As an emergency vet and urgent care clinic in San Diego, CA, our team at Urgent Care Pet Clinic can help treat dehydration in pets. While dehydration on its own is usually quite treatable, the concern is the effect of dehydration on the kidneys. Dehydration is often a symptom of kidney failure but it can also be a cause. Below we'll explore dehydration, kidney failure, and the connection between the two conditions.

What Is Kidney Failure?

Kidney failure is the inability of the kidneys to filter out waste from the blood system. The waste builds up, and the kidneys are unable to receive the proper nutrients and eventually shut down, causing life-threatening damage.

What Causes Kidney Failure in Pets?

Multiple factors can lead to kidney failure including:

•             Age (older pets are more prone)

•             Poor nutrition

•             Genes

•             Dehydration

•             Underlying illnesses like diabetes

How Is Dehydration Connected to Kidney Failure?

When a pet becomes dehydrated, it makes it difficult for blood to flow properly to the kidneys. Not only does this prevent the kidneys from filtering out wastes from the blood, but it deprives the kidneys of needed nutrients to function properly. Water is a vital component of proper kidney functioning. Without it, they could quickly shut down. Just like the heart and lungs, the kidneys are a vital organ and when they're damaged, your pet can become critically ill and even die.

It's important to recognize symptoms of dehydration, which include dry or sticky gums, loose skin, thick saliva, sunken eyes, and panting. The best thing you can do to prevent kidney failure due to dehydration is to ensure your pet always has access to a lot of fresh, clean water. Take water with you on walks for both you and your pet. If they're playing outside, keep a full bowl and encourage water breaks.

If your pet suffers from kidney failure or dehydration anyways, and it is an emergency, bring your pet to us and we will do what we can help him get healthy again.

Get Urgent Care, Immediate Treatment, and Emergency Vet Care from a Veterinarian Near You for Emergency Kidney Issues

Our emergency pet clinic is here for you when your regular vet cannot be. If you're in the San Diego, CA, area and need immediate treatment for emergency kidney issues or any other serious medical issues for your pet, feel free to contact us. Call us at (858) 379-6550 for urgent care, immediate treatment, and emergency vet care from a veterinarian near you for emergency kidney issues. We at Urgent Care Pet Clinic are here to help.