Toxins That Cause Kidney Failure in Dogs
- Foods that are healthy for humans can be toxic to dogs.Two Dogs image by ziggyhendry from Fotolia.com
When a dog’s kidneys can no longer cleanse the blood, toxins increase to dangerous levels, bringing on a serious condition called azotemia. Accidental poisoning—such as ingesting antifreeze spilled on a driveway, eating grapes from the kitchen counter or chewing acorns in the backyard—can cause the acute onset of kidney failure, and if left untreated will cause death. However, if treated immediately, sudden onset kidney failure can be reversible. Several substances and foods that can induce kidney failure if ingested should be avoided. By helping your dog avoid these substances, you are taking preventative action to protect your pet. - Common household products and foods can cause canine kidney failure.dogs image by rufar from Fotolia.com
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) ingestion can kill a dog in a short amount of time. Its sweet taste and smell entice dogs to eat or lick the substance. According to dog-health-guide.org, as little as one tablespoon of antifreeze can cause renal failure (kidney shutdown) or death. - Never feed your dog grapes or raisins.dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in small dogs. Eating two ounces of grapes or raisins per 10 pounds of a dog's weight has caused renal damage and failure. It is unknown why grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, according to the ASPCA, or if only some breeds are more prone than others to have a toxic reaction. Until a reason is discovered, the ASPCA advises against feeding grapes or raisins in any quantity. - Certain medications and dogs don't mix.Open bottle with tablets image by odze from Fotolia.com
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, such as naproxen (Aleve), can shut down a dog's kidneys quickly, even in small amounts. Always keep medications out of your canine’s reach, including drugs such as pseudoephedrine (cold medicine), antidepressants and prescription skin creams, as these can damage a dog's kidneys or cause them to fail completely. - Oak foliage and acorns are toxic to dogs if chewed and ingested.Green oak leaf and acorns image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
Kidney damage and failure can follow the ingestion of the oak foliage and buds and acorns; even drinking water where oak leaves have fallen and have soaked can cause renal failure, according to the ASPCA. The acorn’s hard outer shell contains a toxic substance for dogs called gallotannin. Green acorns contain higher concentrations of gallotannin compared to brown acorns, but both should be avoided. - Just a few macadamia nuts can induce severe illness leading to kidney failure in your dog.Macadamia Nuts and Shell image by MrGreenBug from Fotolia.com
WebMD advises dog owners to avoid feeding dogs foods containing nuts: “As few as six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill.” Eating chocolate-covered nuts intensifies the toxic effect and can lead to kidney failure and death. One of the most common early symptoms of poisoning is a sudden weakness or paralysis of the dog’s hind legs.
