The kidneys play a very important role in preserving health and vitality. When functioning properly, the kidneys are central in helping the body to eliminate waste products, producing several important hormones, maintaining proper pH levels in the blood, regulating the balance of body fluids and sustaining overall health and vitality. When kidney health suffers, other organs suffer as well and health tends to decline over time. If there are underlying issues left untreated or unmanaged, this can lead to kidney failure, and a decline in your dogs overall health.
Dogs can develop acute kidney problems as a result of ingesting toxins, including antifreeze, certain medications, tainted foods, etc. Other reasons for this type of kidney failure include decreased blood flow or oxygen delivery to the kidneys, infections and urinary obstruction.
Kidney problems often lead to life-threatening conditions that require immediate hospitalization and treatment. If left untreated, end-stage kidney failure will occur, leading to a fatal outcome.