Introduction
Kidney disease can be caused by such factors as infection, medications, injury, poison, age, or it can be a genetically inherited condition. A once a year blood screening test for kidney disease can help catch any kidney problems early and prevent severe kidney disease from developing.
Preventing Kidney Disease in Dogs
One of the most devastating characteristics of kidney disease in dogs is that symptoms do not usually appear until the kidneys have been severely damaged. Once the damage has occurred, the only type of treatments available is supportive treatments. It can take months to years for kidney disease to damage the kidneys, and new blood screening tests can catch kidney disease at the earliest stages of development before extensive damage to the kidneys have occurred.
Catching Kidney Disease Early is Key
Yearly blood screening tests, including tests for kidney disease, are advised for all dogs. Veterinarians highly recommend a blood screening tests for dogs of ages 7 years and older, as older dogs are more likely to develop kidney disease. If kidney symptoms are diagnosed early, it may be possible to stop the damage that is occurring to the kidneys.
Pet owners can also help prevent kidney disease in their dog by feeding their dog a nutritionally balanced quality diet, keeping poisons out of reach from their dog, and asking questions about any side effects that medications may have on the dog’s kidneys. Dogs that show any signs of kidney disease such as drinking more water, urinating more frequently, or changes to the urine itself, should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.