Kidney check

1. Is your dog drinking more?

Increased drinking can be the first symptom of kidney disease or an indication of another illness. Excessive water intake should therefore always be taken seriously. It is best to make a note of how much water the bowls hold and how often your dog empties them. This information will help your vet to assess whether your dog is drinking too much.

2. Is your dog passing urine more frequently and/or in larger quantities?

Increased urination can indicate various illnesses and is a possible symptom of kidney disease, among other things. It is therefore advisable to have your dog checked by a vet so that you can support it at an early stage.

3. Is your dog eating less?

Reduced appetite or a change in eating behavior in dogs can indicate a serious problem. If you notice that your dog is eating less, always consult your vet.

4. Is your dog less active or not interested in playing?

Every dog is different and you know your four-legged friend best. However, if your otherwise very active four-legged friend suddenly becomes a sleepy couch potato, you should take note, because such changes in everyday behavior usually indicate an underlying problem.

5. Does your dog have a dull, scruffy coat?

The coat and skin are often referred to as the mirror of the soul. This saying is no coincidence, as diseases of the internal organs can lead to metabolic changes or a lack of nutrients. This can be seen externally in the coat or skin.

6. Does your dog vomit frequently?

There are various reasons why dogs may vomit. In the case of kidney disease, dogs become nauseous when the kidneys can no longer do their job properly and substances that should actually be excreted in the urine accumulate in the blood. As a result, dogs vomit or eat less. If your dog regularly vomits, a veterinary check-up is always advisable, as there may be other problems besides kidney disease.

7. Does your dog suffer from diarrhea?

Even if you may not initially associate diarrhea directly with kidney disease, you should definitely pay attention to your four-legged friend's stool. This is because a diseased kidney can no longer sufficiently excrete water and other metabolic products, which can also lead to diarrhea. It is generally always advisable to clarify the cause of diarrhea, especially if it lasts longer than 2-3 days and your dog also shows changes in its general condition.

8. Has your dog lost weight?

If an animal loses weight unintentionally, this is an important symptom and should always be taken seriously. For example, in a 10 kg dog, 1 kg is already 10 % of the body weight. Converted, this would be 8 kg for an 80 kg human, i.e. a considerable amount. Any form of weight loss - especially with normal or increased food intake - indicates a disorder in the body, which results in a lack of energy and nutrients. So if your dog is losing weight, you should definitely visit your vet.