Since March is National Kidney Month, it is a great time to educate and review common kidney issues that can affect your pets.
More Common Than You Might Think
You might be surprised to know that over a lifetime, one in three cats and one in ten dogs will develop kidney issues. Like in humans, animals' kidneys balance nutrients and filter waste. Kidneys also help to control blood pressure, increase red blood cell production, and help with calcium metabolization.
If kidney function is impaired, it can cause a domino effect of health problems for your pet. Know the signs of kidney disease in dogs and cats and what you can do to prevent and treat their condition.
For information about preventing kidney problems in cats, click here.
For information about preventing kidney problems in dogs, click here.
It is important to realize that there are simple tests to tell if your dog’s or cat's kidneys are healthy even before your pet shows signs of sickness. That makes your annual visit to the veterinarian even more important. The earlier kidney disease is diagnosed, the more your vet can do to help your pet.
Remember with early treatment, pets with kidney disease can go on to live happy lives, so that is why it is important to keep those regular veterinary appointments. Keeping track of your pet’s weight, as well as his eating and drinking habits, is essential to helping him remain healthy.