Pet Kidney Health is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of your pet’s well-being. Hello, I’m Dr. Anju Synghal, a senior veterinary physician with over 32 years of experience in caring for dogs and cats. Throughout my career, I’ve seen many pet parents caught off guard by one silent, slow-moving condition: kidney disease in pets.
Most owners seek help when the symptoms are already visible — increased thirst, weight loss, or a noticeable decline in their pet’s energy. By this time, more than half of the kidney function may already be compromised. But this doesn’t have to be the case.
Let me walk you through what I believe every responsible pet parent should know about protecting their furry companion’s kidney health.
Why Pet Kidney Health Deserves More Attention
The kidneys aren’t just waste filters — they regulate hydration, control blood pressure, support red blood cell production, and help maintain overall balance in your pet’s body.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is especially common in senior pets, but age isn’t the only factor. Often, it’s the hidden dangers around us that go unnoticed until it’s too late, affecting your pet’s kidney health.
The Real Risk Isn’t Just Age — It’s What We Overlook
Here are some of the most common (and preventable) causes I’ve seen that can seriously harm pet kidney health:
🦴 Low-Quality Diets
Dry food with artificial preservatives, poor protein sources, and low moisture content strain the kidneys over time.
🧴 Harsh Grooming Products
Some flea treatments, shampoos, and sprays contain ingredients that can be absorbed through the skin and harm internal organs, including the kidneys.
💊 Human Medications
I’ve seen pets suffer kidney damage from painkillers or antibiotics given by well-meaning owners — even a single dose can be toxic to their kidneys.
🐁 Rat Poison
Rodenticides are deadly to pets, and indirect exposure (such as ingesting a poisoned rodent) is just as dangerous for kidney health.
🌿 Toxic Plants
Common houseplants like lilies, tulips, and sago palms are highly toxic to cats and dogs, particularly affecting kidney function.
These aren’t always immediate threats — they act slowly, quietly, and cumulatively. That’s why I refer to them as “slow poisons,” slowly damaging your pet’s kidney health over time.
Spot These Warning Signs Early to Protect Pet Kidney Health
If your pet is showing any of the following symptoms, don’t wait:
- Drinking more water than usual
- Frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or foul breath
- Weight loss
- Dull or unkempt coat
- Lethargy or low energy
By the time these signs appear, kidney damage may already be advanced. This is why routine screenings for kidney health are so important — especially once your pet turns six.
What We Do at My Clinic to Maintain Pet Kidney Health
At Dr. Synghal Pet Care & Surgery LLP in Gurgaon, I’ve built a care system that focuses on preventing kidney disease, early detection, and tailored support for maintaining optimal kidney health:
- Educating pet parents on common kidney toxins
- Running early renal screening tests for at-risk pets
- Monitoring hydration, diet, and medication side effects that can affect kidney health
- Helping you choose safe household and grooming products to support kidney health
- Designing care plans for senior pets or those with predispositions to kidney disease
We also support integrative care when needed, combining modern diagnostics with nutrition, gentle therapies, and consistent follow-up to promote long-term kidney health.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Pet’s Kidney Health
Here’s a quick checklist I recommend to all my clients:
- ✅ Feed only high-quality, vet-approved diets to support kidney health
- ✅ Never give over-the-counter human medication to your pet, as it can harm their kidneys
- ✅ Remove toxic plants and rodenticides from your home to avoid kidney damage
- ✅ Book annual wellness exams and bloodwork to monitor kidney function
- ✅ Start kidney screening after age 6 — earlier if your pet is high-risk
- ✅ Keep fresh water always available to maintain kidney hydration
- ✅ Watch for even small changes in appetite, mood, or bathroom habits, as they may indicate kidney issues
Don’t Wait for Symptoms — Act Early to Protect Pet Kidney Health
Chronic kidney disease can’t be reversed, but it can absolutely be managed — if caught in time. I’ve treated many pets who’ve gone on to live full, active lives with the right diet and care for their kidneys.
So if you’re unsure, concerned, or just want to be proactive about maintaining your pet’s kidney health — bring them in for a check-up. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of running a simple test or reviewing your home environment together.
📍 You’ll find me at Dr. Synghal Pet Care & Surgery LLP, Gurgaon
📞 9643242959
🌐 www.getpetcare.in
Because when it comes to kidney health, early action can make all the difference.