Kidney Infection in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

If you've ever had a kidney infection, you know how uncomfortable it can be.

But what about your dog?

Dogs are domestic mammals, and their kidneys work exactly like yours—so if your dog has a kidney infection, they're going to experience the same symptoms as you would: pain, nausea, vomiting, and more. If left untreated, kidney infections can lead to other health problems for your dog—and even be fatal.

Symptoms

Kidney infections in dogs are a serious condition that should always be treated by a veterinarian. So, if you notice your dog is lethargic, has a swollen belly, or is vomiting and/or urinating more than usual, it could be a sign of kidney infection.

Your veterinarian will conduct tests to determine the cause of these symptoms, but here are some common signs:

• Blood in the urine
• Frequent urination
• Decreased appetite or loss of appetite.
• Painful urination
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Causes

Kidney infections in dogs are typically caused by bacteria that enter the body through cuts or scratches on the skin. The bacteria will then travel through the bloodstream into the kidneys, where they set up camp and begin reproducing. This causes intense pain for your pet and may lead to other problems as well.

The most common cause of kidney infections in dogs is a urinary tract infection, which occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract. In fact, a study found that infections happened in 30% to 52% of dogs and cats with urinary catheters that were left in place. This means bacteria can grow in the area if feces or other debris gets in, or if your dog's immune system is weak from not getting enough food.

Prevention

Kidney infections are a serious problem for dogs. They can result in high blood pressure, anemia, and even death.

While there is no way to prevent kidney infections entirely, there are some steps you can take to lower the risk that your dog will contract one. First, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. This will help keep his immune system strong and help prevent infection. If your dog is overweight, consider taking him on a diet or adding more exercise into his daily routine.

It's also important to make sure your dog is drinking enough water. Dogs with kidney disease often have trouble holding onto urine as it passes through their bodies, so they need extra hydration to compensate for this loss of water. You should also avoid feeding your dog foods that are high in sodium since these foods can increase the likelihood of developing kidney disease later in life.

The Dog Daycare Your Dog Needs

At Animal Hospital On Milam Road, we believe in the convenience of having all your pet’s needs catered to under one roof. We provide a wide range of services for dogs and cats, including wellness care, grooming, and boarding. We will help your dogs to overcome sickness and treat them as our own family. 

Contact us for more information.