explain some of the most common signs and symptoms that should have you making an appointment with your vet.

• Unfortunately, many dogs begin to lose weight as they age. In some cases, this is normal and no cause for serious concern particularly if the weight loss occurs over a long period of time. But in other cases, such as when the weight loss occurs rapidly, youll want to seek prompt veterinary care.
• There are a variety of health problems that can make an aging dog lose weight. Some of the most common ailments associated with weight loss include dental problems, canine cognitive dysfunction, and kidney disease. However things like cancer can also cause weight loss in some cases.
• There are several ways to help your dog bulk up, but youll need to work with your vet to do so. Ultimately, the most important thing is to treat any underlying illnesses causing the weight loss, but you may also want to employ some husbandry or management solutions, such as simply moistening your dogs food to make it easier to chew.

Symptoms and Illnesses that Can Cause Weight Loss in Older Dogs

There are a variety of different issues that can cause your senior canine to lose weight. Accordingly, it is important to visit your vet anytime your dog loses a significant amount of weight usually defined as 10% of their normal body mass. Only a veterinarian can determine the cause behind your dogs weight loss, and provide you with an accurate prognosis.

Weight loss is most troubling when it occurs over a short period of time. If your 60-pound-husky loses 6 pounds over a 6-month period, it probably doesnt represent a serious problem. But if your dog loses this much weight in a month or so, youll need to take the weight loss more seriously.

Some of the most common causes of weight loss in elderly pups include:

• Dental Problems Failing teeth, gum disease, and other dental problems are common in older dogs. These types of problems can discourage your dog from eating and lead to weight loss. Your vet can help treat most oral health problems (although you should do your part to treat such problems proactively), which may help make it easier for your dog to eat again.
• Anxiety, Depression, and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Just like people, dogs suffering from emotional disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or canine cognitive dysfunction may stop eating as much as they normally would.
• Kidney Disease Kidney disease is a pretty common problem for older dogs, and among other symptoms, it can cause your pup to drop a few pounds. Talk to your vet about performing a simple kidney function test and switching to a dog food for kidney disease, which will be formulated with unique properties to keep your dog healthy.
• Cancer There are a variety of different cancers that can afflict dogs, and their symptoms vary widely from one type to the next. Many cancers produce visible lumps or sores, but plenty of others dont, which further illustrates the need to visit the vet when your dog loses weight quickly.
• Heart Disease Heart disease is a fairly common problem for older dogs, but it can usually be treated medically. Heart disease often causes a chronic cough, as well as lethargy and excessive sleepiness, so be especially vigilant about observing your dogs behavior as he ages.
• Intestinal Disease Dogs with poorly functioning intestines are unable to digest and absorb their food properly. This can lead to weight loss, even if your dog still exhibits a normal appetite.
• Liver Disease Liver (and to a lesser extent, gall bladder) disease can occasionally cause sudden weight loss. Keep an eye out for yellowing eyes or skin, as these can indicate jaundice another symptom commonly associated with liver disease.
• Dehydration Your dog would need to be pretty dehydrated to lose 10% of his body weight, but it is possible. In principle, this is a pretty easy problem to treat, but it can be challenging to coax some dogs into drinking more. You may find it helpful to offer your pooch a few ice cubes, as dogs often like to chew them. Pedialyte is another way to help dogs rehydrate quickly.
• Diabetes Diabetic dogs are unable to use glucose to fuel their body like healthy, non-diabetic dogs do. Instead, their body must turn to other energy sources, such as the protein and fat in their bodies. This can lead to a net loss in weight for your dog. Diabetic dogs often need a special food, specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs.

Packing the Pounds on Your Senior Dog

Youll always want to work closely with your veterinarian any time you make substantial changes to his care regimen or diet, and if your vet identifies a specific medical problem, youll obviously want to provide the suggested treatment particularly if your dogs ailment is causing him pain.

But some of the best ways to help elderly, but healthy, dogs regain a bit of weight include the following:

• Switch to a diet or dog feeding schedule that provides more calories. You may want to look at a food formulated for all life stages, as these foods often provide more calories and protein per cup than those formulated exclusively for senior dogs or adults. If your dog still exhibits a strong appetite, you may simply find it easier to provide a little more food than normal.
• Provide your dog with moist or wet food. If your dog isnt eating well because of dental issues, you may be able to entice him to eat more by moistening his food or switching to a wet variety. Just be sure to speak about any dietary switches with your vet.
• Reduce the amount of exercise your dog gets. Exercise is very important for good health, but you may need to trim your dogs exercise just a bit to help him regain his original weight.
• Consider supplementing your dogs diet with a probiotic. Probiotics beneficial bacteria that live in your dogs digestive tract are sometimes helpful at improving the intestinal function of dogs. Some dog foods are fortified with probiotics, but you can also add powdered probiotic supplements to your dogs normal food.
• Add a tasty topper to your dogs regular food. Sprinkling a little shredded cheese or stirring in a teaspoon or two of olive oil can help increase the caloric value of your dogs food and improve its palatability, which may encourage your dog to eat more enthusiastically.
• Make sure you are supporting your dogs mental and emotional health. If your dogs weight loss is the result of anxiety, depression or another mental ailment, youll need to take steps to help him feel a little better. You may be able to accomplish this by simply spending a little more time with him, but if that doesnt improve his mood, a consultation with an animal behavior therapist may be necessary.

For more reading, make sure to check out our guide on how to fatten up a skinny dog. Suggestions there apply to all dogs, rather than specifically senior canines, but you may still find some helpful strategies to keep Fidos weight up.

Has your elderly pooch ever struggled to maintain a healthy body weight? Was your vet able to determine a cause? What steps did you take to help fatten her up?

Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below.