Many dog owners are concerned about canine kidney failure. Kidney failure is one of those chronic degenerative diseases I call a normal age-related disease, in that kidney function always seems to decline with age in all animals. While kidney failure is most commonly seen in older dogs, it can occur in dogs of any age.

The kidneys are one of the most important organs in the dog’s body. The kidneys regulate blood pressure, blood sugar levels, blood volume, water composition in the blood, and body PH levels. Clinical signs of kidney failure come on slowly and may be difficult to detect. Some things to look for are vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, increased thirst, lack of appetite, or increased frequency and amount of urination.

Common causes of kidney failure include kidney disease, urinary blockage, some prescription medications, cancer, diabetes, and congenital or inherited factors. Optimum nutrition that provides the right nutrients and strengthens the immune system is one of the best things you can do to push back normal age-related diseases such as kidney failure.