A prevalent condition among most aging pets is kidney disease. However, this condition can occur in pets of any age due to dehydration. At Clinton Hill Animal Clinic in Brooklyn, we understand how vital it is to maintain your pet's health for optimal wellness. So, if you notice any signs of pet dehydration, we advise you to visit our clinic to avoid possible health complications and even death.
How Does Pet Dehydration Result in Kidney Failure?
Your pet may be dehydrated because of excessive loss of body fluids through vomiting or diarrhea. If there isn't sufficient water intake to compensate for what's lost, blood flow will decrease through the kidneys. Ultimately, this reduces oxygen to the kidney, resulting in long-term damage. Besides the loss of fluids, dehydration is also attributed to medical issues like heatstroke.
Dehydration Symptoms
A common tell-tale sign of pet dehydration is a loss in elasticity of the skin. You can test this by pulling your pet's skin lightly. If you notice that it takes time before returning to its normal position, your pet is likely experiencing dehydration. Other notable signs include loss of appetite, sunken eyes, pasty saliva, and moisture loss in the gums.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Spotting kidney failure during its early stages can sometimes be challenging. However, a notable sign to watch out for is an increase in urination and water consumption. When almost 2/3 of your pet's kidney tissue is damaged, there'll be a sudden rise in waste products, which causes frequent urination.
As the damage to the kidney progresses, you'll begin to notice more signs like poor appetite and frequent vomiting. If you see that the vomit looks almost similar to coffee grounds, it indicates that the animal is throwing up digested blood. During the advanced stages of your pet's failing kidney, you'll begin to see a decrease in urination.
Contact us for Quality Veterinary Care in Brooklyn, NY
If you notice any signs of dehydration or kidney failure, you should contact Clinton Hill Animal Clinic for an immediate consultation. Our veterinarian will perform a comprehensive exam to check for conditions like heatstroke as well as the extent of your pet's organ damage. Our professional staff is committed to providing the care pets need to live long and healthy lives. Contact us to book an appointment for your pet today or to learn more about how we can help.