how do i know my dog is in kidney failure

What Are the Symptoms of a Dog Dying From Kidney Failure?

If your dog has been diagnosed with this renal disease or you're worried they're showing signs associated with end-stage kidney failure, a lot is probably going through your mind right now. At the forefront might be which stage of kidney disease does your dog fall under, and how can you make them as comfortable as possible? It's advisable to educate yourself about what to expect as your pet's illness progresses. That way, you can give them the best quality of life all the way through their final days.

Dog Kidney Failure Stages

Dogs with kidney failure go through a series of four stages, from diagnosis through the eventual death of the animal. These stages do not necessarily occur within rapid succession. A dog can go through them over the course of a few months or even years. Veterinarians determine the stage your dog is in by testing the urine to look for signs of the deterioration of the kidney's functions and the blood for symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) levels.

The Four Stages of Kidney Failure Chart

The canine kidney failure stages are determined by the levels of creatinine and SDMA, as well as the urine-to-protein (UPC) ratio and the animal's systolic blood pressure.

Dog Kidney Failure Stage	Creatinine (in mg/dL)	SDMA (in g/dL)
Stage 1	less than 1.4	less than 18
Stage 2	1.4 to 2.0	18 to 35
Stage 3	2.1 to 5.0	36 to 54
Stage 4	greater than 5.0	greater than 54

Other clinical indications that a dog is in the stages of kidney failure are:

• UPC Ratio:
  • Nonproteinuric: less than 0.2
  • Borderline proteinuric: 0.2 to 0.5
  • Proteinuric: greater than 0.5
• Systolic blood pressure (in mmHg):
  • Normotensive: less than 150
  • Borderline hypertensive: 150 to 159
  • Hypertensive: 160 to 179
  • Severely hypertensive: greater than 180

Symptoms of End-Stage Kidney Failure in Dogs

The most common signs a dog is dying from kidney failure include:

• Uremia: The buildup of waste products in the body produces a distinctive ammonia smell that is especially apparent on the breath.
• Pale, dry gums: The gums are duller and dry to the touch.
• Mouth ulcers: Uremia causes raw mouth ulcers that are painful.
• Bloodshot eyes: The whites of the eyes are bloodshot.
• Increased thirst: An affected dog drinks water excessively.
• Increased urination: The dog will urine large volumes of dilute urine.
• Dehydration: Despite more fluid intake, the dog is dehydrated.
• Decreased appetite: The dog loses interest in food.
• Weight loss: The dog steadily loses weight.
• Gradual loss of fat and muscle mass: The weight loss affects both fat and muscle mass and can cause emaciation.
• Dull coat that sheds excessively: The lackluster coat constantly sheds and looks unkempt.
• Lethargy: The dog has little energy or interest in moving around.
• Fatigue: The dog sleeps most of the day and night with only brief periods of wakefulness.
• Vomiting: The dog vomits frequently and cannot keep food down.
• Anemia: The dog may develop anemia.
• High blood pressure: The dog has elevated blood pressure.
• Incontinence: A dog cannot control their urination.
• Difficulty breathing: The dog has problems breathing normally.
• Slowing heart rate: A faster heart rate is generally present with kidney failure, but the heart rate begins to slow down during the end stage of the disease.
• Depression: The dog seems sad and does not respond to any of their favorite things.
• Low temperature: Dogs in their last days of kidney failure can experience hypothermia or a low body temperature.
• Lack of interest in surroundings: The dog is unaware of or disinterested in their surroundings.
• Disorientation: The dog acts confused at times.
• Loss of balance and coordination: The dog appears clumsy and unsteady on their feet.
• Trembling or shaking: The dog has tremors or episodes of shaking.
• Seizures: The dog suffers periodic seizures, one of the major signs of end-stage kidney failure.

Keeping Your Pet Comfortable

Watching your pet go through this can be very difficult. However, there are things you can do to help keep your dog comfortable during the final stages of kidney disease.

• Spend as much time as possible with your dog. Even being in the same room will be soothing to them.
• Make sure your dog's resting area is quiet, warm, and cozy. Provide them with their favorite blanket and toy.
• Protect your pet from other pets or people who may be too rough with them. Supervise interactions with children and teach them to be gentle with the dog.
• Pet your dog and talk to them frequently.
• Change your dog's bedding often and keep them clean and dry. Brush their fur for dry cleaning. Clean their fur with a sponge bath solution of hypoallergenic pet shampoo.
• Feed your pet a low-protein dog food appropriate for a kidney failure diet.
• If your dog refuses to eat or has trouble eating, ask the veterinarian about other feeding options such as an esophagostomy tube to keep them nourished.
• Monitor your dog's temperature and keep them warm with plenty of cozy blankets.

