Renal Failure in Dogs and Fluid Therapy: A Brief Overview

Renal failure in dogs occurs when your dog's kidneys can no longer function well enough to clear the toxins from your dog's body. Acute renal failure is sometimes reversible; chronic renal failure requires fluid therapy and sometimes other medications to compensate for your dog's lack of kidney function.

Causes of Renal Failure in Dogs

Acute renal failure in dogs occurs rapidly, usually when kidneys are damaged by an infection or ingestion of a toxic substance, such as antifreeze or rat poison.

Chronic renal failure is usually the result of kidney disease.

Chronic Renal Failure in Dogs

Chronic renal failure in dogs occurs over an extended period of time, and often goes unnoticed for years. Dogs with chronic renal failure display excessive thirst and excessive urination. Weight loss, weakness and a tendency to bruise easily may indicate chronic renal failure.

Fluid Therapy

Fluid therapy is a treatment you can do at home to help maintain your dog's failing kidneys. In fluid therapy, electrolytes such as potassium are injected under your dog's skin. These electrolytes help boost your dog's failing renal system. The frequency of fluid therapy injections depends on the degree of your dog's renal failure.