Why Kidney Disease is a Killer in Dogs…But Doesn't Have to Be
Most people recognize cancer as the silent killer of dogs, but did you also know kidney disease can take your dog's life unexpectedly? In fact, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly considered the number two killer of dogs in the U.S after cancer. To better prepare and protect your dog from this horrible affliction, read on and learn a bit more about how kidney disease affects dogs.

1. Kidneys are Vital
According to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, your dog's kidneys "act as a complex filter that removes from blood wastes that are generated from break down of food, old cells, toxins or poisons and many drugs that are given for treatment of other diseases." Your dog's two kidneys also help regulate blood pressure and calcium and vitamin D metabolism, as well as produce a substance that helps with the creation of new red blood cells. Due to the various functions of the kidneys, a dog with kidney disease may display a multitude of signs. However, these signs may not become apparent as quickly as you'd imagine.