Last Days of a Dog Dying From Kidney Failure

While a dog owner may fear that entering the final stage of kidney failure means their dog's passing away is imminent, it is difficult to predict how long the does has left. In general, you can expect your dog to pass away within three months of moving into stage 4, though some dogs may thrive for up to a year.

It depends on the associated symptoms and other conditions that may arise due to the dog's poor health. Your dog's age is another factor. There's a lot to keep in mind, a lot to hope for, and the reality that you're facing the end of your dog's life.

Fast Fact

Controlling your dog's diet can help during their struggle with renal failure. Carefully discuss nutrition with your dog's veterinarian.

When to Consider Euthanization

When a dog enters end-stage renal failure, your veterinarian may recommend an end-of-life home treatment plan or a hospice program to make your pet's last days comfortable and maintain your pet's quality of life. For end-stage kidney failure, a treatment plan may include dialysis, a stomach tube, intravenous therapy, pain medication, and methods to care for an incontinent pet.

Depending on their symptoms, your dog may not necessarily be in severe pain, but they will be uncomfortable at the least from other symptoms, including frequent vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy and depression, and constant dehydration. Your veterinarian may recommend euthanasia if a dog is suffering, unresponsive to pain management, or too weak to handle necessary life-sustaining treatment.

Dealing With the Loss

It's hard to come to terms with the fact that a pet is dying. Find comfort in the fact that your dog appreciates your loving care in their final days. They know you love them and take comfort in your presence and all that you do to make their life easier.

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My Dog Has Kidney Failure And Won T Eat

[ad_1]My Dog Has Kidney Failure And Wont Eat: What Can I Do?

Having a beloved pet diagnosed with kidney failure can be a difficult and emotional experience for any pet owner. Kidney failure in dogs can be a serious and life-threatening condition, and one of the most common symptoms of kidney failure is a loss of appetite. If your dog has been diagnosed with kidney failure and wont eat, its important to take action quickly to ensure their health and well-being.

In this article, we will explore the various reasons why a dog with kidney failure may refuse to eat, as well as provide some helpful tips and advice on how to encourage your dog to eat. We will also delve into some interesting trends related to the topic and address common concerns that pet owners may have when dealing with a dog with kidney failure.

7 Interesting Trends Related to Dogs with Kidney Failure and Loss of Appetite:

1. Increased Interest in Homemade Diets: With the rise of holistic and natural pet care, many pet owners are turning to homemade diets for their dogs with kidney failure. These diets can be tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of a dog with kidney failure and may be more appealing to a dog who has lost their appetite.

2. Rise in Alternative Therapies: As traditional veterinary treatments for kidney failure may not always be successful in stimulating appetite, some pet owners are turning to alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal supplements, and massage to help improve their dogs appetite and overall well-being.

3. Growing Popularity of Appetite Stimulants: Appetite stimulants are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners whose dogs are refusing to eat due to kidney failure. These medications can help to increase a dogs appetite and encourage them to eat, which is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

4. Interest in Nutritional Supplements: Many pet owners are exploring the use of nutritional supplements to help support their dogs kidney function and improve their appetite. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants can be beneficial for dogs with kidney failure and may help to stimulate their appetite.

5. Adoption of Specialized Diets: There has been a growing trend in the adoption of specialized diets for dogs with kidney failure. These diets are formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of dogs with kidney failure and may help to improve their appetite and overall health.

6. Increase in Veterinary Consultations: Pet owners are increasingly seeking the advice of veterinarians and veterinary specialists when dealing with a dog with kidney failure and loss of appetite. These professionals can provide valuable guidance and support in managing the condition and improving the dogs appetite.

7. Interest in Home Care: With the rise of telemedicine and virtual consultations, many pet owners are taking a more active role in managing their dogs kidney failure at home. This trend allows pet owners to monitor their dogs appetite and overall health more closely and make adjustments to their care as needed.

Quotes from Professionals in the Field:

1. When dealing with a dog with kidney failure and loss of appetite, its important to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your dogs specific needs. This may include medication, dietary changes, and supportive care to help improve your dogs appetite and overall well-being.

2. Appetite stimulants can be a helpful tool in managing a dog with kidney failure who is not eating. However, its important to use these medications under the guidance of a veterinarian, as they may have potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

3. Nutritional supplements can play a valuable role in supporting a dog with kidney failure and improving their appetite. Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants can help to support kidney function and promote a healthy appetite in dogs with kidney failure.

4. Specialized diets formulated for dogs with kidney failure can be an important part of managing the condition and improving your dogs appetite. These diets are designed to be low in protein, phosphorus, and sodium, which can help to reduce the workload on the kidneys and support overall kidney function.

