8 Foods that cause kidney Failure in dogs

Kidney failure is one of the leading causes of death in dogs. Often, the first signs of kidney failure are not recognized until it is too late. This is why it is important to be aware of the foods that can cause kidney failure in dogs.

What is kidney failure?

The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood and removing toxins from the body. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they are unable to remove these toxins, which can build up in the body and cause organ damage.

There are two types of kidney failure in dogs: acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure is a sudden onset of kidney failure, while chronic kidney failure is a gradual deterioration of kidney function over time.

What are the symptoms of kidney failure in dogs?

The symptoms of kidney failure in dogs vary depending on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

-Increased thirst

-Increased urination

-Loss of appetite

-Weight loss

-Depression

-Vomiting

-Diarrhea

-Dehydration

-Bad breath

-Muscle weakness

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to take them to the vet right away for a checkup.

What are the causes of kidney failure in dogs?

There are many different things that can cause kidney failure in dogs. Some of the most common include:

– Kidney disease

– Diabetes

– High blood pressure

– Infection

– Tumors

– autoimmune disease

– Liver disease

– Kidney stones

– Bladder stones

– Toxins

Some of these conditions are genetic and cannot be prevented. However, there are some things that you can do to help reduce your dog’s risk of developing kidney failure. These include:

– Feeding them a healthy diet

– Giving them plenty of fresh water to drink

– Avoiding giving them table scraps

– Keeping them at a healthy weight

– Taking them for regular vet checkups

If you are concerned about your dog’s risk of developing kidney failure, talk to your vet about what you can do to help prevent it.

Foods that cause kidney failure in dogs

Chocolate:

One of the most common foods that can cause kidney failure in dogs is chocolate. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The amount of theobromine in chocolate varies depending on the type of chocolate. For example, dark chocolate has a higher concentration of theobromine than milk chocolate.

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, muscle tremors, and seizures. If your dog ingests chocolate, it is important to take them to the vet right away. The sooner they are treated, the better their chances of recovery.

Grapes and raisins:

Another food that can cause kidney failure in dogs is grapes and raisins. It is not known exactly why grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, but it is thought that they can damage the kidneys.

Symptoms of grape and raisin toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and lethargy. If your dog ingests grapes or raisins, it is important to take them to the vet right away.

Onions and garlic:

Onions and garlic contain a substance called thiosulphate, which is toxic to dogs. Thiosulphate can damage the red blood cells and cause anemia.

Garlic has been classified by ASPCA and Pet Poison Hotline as toxic to dogs and if you feed them in excess amounts, it will put stress on the kidney and may lead to kidney failure. Read these 4 reasons to avoid garlic in dog food here.

Macadamia nuts:

Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can damage the nervous system.

Symptoms of macadamia nut toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and weakness. If your dog ingests macadamia nuts, it is important to take them to the vet right away.

Xylitol:

Xylitol is a sweetener that is found in many sugar-free products. It is toxic to dogs because it can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels.

Table scraps:

Aside from xylitol, another food that can cause kidney failure is table scraps. Table scraps are often high in fat and can cause pancreatitis, which is a condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas.

Food high in sugar:

Another food to avoid giving your dog is anything high in sugar. Sugar can cause diabetes, which can lead to kidney failure.

Toxins:

There are many different toxins that can cause kidney failure in dogs. Some of the most common include:

– Antifreeze

– Pesticides

– Herbicides

– Household cleaners

– Mouse and rat poison

If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to any of these toxins, it is important to take them to the vet right away.

Preventing kidney failure in dogs

As mentioned previously, there are some things that you can do to help prevent kidney failure in your dog. These include:

– Feeding them a healthy diet

– Giving them plenty of fresh water to drink

– Avoiding giving them table scraps

– Keeping them at a healthy weight

– Taking them for regular vet checkups