Dog Kidney Failure – When To Euthanize

Dog Kidney Failure – When To Euthanize is something that you may eventually need to consider. The best way to keep your dog as healthy as possible is to recognize signs of illness – and get ailments treated as soon as you can. Canine kidney failure is a common problem found in older dogs – and can often go unnoticed for a long time before symptoms show. There are many treatments available when your dog has been diagnosed with this condition and once you’ve got all the facts about dog kidney failure – when to euthanize – you’ll know just what to expect.

Kidney failure

Chronic renal failure is the inability of the kidneys to efficiently filter the blood of waste products. Most dogs with kidney failure produce large quantities of urine but the toxic wastes aren’t being eliminated. The disease progresses slowly and typically stems from being poisoned or ingesting some kind of toxin – such as antifreeze.
Acute kidney problems can include decreased blood flow or oxygen delivery to the kidneys – as well as infection and urinary obstruction. Long-term kidney disease can cause kidney damage that isn’t reversible. Medications such as antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, cysts in the kidney, and birth defects can all be factors.

Symptoms

One of the first symptoms of kidney failure is an increase in thirst alongside excessive urination – as the kidneys are damaged the body uses more fluids. Other noticeable symptoms include:

• Pale, dry gums – dull and dry to touch
• Mouth ulcers – that are raw and painful
• Bloodshot eyes – whites of the eyes are red
• Decreased appetite – loss of interest in food
• Weight loss – with gradual loss of fat and muscle mass
• Excessive shedding – with a dull, lacklustre coat
• Lethargy – with no interest in moving around
• Increased sleeping – with only brief periods of wakefulness
• Vomiting – unable to keep food down
• Breathing difficulties – unable to breathe normally
• Loss of balance – disoriented and clumsy
• Trembling – with periodic seizures that are a major sign of kidney failure
• There are other symptoms that your vet will be able to test for and these include:
• Uraemia – the build-up of waste products in the body
• Anaemia – the lack of iron in the blood
• High blood pressure – elevated due to the illness
• Slow heart rate – a faster rate will turn to slow down during the end stage of kidney failure

Treatments

The vet will initially recommend a change in diet – low sodium and low phosphorus may help in slowing down the progression of kidney failure. Natural supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil provide anti-inflammatory values that can reduce kidney inflammation – and Vitamin B and C complexes can help replenish lost vitamins and increase appetites.
Alternative medication includes anti-hypertensive options that include ACE inhibitors – reducing stress offers a better quality of life. Natural flower essences and regular acupuncture have proven to help slow the progression of kidney failure – both are safe to use alongside conventional treatments.

Keep your dog comfortable

Your vet will discuss with you how to keep your dog comfortable after diagnosis of end-stage kidney failure. You can:
Make sure your dog’s bed is quiet, warm, and cosy with a blanket and toys
Spend as much time with your dog as possible as this will bring company and calm
Supervise interactions with others to ensure gentle play
Keep your dog clean and dry, washing and brushing regularly

When is the right time to euthanize?

After all treatments for kidney failure have been tried – and your dog is getting worse you may need to talk to your vet about Dog euthanasia. There are signs that your dog is really in distress – when the pain is constant when you are unable to soothe, and when eating and drinking stops. If your dog is suffering from incontinence and all the fight has gone you’ll know this is the right time.
If you still have doubts, you should look to the future and assess your dog’s quality of life. When the end is near, your care and attention will make all the difference to your dog. You can take comfort in the knowledge that you were there when your dog needed you most.

Gentle at-home euthanasia

You’ll need the advice and support of trained and qualified vets to get you through these last few days. Cloud 9 Vets will make sure you get all the help you need. With years of experience in helping families and their pets, they understand how anxious, guilty, and incredibly sad you may feel.
You’ll have comfort by the fact that your dog will be in familiar surroundings for the procedure, removing the of you taking your dog to the surgery. You’ll be able to hold your dog’s paw and provide comfort until the very end.

Dog euthanasia involves two injections – the first gentle pinprick will cause your dog to drift off to sleep within 15 minutes. The vet will administer the second injection either intravenously through a vein in the front leg – or by an intravenous catheter into the back leg.
You can ask your Cloud 9 Vet to take care of the cremation on your behalf – or you can make your own arrangements and contact the crematorium yourself. You will have time to decide on the type of service you want for your dog.

Dealing with the loss of your dog

If you get in touch with qualified bereavement counsellors after your dog has gone, you may find this helps. Grief affects everyone differently and you might need extra support to get your life back on track. Grieving is an important part of your recovery and even little things can trigger an emotional response. There isn’t an exact formula but you should prepare yourself to experience denial, anger, guilt, depression, and finally acceptance.
Creating a memorial to your dog can also be therapeutic. Discuss the options with your family and friends to see which works best for you. It’s important to do something that helps you remember your dog and process your grief.

Dog Kidney Failure – When To Euthanize

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