The city’s canine population is facing a concerning increase in cases of renal failure due to the twin habits of a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet imposed by owners. The number of dogs being diagnosed with renal failure at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) is on the rise, with the annual case load of dialysis sessions significantly higher than in previous years.
Experts at GADVASU have attributed the rise in kidney disease among pets to unhealthy diets filled with junk food and a lack of physical activity. Acute renal failure, which causes kidney function to suddenly decline, is commonly associated with toxins or infections, while chronic renal failure, which results in a gradual loss of kidney function, is often linked to degeneration associated with geriatric decline.
Costly dialysis treatments at GADVASU start at Rs1,000 per session, making prevention through proper diet and exercise crucial. Dr JPS Gill, Vice-Chancellor of GADVASU, stressed the importance of avoiding junk food, salt, sugar, and unsuitable food for dogs, while promoting a healthy diet of home-cooked meals served at regular intervals.
Owners are advised to ensure their pets get adequate physical activity relative to their food intake, and to schedule regular check-ups every six months, especially for dogs over seven years old. Labrador retrievers, German Shepherds, English Cocker Spaniels, and Pomeranians are among the breeds most commonly affected by kidney disease. Prevention through a healthy lifestyle is key to ensuring the health and well-being of our furry companions.
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