Dehydration and Kidney Failure

Kidney Failure Due to Pet Dehydration from Your Canyon Lake, CA, Veterinarian

When you own a pet, you want to do everything you can to keep it safe and healthy. This safety means preventing potentially fatal illnesses to the best of your ability. Yet, many diseases are preventable, including kidney failure. In many cases, it’s directly linked to dehydration. Learn more about why and how to stop it with this guide provided by our team at Not Just 4 Paws Animal Hospital.

Dehydration and Kidney Failure

Kidneys and Why Hydration Is Important

The kidneys play an essential role in your pet’s health. They balance the water in the body, process out any waste, filter blood, and even help maintain your pet’s red blood cells.

Water is necessary to keep the blood valves open, allowing blood to travel more easily to the kidneys. This process is how nutrients get to the kidneys. Water is also necessary to help the kidneys flush out the waste they process.

When your pet is dehydrated, the kidneys cannot do their job correctly. This dehydration means waste is not being processed fully, it is not being flushed as it should, blood is not being filtered or flowing correctly, and the necessary nutrients are not reaching the kidneys. Yet, this can lead to the kidneys shutting down.

Signs of Dehydration in Pets

There are several signs to look out for when it comes to dehydration. Some of the biggest ones are that you’ll notice they have less energy than usual and seem lethargic. They also typically lose their appetite, start vomiting, and may or may not be accompanied by diarrhea.

Other signs to watch for include:

  • Dry or sticky gyms
  • Loose skin
  • Thick saliva
  • Constant panting
  • Sunken eyes

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a pet care appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Kidney Failure Due to Dehydration

The bottom line to preventing kidney failure is avoiding dehydration in the first place. The best way to do this is to ensure your pet has water readily available. For example, take some clean water with you when you go on a walk or to the park to play. If you become concerned about your pet not drinking enough water or acting out of character, it’s time to visit your vet.

Visit Our Canyon Lake, CA, Pet Care Specialists

Whether you notice signs of dehydration and kidney issues or want to learn more about preventing them, Not Just 4 Paws Animal Hospital has your back. Schedule an appointment with our team by calling (951) 244-4199 today.

Hours of Operation

Monday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Closed 12-25-23 & 1-1-24

Tuesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday

9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Closed 12-23-23 &1 2-30-23

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm Closed 12-25-23 & 1-1-24
Tuesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 4:30 pm Closed 12-23-23 &1 2-30-23
Sunday
Closed

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