Unfortunately, kidney failure is relatively common in dogs, especially as they get older. Chronic kidney failure (CKF) is the inability to filter the dog’s blood of waste products, which will steadily start to affect all their bodily functions.
It’s a progressive disease that could initially be caused by digesting poison, excessive use of antibiotics, use of chemotherapy drugs, cysts in the kidneys, or simply a terrible diet.
Once your dog has kidney failure, it will eventually be fatal. However, there are some things that you can do to delay the effects so you get to spend as much time as possible with them. In this article, we will go over “When to euthanize a dog with kidney failure?”
Is A Dog In Pain When It Has Kidney Failure?
In the early stages of kidney failure, your dog may not be in pain but is likely to feel just a little uncomfortable. They’ll have the increased need to empty their bladder. Your vet could recommend some medication at this stage of the disease to make them feel a little more comfortable.
However, the later stages of kidney failure are likely to cause them some abdominal and back pain. This is because their body is struggling to process any food or water, and their other organs work harder to compensate for the malfunctioning kidneys.
Kidney failure can also cause muscle wastage, as your dog may stop eating and their body is trying to use up any nutrients available. This could cause sore joints and muscles, potentially making them appear to sit in odd positions to get comfortable.
Your vet should be able to provide painkillers to keep them as comfortable as possible.
How Long Does It Take For a Dog With Kidney Failure To Die?
The length of time that it takes for kidney failure to take hold can vary.
It’s dependent on how old your dog is and the reason for the kidney failure initially.
If kidney failure is due to old age or excessive use of medications, it could take anything from a few weeks to a few months for it to take hold. The younger the dog is, the longer you might have in these cases.
However, if the kidney failure is due to something your dog has eaten, poison, for example, the kidneys could shut down in less than 24 hours. If this is the case, there’s typically nothing you can do but make them feel comfortable.
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What Happens When a Dog’s Kidneys Start Shutting Down?
Initially, kidney failure symptoms can be very subtle, so you need to watch your dog closely, especially as they get older.
Stage 1:
You’ll start to notice your dog drinking more to flush their system. Initially, this will lead to a need to pee more often, and the urine may be thicker than expected or dry with a whitish crust on the top.
Stage 2:
Next, you’ll see more physical changes such as pale, dry gums, ulcers inside and around the mouth, and bloodshot eyes.
This is normally when they’re starting to feel dehydrated, with the increased need to get the waste out of their system – they can’t possibly drink enough to replace what they’re losing.
Stage 3:
Sadly, this stage is where most people start to notice that there’s something wrong, and at this point, they can go quickly downhill.
You’ll notice increased lethargy – they’ll possibly sleep for the whole day. They might not want to get up for a walk, and they’ll have lost their appetite. You’ll notice them start to lose weight pretty quickly, and they’ll shed more fur than usual, with their coat becoming dull and dandruffy.
Stage 4:
The final stage of kidney failure is the most distressing for owners and dogs. Your dog will have stopped eating altogether at this stage and may seem disoriented. They might start to shake and lose their balance when walking.
This is because of the decreased blood flow to their limbs, making it difficult for them to move and feel their legs. You could also see labored breathing, eventually leading the seizures.
This is the stage when euthanasia is necessary. Your dog will be terrified, confused, and may be in pain at this stage. It’s time to do the right thing for them.
Is There Anything You Can Do to Slow the Effects of Kidney Failure In Dogs?
Depending on how far along the kidney failure is, there are some treatments that you could use to delay the inevitable.
- Diet
Your vet may initially recommend low sodium, low phosphorus diet and will point you in the right direction. Although this won’t stop the progression, it will help your dog’s kidneys to digest food more efficiently.
- Fish Oil
The omega 3 contained in fish oil will help to soothe any pain they’re feeling and smoothen the process to eliminate waste.
- Exercise
Lessen the exercise routine. Your dog needs to retain as much moisture as they can to prevent them from becoming dehydrated, so you should try to keep them cool and don’t do anything that will tire them out too much.
- Water
Your dog will eventually start to pee more often, so you’ll need to replace as much fluid as possible. Make sure they always have access to fresh water and encourage them to drink.
- Comfort
Towards the end of their life, the vet is likely to tell you to keep them comfortable because there’s nothing further they can do to help. It’s not what you want to hear, but it’s a scary thing for your dog, and the best thing you can do for them is support them.
Conclusion For When To Euthanize A Dog With Kidney Failure
No one wants the upsetting news that their dog has kidney failure. Although you can delay the progression for a while, your dog will eventually succumb to the disease.
All you can do is make them feel comfortable and loved. Spend as much time with them as you can, and as soon as you start to see stage 4 symptoms, book in with your vet. It’s unfair to put them through the pain if you don’t need to.
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