Common Concerns and Answers Related to Dogs with Kidney Failure and Loss of Appetite:

1. Concern: My dog has been diagnosed with kidney failure, but they wont eat. What should I do?

Answer: Its important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of your dogs loss of appetite and develop a treatment plan to address it. This may include medication, dietary changes, and supportive care to help improve your dogs appetite.

2. Concern: Are there any appetite stimulants that can help my dog with kidney failure eat?

Answer: Yes, there are appetite stimulants available that can help to increase your dogs appetite and encourage them to eat. However, its important to use these medications under the guidance of a veterinarian, as they may have potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

3. Concern: Can nutritional supplements help improve my dogs appetite with kidney failure?

Answer: Yes, nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants can help to support kidney function and promote a healthy appetite in dogs with kidney failure. These supplements can be beneficial in improving your dogs overall health and well-being.

4. Concern: Should I switch my dog to a specialized diet for kidney failure?

Answer: Specialized diets formulated for dogs with kidney failure can be an important part of managing the condition and improving your dogs appetite. These diets are designed to be low in protein, phosphorus, and sodium, which can help to reduce the workload on the kidneys and support overall kidney function.

5. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is refusing to eat. What can I do to encourage them to eat?

Answer: There are several strategies you can try to encourage your dog to eat, such as offering small, frequent meals, warming their food to enhance the aroma, and adding tasty toppings or treats to make their food more appealing.

6. Concern: My dog has kidney failure and is losing weight due to not eating. How can I help them maintain a healthy weight?

Answer: Its important to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your dogs weight and adjust their diet as needed to help them maintain a healthy weight. This may include feeding a calorie-dense diet or using nutritional supplements to support their overall health.

7. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is on medication that may affect their appetite. What should I do?

Answer: If your dog is on medication that may affect their appetite, its important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. They may recommend adjusting the dosage or timing of the medication, or switching to a different medication that is less likely to impact your dogs appetite.

8. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is experiencing nausea and vomiting, which is affecting their appetite. What can I do to help them feel better?

Answer: If your dog is experiencing nausea and vomiting, its important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan to address it. This may include medication to help control nausea, dietary changes, and supportive care to help your dog feel better.

9. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is dehydrated, which is affecting their appetite. What can I do to ensure they stay hydrated?

Answer: Its important to ensure that your dog with kidney failure stays hydrated to support their overall kidney function and appetite. You can encourage them to drink more water by offering fresh water regularly, adding water to their food, or providing wet food to increase their moisture intake.

10. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is showing signs of depression due to not eating. What can I do to improve their mood?

Answer: Its important to provide your dog with plenty of love, attention, and mental stimulation to help improve their mood and overall well-being. You can also try engaging them in activities they enjoy, such as walks, playtime, and training sessions, to help lift their spirits.

11. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is refusing to eat their prescription diet. What should I do?

Answer: If your dog is refusing to eat their prescription diet, its important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop a plan to address it. This may include trying different flavors or textures of food, offering small, frequent meals, and adding tasty toppings or treats to make their food more appealing.

12. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is experiencing constipation, which is affecting their appetite. What can I do to help them have regular bowel movements?

Answer: If your dog is experiencing constipation, its important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan to address it. This may include dietary changes, medication to help regulate their bowel movements, and supportive care to help your dog feel better.

13. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is refusing to take their medication, which is affecting their appetite. What can I do to ensure they receive their necessary medication?

Answer: If your dog is refusing to take their medication, its important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. This may include trying different forms of the medication, such as liquid or chewable tablets, or using pill pockets or tasty treats to help your dog take their medication more easily.

14. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is experiencing muscle weakness and lethargy due to not eating. What can I do to help them regain their strength?

Answer: Its important to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your dogs muscle strength and overall health, and develop a plan to help them regain their strength. This may include physical therapy, exercise, and nutritional supplements to support muscle function and improve their overall well-being.

15. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is experiencing anxiety and stress, which is affecting their appetite. What can I do to help them feel more calm and relaxed?

Answer: Its important to provide your dog with a calm and stress-free environment to help them feel more relaxed and at ease. You can also try using calming supplements or pheromone diffusers to help reduce their anxiety and improve their appetite.

In conclusion, dealing with a dog with kidney failure and loss of appetite can be a challenging and emotional experience for any pet owner. By working closely with your veterinarian and following their guidance, you can help to improve your dogs appetite and overall well-being. Remember to be patient and persistent in your efforts to encourage your dog to eat, and dont hesitate to seek help and support from veterinary professionals when needed. With the right care and attention, you can help your dog with kidney failure live a happy and healthy life.[ad_2]