Causes of kidney disease in dogs

Food

There are specific toxins found in food moulds and foods like grapes that directly affect kidney function.

Medication 

A lot of medicines are removed from the body via the kidneys and some can cause damage when they are used long term. One example is Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

Poisons 

Some chemicals can cause kidney disease when accidentally eaten by dogs. Examples include antifreeze and some plants such as ragwort.

Infectious agents 

Bacteria from the urinary tract can sometimes travel up to the kidneys and set up camp
causing kidney disease. Bacteria can also travel in the blood to the kidneys from elsewhere in the body such as the mouth. Because the kidneys filter blood so effectively the bacteria get caught there and are able to establish an infection.

High blood pressure 

Due to the kidney’s close involvement with controlling blood pressure kidney disease can not only cause high blood pressure but also be caused by high blood pressure.

Diabetes 

High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the filter function of the kidneys.

Kidney disease in dogs guide.