Kidney Disease in Pets: Early Detection and Home Support

At Summit Veterinary Care, our Fear Free certified approach allows us to provide attentive, personalized care for pets in a calm and supportive clinical environment. By observing behavior, appetite, and activity during visits, we can often detect subtle changes that may indicate early disease.

Kidney disease, for example, is common in older cats and dogs, and early detection can significantly improve quality of life. Our goal is to help pet owners recognize warning signs, understand management strategies, and focus on prevention,  all through a measured and compassionate approach.

What Is Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys lose the ability to filter toxins from the blood effectively. It can develop gradually (chronic kidney disease, CKD) or suddenly (acute kidney injury). Chronic kidney disease is more common in older pets and tends to progress slowly, while acute injury can result from toxins, infections, or dehydration.

Signs to Watch For

Pets are masters at hiding illness, but some changes may indicate kidney problems:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Loss of appetite or weight
• Vomiting or nausea
• Lethargy or reduced activity
• Bad breath or ulcers in the mouth
• Dehydration or poor coat condition

If you notice any combination of these signs, an early veterinary evaluation is critical. Summit Veterinary Care is here to help!

Diagnosis and Monitoring

During a visit, we can assess your pet’s hydration, weight, and overall condition, and conduct diagnostic testing to confirm a diagnosis. Bloodwork and urinalysis are the gold standard for diagnosis and monitoring. Early detection allows us to intervene before the disease severely impacts quality of life.

Managing Kidney Disease at Home

While kidney disease is chronic, management can help pets live comfortably for months or years:

• Prescription kidney diets
  Specially formulated foods reduce kidney workload and help maintain hydration.

• Hydration support
  Encouraging water intake and, in some cases, subcutaneous fluids.

• Medication
  Manages symptoms like nausea, blood pressure, or anemia.

• Routine monitoring
  Regular bloodwork and urinalysis to track progression.

With our Fear-Free approach, our team members can help ensure that diet changes, medications, and fluid therapy are practical and stress-free.

Preventive Steps

Even before kidney disease develops, you can support kidney health by:

• Providing fresh water at all times
• Offering high-quality nutrition appropriate for age and breed
• Monitoring for subtle changes in drinking, urination, or energy
• Scheduling regular wellness exams with Summit Veterinary Care

At Summit Veterinary Care

At Summit Veterinary Care, we customize kidney disease screening and treatments based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors, ensuring effective care with as little stress as possible. We are happy to support families navigating this complicated issue with their pets. Early detection and consistent monitoring give pets the best chance to stay comfortable and enjoy a good quality of life, and Summit Veterinary Care is here to help.