Kidney Infection In Dogs, Symptoms And Prevention

Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from kidney infections. In dogs, it can lead to life-threatening problems such as kidney failure and death if not treated properly and in time.

What is a Kidney infection?

Kidney infection is usually caused by bacteria that enter through the urinary tract including the urethra or bladder and travels into both the kidneys.

Kidney infection in dogs can also cause kidney stones, parasites, or other diseases. As per veterinarians, the symptoms of kidney stones are similar to kidneys infection, so it is important to consult your veterinarian if you notice the symptoms.

Symptoms

Here are some symptoms that you might see in a dog suffering from a kidney infection.

• Frequent urination or difficulty urinating
• Excessive thirst
• Blood in urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Pain in the side or abdomen
• Hunching over
• Lethargy or depression
• Poor appetite
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Fever

Kidney failure symptoms include all of the above symptoms and might also include the following

• Mouth ulcers
• Blindness
• Seizures
• Coma
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bad breath

What are the causes of kidney infection in dogs?

Kidney infection in dogs can be caused by bacteria entering the urethra and reproducing in the bladder, triggering an infection. The infection then spreads to the kidneys causing infection in the kidneys:

• Damage to the kidney filters
• Infection of kidney tissues (pyelonephritis)
• Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
• Kidney blockage
• Damage to kidney tubules
• Bacterial infection
• Toxins
• Cancer
• Protein issue
• Hereditary

How can kidney problems be prevented?

You can prevent kidney problems by limiting your dog’s access to poisonous plants or substances. Also, make sure your pup always has access to clean water and is hydrated. If your dog has suffered from an infection, you may consider feeding him special dog food for kidney health  (always consult the veterinarian before you make any changes to his diet.)

Note: Do not give any medications to your dog without consulting your veterinarian. And make sure your dog has access to freshwater all the time because proper hygiene helps to maintain good overall health.

Treatment of kidney infection

The treatment of kidney infection in dogs involves antibiotics. These antibiotics are given in response to the results of a urine test from your dog that discloses what kind of bacteria is causing the symptoms. Sometimes surgery might be considered if the bacteria is found causing a blockage in the urinary tract.

If the symptoms are of kidney stones, your dog’s veterinarian will likely try to dissolve them with dietary changes or use a shock wave therapy technique that will break the stones apart and allow them to pass through the urine.

In cases where worms are present, your veterinarian may attempt to surgically remove them, though if damage to the kidney is too extensive, the whole organ may have to be removed surgically.

If you see any symptoms that indicate kidney infection or stones in your dog. Take them to your vet for tests immediately. The faster the treatment is given for kidney-related diseases, the better chances of recovering your dog will have.

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