Does Winter Harm the Pets' Kidneys?
Winter is a season when kidney disease is
more likely to occur. This article compiles information on the symptoms and
care of kidney failure, as well as the management of related complications,
providing pet owners with a comprehensive approach to coping with kidney
disease.
I. Do You Panic
When You Hear “Kidney Failure”? There’s No Need to!
The kidneys play a vital role in your pet’s
urinary system. They filter excess water from the body to form urine, helping
maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Through urination, metabolic waste and
harmful substances are also removed from the body. When certain kidney
functions fail, kidney disease begins.
There are two most common forms of kidney
disease in pets: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Chronic Kidney Disease
(CKD), previously known as “acute renal failure” and “chronic renal
failure.”
❗ Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) often occurs over a short period of time
due to sudden dehydration, shock, poisoning, or urinary tract
obstruction/infection. With prompt treatment, kidney function may be restored
in some pets.
❗ Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) involves irreversible kidney damage
and is not curable. However, with planned care and ongoing monitoring, the
progression of chronic kidney disease can be effectively slowed and controlled.
Common complications and symptoms of kidney
disease include vomiting, excessive thirst, increased urination, weight loss,
lethargy, oral ulcers, bad breath, pale gums, excessive sleeping, poor
appetite, bloody urine, dehydration, reduced urine output, uremia, lowered body
temperature, anemia, and seizures. Not every pet will experience all of these
symptoms.
In summary, once you notice that your pet is
behaving differently than usual, or if your pet is entering middle or old age,
regular health checkups at a veterinary hospital are essential. With
professional evaluation and care recommendations from a veterinarian, the early
onset of kidney disease can be prevented or delayed.
II. My Pet Looks
Healthy—How Often Should Blood Tests Be Done? What Are the Benefits? Are They
Really Necessary?
Pets generally tolerate discomfort and pain
better than humans, which often causes owners to overlook signs of illness.
Therefore, annual basic blood tests are necessary for pets over one year old.
Pets over five years old—comparable to middle-aged humans—are strongly
recommended to undergo health checkups every six months, particularly for
kidney function assessment.
In addition to scientific blood and urine
test results, ultrasound scans, and imaging studies, owners should routinely
observe and record their pet’s behavior, urine volume and color, types of food
fed, portion size per meal, daily water intake, and even breath odor. These
observations help with early detection, prevention, and disease control,
ultimately extending your pet’s lifespan and increasing the time they can spend
with you.
III. As Winter
Arrives and the Weather Gets Colder, What Should Be Noted for Winter Care of
Pets with Kidney Disease?
When the weather becomes very cold:
1.
Pets require more calories and may eat more,
which also increases their intake of protein, sodium, potassium, and
phosphorus.
2.
Pets with arthritis or musculoskeletal
conditions may be less willing to move in cold weather, leading to holding in
urine and reduced water intake.
3.
Pets with pre-existing cardiovascular
circulation problems or hypertension are at higher risk, as these conditions
can further impair kidney function.
Therefore, during the cold winter months,
pets with kidney disease need a warmer environment, adequate insulation and
warmth, and careful monitoring of water intake, urination frequency, and food
consumption.
Veterinarian: Dr.
Tseng
Education & Experience:
Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University
Director, Shang Baobei Animal Hospital, Luodong
Specialties:
Internal medicine and surgery for dogs and cats, exotic pets
Reference: https://www.hiq-pets.com/article/118
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