Kidney Failure in Dogs

What declining kidney function means.

At a glance

What is it?: Declining filtering capacity of the kidneys, acute or gradually chronic.
Typical signs: Increased thirst, increased urination, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, bad breath.
Commonly affected: Mainly older dogs.
Causes: Age, infections, poisoning (for example grapes, antifreeze), other diseases.

Reading time 5 minutes Digestion & organs

Interactive Symptom Check

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When should you see a vet?

Kidney failure always needs veterinary care. Go to the vet straight away if:

your dog has eaten grapes, raisins, antifreeze or medication,
they pass little or no urine,
they vomit repeatedly, are very weak or have pale mucous membranes.

In kidney failure, the filtering capacity of the kidneys declines. This can happen suddenly or develop gradually over a long time. Typical signs are excessive thirst, a lot of urine, loss of appetite and weight loss. Kidney failure definitely needs veterinary care.

What do the kidneys do?

The kidneys filter waste products from the blood, regulate water balance and balance minerals. They have large reserves. That is why symptoms often only appear when a large part of their function has already been lost.

Acute or chronic?

Acute: The kidneys fail suddenly, for example after poisoning or shock. This is an emergency, but the kidneys can partially recover.
Chronic: Function declines over months or years, usually in older dogs. This form, chronic kidney disease, is considered incurable, but its progression can often be slowed.

How do you recognize kidney failure?

increased thirst and frequent urination
loss of appetite and weight loss
vomiting, lethargy
bad breath that smells of urine or ammonia

What are the causes?

Age: The chronic form occurs mainly in older dogs.
Poisoning: Grapes, raisins, antifreeze and some medications can acutely damage the kidneys.
Infections: for example a bacterial kidney infection (pyelonephritis) or tick-borne pathogens.
Other diseases: high blood pressure, diabetes, immune diseases or urinary stones.
Genetics: In some breeds, congenital kidney diseases are more common.

How does the vet diagnose it?

Through blood and urine tests, often supplemented by blood pressure measurement and ultrasound. Regular check-ups in older dogs help detect declining kidney function early.

What happens next?

The vet decides on the treatment. It can include, for example, infusions, medications and a special diet that should only be used under veterinary supervision. Regular check-ups show how the values develop.

What you can do in everyday life

Always offer fresh water.
Watch how much your dog drinks, its appetite and weight, and note any changes.
Keep grapes, raisins and antifreeze safely out of reach.
Don’t give any medications on your own.

Frequently asked questions about Renal insufficiency

Why is my dog suddenly drinking so much?

Increased thirst can point to kidney disease but can also have other causes, such as diabetes. Have it checked by your vet.

Why is the disease often noticed late?

The kidneys have large reserves, so symptoms often only appear when function is already significantly reduced. Regular blood and urine checks in older dogs help you react earlier.

Is kidney failure curable?

Acute damage can partly recover, but chronic kidney failure is considered incurable. With veterinary care, its progression can often be slowed.

What can I do day to day?

Always offer fresh water, keep everyday life low in stress and watch how much your dog drinks, their appetite and behaviour. Regular check-ups with your vet are important.

Veterinary expertise at the heart of our team

Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott has been part of our team at DOG FIT by PreThis^® from the very beginning. As an experienced vet, she supports our work professionally and contributes her knowledge of dog health. Her experience and her deep understanding of dogs’ needs are an important guide for us. She is a valuable treasure for our team and for the well-being of many dogs.

This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.