Just like for human beings, kidneys are critical organs in a dog’s body that perform vital tasks for your dog’s health. Like filtering waste from the body, balancing electrolytes. When kidney function starts to decline, your beloved pet may start to suffer from multiple health issues that can progress rapidly if left untreated.

Kidney disease in dogs is a more common condition than most pet parents realise, especially in senior dogs, and understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help you better manage your dog’s health and improve their quality of life.

In this guide, we will cover everything from symptoms and causes to dog kidney treatments, diet plans, and how Cessna Pet Store can help you provide the best care for your furry friend.

 
What is Kidney Disease in Dogs?

Canine Renal diseases refer to conditions that impair the normal functioning of the kidneys. As we stated previously that kidneys play a critical role in removing waste from the blood, regulating electrolyte levels, and balancing hydration. When these functions are impaired, waste builds up in the bloodstream, leading to various symptoms and potential organ failure.

Acute Kidney Disease

Scientifically and in veterinary terms, acute kidney disease is also known as acute renal failure. Kidneys stop functioning properly in this disease and start to worsen within several hours or even a couple of days.

Acute kidney disease happens when your dog consumes anything that has toxins or infections. 

It is a manageable disease and can be treated properly if it is detected on time.

Chronic renal failure

It is a condition where the kidneys lose their functions gradually, which can be in terms of weeks, months, or even years.

It is an age-related problem and is commonly seen in older dogs. Kidneys are often looked at as overworked employees, and growing age makes these conditions worse.

Causes of Kidney Diseases in Dogs

Now that you have the overview of the types of kidney diseases in dogs, let’s look at the reasons behind these diseases. It is a combination of causes that has the resulting effect of kidney disease in your dog.

Here we go with some of the causes:

1. Breed and Genetic Factors

Some breeds are just prone to kidney disease; it is just in their DNA. Bull Terriers and Cocker Spaniels have the highest risk of kidney problems because of their breed and genes.

2. Environmental Triggers

Dogs are curious beings, just like cats. If curiosity can kill a cat, it probably could cause kidney disease in dogs, too. This would occur when your dog ingests something out of curiosity that has toxins in it. This results in your dog’s kidneys being destroyed.

3. Infections

Diseases that are transmitted through contaminated water or contaminated soil, like leptospirosis, can lead to kidney failure. Other diseases, like infections that cause bacterial disease, where your dog’s kidneys cannot filter out, can eventually result in damage to the kidneys in your dog.

4. Underlying Illnesses

Other serious illnesses like dental, cancer, and diabetes, and even non-serious illnesses, can result in your dog getting kidney damage.

Kidney failures are like a chain reaction in your dog, and if not treated within the time, it can trigger another disease in your dog’s body, and all of these combined will cause kidney disease.

Symptoms of Kidney Diseases in Dogs

1. Common Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs

Weight Loss and Lethargy - If your dog is not interested in playtime, or is displaying tiredness out of nowhere, when they did not even have to do anything, and is showing signs of weight loss, don’t neglect it. Take them to the vet right away.

Vomiting and Diarrhoea - If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhoea, even with their meds, it may mean there are toxins accumulating in their body. Kill the toxins before they kill your dog.

Changed Water Consumption and Urination - If your dog is drinking a lot of water, urinating frequently, or hardly at all, it may mean kidney disease.

2. Severe Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs

As your dog's kidney disease progresses, you may start to see these signs:

Pale Gums - This is a result of anaemia. As your dog is not eating or drinking, they are not getting good nutrition. This is usually caused as a result of kidney failure.

Seizures - When too many toxins build up in the blood, they then go to the brain. This can create seizures.

3. Advanced Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Dogs

The advanced stage of kidney disease can be much more difficult to treat if diagnosed.  Here is what the advanced stage looks like:

Chemical Breath Odour - A terrible, ammonia-type smell from your dog's breath.

Mouth Ulcers - When the level of toxins in your dog's blood has peaked, inflamed sores develop inside the mouth.

Sudden Blindness - Toxins circulating in the blood can put an increased workload on the heart and cause high blood pressure. If there is high enough blood pressure in the eye, there is a risk of retinal detachment, which can cause blindness.

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How to Diagnose Kidney Diseases in Dogs?

Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing kidney problems in dogs. Veterinarians use a combination of tests to assess kidney function, determine the severity of the disease, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Here are the key diagnostic tools used:

1. Blood Tests
Blood tests are important to evaluate how well kidneys are filtering body waste. Elevated levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) indicate reduced kidney function. Newer markers like SDMA (Symmetric Dimethylarginine) can detect kidney issues even earlier, before traditional values rise, making early intervention possible.

Normal creatinine levels in dogs - A healthy dog’s creatinine levels typically have to be between 0.5 and 1.6 mg/dL.

