Canine kidney disease can become life threatening very quickly. This is a serious disease affecting more and more dogs. Read on to find out the common causes of canine kidney disease and some natural prevention.

Bacteria is a major cause of kidney disease in dogs. It is pretty common for a dog to suffer from urinary tract infections. Infections like this are caused by bacteria that get in through the urethra and make it to the bladder. When these infections go untreated, then the bacteria can get into the kidneys. There, it will cause damage and loss of function which is irreversible.

Trauma is another common cause of kidney failure in dogs. If your dog is hit by a car or kicked hard enough it could cause kidney failure. Fungal infections can also cause trauma to the tissues of the kidney. There are two main fungal infections that often cause kidney damage, and these are blastomycosis and canine valley fever.

Obstructions in the bladder or urinary tract can also damage the kidney of your dog. These obstructions are most commonly caused by bladder or kidney stones. Stones tear at the lining and cause infection. When an obstruction blocks the ability for urine to flow freely, then it can become life threatening in only a day or two.

Toxins are a leading cause of kidney failure in dogs. It is the job of kidneys to filter toxins but when a toxin is too strong, it can cause them to shut down. The most common toxin ingested by dogs is antifreeze, because it has a sweet taste that dogs like. Other things that can cause kidney failure if ingested are heavy metals, rat poison, some types of plants and turpentine. Keep all of these things out of reach of your dog.

Some types of medications that your dog must take can cause damage to the kidneys over time. You can avoid this by only giving your dog all natural medications for whatever medical problem they are having.

As you can see, canine kidney disease has a variety of causes. Some of these can be prevented, and others cannot. The most common cause of kidney failure in dogs is old age and this cannot be treated. However, keeping toxins out of reach, exercising your dog, helping to keep him clean and groomed, plus a little extra help using these natural remedies will go a long way to preventing canine kidney disease.