dog kidney disease bad breath

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.

Do dogs with kidney disease have bad breath?

Kidney Disease When a dogs kidneys arent functioning properly they have trouble filtering toxins and waste materials which can cause them to build up in their body. Bad breath is a common symptom of kidney problems in dogs, especially when combined with pale gums or mouth ulcers.

What does a dogs breath smell like with kidney failure?

Bad breath Breath that smells like an outhouse can be seen in the advanced stages of renal failure in dogs. This is a result of the toxins that build up in the blood.

How do I get rid of my dogs fishy breath?

The simplest way to prevent bad dog breath is to brush your dogs teeth on a regular basis. Teeth brushing reduces plaque and promotes better oral hygiene, much as it does in humans, and with a little training, most dogs learn to enjoy having their teeth brushed.

Why does my dogs breath smell like rotten fish?

When plaque buildup turns into tartar an overabundance of bacteria can lead to bad breath. Halitosis, gingivitis, and periodontal disease all stem from bad oral care for dogs. An internal disease could also be the culprit. Kidney and liver failure can cause bad breath with a fishy smell.

Why does my dog smell like fish?

If your dog is emiting a fishy odor, the most likely cause is that the anal glands are impacted and need to be released. The anal sacs are the size of peas and are psoitioned on both side of the inside of your dogs rectum. These sacs have an oily substance that is released through your dogs excrement.

How do dogs act when their kidneys are failing?

Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Dogs Nausea and vomiting. Pale gums. Loss of balance, or stumbling. Chemical smell to breath.

What are the final stages of kidney failure in dogs?

After approximately 2/3 of the kidney tissue is destroyed, there is a rapid rise in waste products in the bloodstream and an apparent sudden onset of severe disease. The clinical signs of more advanced kidney failure include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, and very bad breath.

How do I know what stage of kidney failure My dog is in?

While a diagnosis of renal disease or failure can usually be made based on physical examination, in addition to the blood and urine tests. Other tests may also be performed to check for underlying causes for renal disease and/or to discover which stage of renal disease your dog is experiencing.

Why does my dogs breath stink all of a sudden?

Potential causes for your dogs sudden bad breath Your dog just ate something unpleasant, like poop or something rotten and/or dead. A foreign object like a piece of a stick or bone (Dr. Myers has once even seen a LEGO) has become stuck in your dogs mouth and its now causing a draining sore.

How do you release a dogs glands?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni_mRYnk2_I

How do you know when your dogs glands need to be expressed?

1. Your dog is scooting on the carpet.
2. Your dog is licking his bottom a lot.
3. If your dogs glands are really full, they may leak out a stinky, pungent smell.

How fast does kidney failure progress in dogs?

Median survival time for IRIS Stage 1 dogs was over 400 days, Stage 2 ranged from 200 to 400 days, Stage 3 ranged from 110 to 200 days, and Stage 4 ranged from 14 to 80 days. Successful treatment of CKD delays disease progression, likely provides greater survival times, and increases patient quality of life.

Does kidney failure in dogs happen suddenly?

Summary of Kidney Failure in Dogs Acute kidney failure happens suddenly, and if caught and treated quickly, can be reversed. While there is no cure for chronic kidney failure, symptoms can be minimized with fluid therapy and diet changes.

What are the signs of a dogs organs shutting down?

• Prolonged Lethargy/Disinterest. This is the most common sign that the dying process has begun.
• Stops Eating/Drinking.
• Loss of Coordination.
• Incontinence.
• Labored Breathing.
• Seeking Comfort.

How do I make my dog comfortable with kidney disease?

Offer fresh food at each feeding. Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water. Sometimes, dogs that have chronic kidney failure dont feel like eating. For them, it may help to warm food to just below body temperature, and to try hand feeding for the first few days of a new diet.

What should dogs with kidney disease not eat?

High salt (sodium) diets may increase blood pressure and may worsen kidney damage, so diets designed for pets with kidney disease are low in sodium. You should also avoid feeding high salt treats such as cheese, bread, deli meat, and many commercial dog and cat treats.

What are the symptoms of stage 3 kidney disease in dogs?

Some dogs with early Stage 3 chronic kidney disease have mild symptoms like intermittent loss of appetite, change in haircoat, or weight loss. Other dogs, especially those with creatinine values closer to 5, may feel quite unwell. Some dogs may vomit, have diarrhea, or be a lethargic dog.

What foods help repair kidneys in dogs?

For dogs with renal health issues, feed them a diet of high-quality protein with low phosphorus and sodium, and added omega-3 fatty acids, such as a mix of good quality meat, veggies like bell peppers, and either a supplement of omega-3s or fish, flax, sardines, or anchovies.

Can a dog recover from kidney failure?

Prognosis for Dogs With Kidney Disease Sadly, many dogs with acute renal failure will not survive more than several days. 6 However, if caught early enough and treated aggressively, some dogs can fully recover. Treatment generally involves intravenous fluid therapy and supportive medications.

What are the signs of kidney infection in dogs?

• Increased water intake and frequency of urination (often with only small amounts of urine)
• Difficulty in voiding urine.
• Pain during urination.
• Inappropriate urination (your house-trained dog may suddenly urinate anywhere inside your home)
• Fever.

How can you tell if a dog is diabetic?

1. Frequent urination (polyuria)
2. Drinking more water than usual.
3. Excessive appetite (polyphagia)
4. Sudden unexplained weight loss.
5. Vomiting.
6. Recurrent infections.
7. Poor coat.
8. Seizures.

What can you give a dog for stinky breath?

Give Your Dog Yogurt or speak with your vet about Probiotic Supplements. Some research has shown that the good, active bacteria found in yogurt and probiotics can help with stinky breath by killing odor-causing bacteria found in the mouth. Good bacteria can also help with digestive and other health issues!

What dog breeds need their glands expressed?

Certain breeds (usually on the small side) are also more likely to need monthly, manual expression of their glands: Chihuahuas, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Basset Hounds, and Beagles top the list.

Can dogs express their own glands by licking?

When dogs have problems with anal glands, they will scoot or lick excessively to try and get them to express naturally. Anal glands are two sacs that are located on either side of the rectum and secrete a fluid when an animal defecates or sometimes when they are frightened.

What happens if a dogs glands arent expressed?

The secretions need to be released when your dog does a bowel movement in order to flush out stored bacteria. When your dog defecates but the sacs are impacted, it gets trapped. Then an infection occurs, which can lead to an anal sac abscess, according to DVMs at VCA Animal Hospitals.