Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as any abnormality of one or both kidneys that has been present for several months. CKD affects about 1 in every 10 dogs [1].
There are two main categories of kidney disease in dogs: acute and chronic. Signs of acute kidney disease usually manifest over a week or month’s time, while chronic kidney disease is defined as kidney damage that has been present for at least three months. Common causes of kidney disease & its progression include:
Signs of serious illness only appear after 75% of kidney function is already lost[1], so the sooner kidney disease is diagnosed, the more time there is to address the underlying cause or slow the disease’s progression. CKD is progressive and irreversible, but your veterinarian can help provide long-term care and show you how to track signs in older dogs.
The signs of early-stage kidney disease are not visible. On diagnosis, CKD has already been present for some time but may be managed with the help of vet-approved dog food for kidney disease. Signs of late-stage kidney disease tend to be similar but are far more noticeable to pet parents.
If your dog has kidney disease, the nutrition formulated for them can help make an impact on their lives. Specially formulated nutrition for dogs with kidney disease can be beneficial by having less protein and phosphorous than other pet foods. Phosphorus restriction can lessen the severity of the symptoms and progression of kidney damage, while controlled, high-quality proteins can help restore normal acid-base levels.
While it has gained some popularity online, yeast is relatively high in phosphorus, which could be a concern for dogs with CKD. Similarly, many websites now propose creating a raw food for dogs with kidney disease but fail to mention the range of factors to consider, such as contamination risks, providing the right balance of nutrients, and the overall cost. When looking into nutritional options for dogs with kidney disease, it’s always best to get a specific recommendation from your veterinarian.
If your dog has kidney disease, the nutrition formulated for them can help make an impact on their lives. Specially formulated nutrition for dogs with kidney disease can be beneficial by having less protein and phosphorous than other pet foods. Phosphorus restriction can lessen the severity of the symptoms and progression of kidney damage, while controlled, high-quality proteins can help restore normal acid-base levels.
While it has gained some popularity online, yeast is relatively high in phosphorus, which could be a concern for dogs with CKD. Similarly, many websites now propose creating a raw food for dogs with kidney disease but fail to mention the range of factors to consider, such as contamination risks, providing the right balance of nutrients, and the overall cost. When looking into nutritional options for dogs with kidney disease, it’s always best to get a specific recommendation from your veterinarian.
The liver is an important organ with many functions, including the digestion and conversion of nutrients, the removal of toxic substances from the blood, and the storage of vitamins and minerals.
Learn about the warning sign's, symptoms, and treatments of urolithiasis in dogs and the affect on your pet.
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of kidney disease in dogs and the affect on your pet.
Discover the causes of blood in dog urine and learn about effective treatment options to ensure your pet's health. For expert advice, visit Hill's Pet UK.
References: 1Lulich JP, Osborne CA, O’Brien TD, Polzin DJ. Feline renal failure: questions, answers, questions. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet. 1992;14(2):127–153. Brown SA. Renal dysfunction in small animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual website.