High creatinine levels in dogs - Kidneys with creatinine levels exceeding this normal range struggle to purify blood.

2. Urine Tests
Urinalysis helps assess the concentration and composition of your dog’s urine. A low urine specific gravity may suggest that the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine properly. 

The presence of protein, glucose, or blood in urine can also indicate canine kidney disease, helping differentiate it from other conditions.

3. Imaging (Ultrasound or X-rays)
Veterinary imaging techniques like ultrasound and X-rays provide a visual assessment of kidney structure. These tools help identify physical abnormalities such as kidney stones, tumours, cysts, or congenital deformities. 

Ultrasound, in particular, can measure kidney size and detect chronic changes in texture or inflammation.

Treatment of Kidney Diseases in Dogs

1. Provide a rich diet
Change your dog’s food. Food can help reduce the workload on kidneys and also help improve overall health.

Low-Protein, Low-Phosphorus Diets - More protein means more workload on the kidneys. So, it’s best to feed your dog low-protein and phosphorus food.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Omega-3s support kidney function and lessen inflammation. Omega-3s can be supplied through foods like fish oil or from any supplements high in omega-3s. 

Managing Appetite Loss - Kidney disease contributes to appetite loss. Consider cooking dog food for them and feeding them home-cooked food, which is less demanding than outside dogs.

Hydration - Water can be added to food, or fresh water is available at all times. Water was an important part of maintaining good circulation.

2. Right Medications and Supplements

Kidney medications are essential in controlling the symptoms and progression of a dog's kidney disease. Here are the key medications your veterinarian will recommend:

Phosphorus Binders and Vitamin D supplements - Phosphorus is the enemy. Your veterinarian would recommend phosphorus binders and possibly multi-vitamins and mineral supplements to get your dog back to a healthy level of vitamin D.

Prescribed Medications - Depending upon the type of disease and the dog’s blood test and body condition, the veterinarian may prescribe medications to control symptoms, not limited to nausea, high blood pressure, low red blood cell count (anaemia), etc.

3. Advanced Treatments

If the condition worsens, then there are very few treatment options available.

Dialysis for Dogs - Dialysis is an option for filtering out the toxins from the blood, and gives your dog temporary relief from the symptoms associated with kidney disease. Dialysis is only done when your dog has been diagnosed with severe renal failure. 

Dog Kidney Transplants - Kidney transplants are rare and costly. Kidney transplants are mostly available for dogs dealing with end-stage kidney disease.

Lastly….

Kidney failure is a serious but manageable condition in dogs, especially if you detect it early and treat it suitably. Whether your dog has just been diagnosed or is in the advanced stages of disease, learning about the disease and seeking the right resources makes a world of difference. 

Cessna Pet Store is proud to support your dog's health journey, from prescription diets to vet-validated medications and supplements. With compassionate care and reliable products, your dog can have many more tail wagging days ahead!


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the life expectancy of a dog with kidney disease?
Life expectancy varies by stage and treatment. With proper care, dogs with chronic kidney disease can live several months to years. Early diagnosis, diet, and medication significantly improve quality of life and longevity.

2. What shouldn't be fed to feed dogs with kidney disease?
Avoid high-protein, high-phosphorus, and salty foods like red meat, cheese, bones, and processed treats. Grapes, raisins, and garlic are also toxic. Stick to a vet-prescribed kidney-friendly diet for optimal management.

3. When to euthanise a dog with kidney disease?
Euthanasia may be considered when quality of life declines to a point of no-return, including persistent vomiting, refusal to eat, dehydration, and pain. A vet can guide based on symptom severity, disease progression, and your dog’s overall comfort.

4. What foods help repair kidneys in dogs?
Prescription kidney diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and low in phosphorus can support kidney function. Foods like salmon (cooked, no seasoning) and kidney-safe vegetables may help when approved by your vet.

5. How quickly does kidney disease progress in dogs?
Progression varies by cause and care. Acute kidney issues can worsen rapidly, while chronic kidney disease may progress slowly over months or years with proper treatment, diet, and regular veterinary monitoring.

6. What is toxic to dogs' kidneys?
Grapes, raisins, antifreeze, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), lilies (for cats sharing spaces), and certain cleaning products can damage dog kidneys. Keep all harmful substances safely stored and consult a vet if ingestion occurs.

7. How to prolong a dog's life with kidney disease?
Use a vet-recommended kidney diet, give prescribed medications, maintain hydration, monitor lab values regularly, and avoid toxins. Early intervention and consistent care are key to extending life and improving comfort.

8. Do dogs with kidney failure stop pooping?
Not necessarily. Dogs with kidney failure may have reduced appetite or digestive issues, which can alter stool frequency. Constipation or diarrhoea may occur, but complete cessation of pooping is uncommon and requires veterinary attention.