The kidneys, the frequently forgotten but life-sustaining organs, remove waste from the bloodstream and regulate fluids in the body. If the kidneys are not able to do their job, the result could be life threatening for your dog.

What is kidney disease?

Kidneys are very important because they remove waste substances from the blood, and maintain the normal balance of fluid and minerals within the body. Any condition which damages the kidneys is referred to as kidney or renal disease. In some cases, dogs may show early warning signs of kidney disease. However, signs of serious illness only appear after 75% of the kidneys’ function has already been lost. This is the reason why early detection is so important, especially for dogs age 7 or older. A simple blood test and urinalysis are all that is required to detect kidney disease.

What causes kidney disease in dogs?

The kidneys can be damaged by a wide range of conditions including injury, infection, toxins, and cancer. This damage is usually irreversible. Kidney disease is common in dogs, but with early diagnosis and treatment, progression can be limited and many dogs go on to live happily for years after diagnosis. Factors that can make dogs more prone to kidney disease include the following:

Age: The chance of developing kidney problems in dogs increases after the age of 7.

Food: Some dog foods high in phosphorus and dog foods with increased levels of protein can increase the progression of kidney disease.

Breed: Some dog breeds, including English Cocker spaniels, bull terriers and German shepherds, are more likely to develop particular types of kidney disease. Learn more about a very special German shepherd named Buddy that was diagnosed with kidney failure.

Environment: Some chemicals, including certain disinfectants, antifreeze, lead paint and some human medications can damage the kidneys.

Does my dog have kidney disease?

The signs of kidney disease can be difficult to recognize but if you notice any of the following, it could mean your dog has a kidney problem. Please check with your veterinarian if you are seeing any of these signs.

  • Increased thirst and urine production
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Bad breath
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Sore mouth
  • Weakness
  • Lack of energy and increased sleeping
  • Poor coat appearance
  • Depression

If your dog is diagnosed with kidney disease, your veterinarian may describe it as either acute or chronic.

Acute Kidney Disease: Acute, or sudden, kidney disorders can be caused by:

  • Blood loss
  • Shock
  • Surgical stress
  • Trauma
  • Severe dehydration
  • Poisons
  • Drugs
  • Obstructed urine flow
  • Infection

Chronic Kidney Disease: Chronic, or long-term, kidney disease can result from the above factors, plus: Breed and hereditary tendencies, in coordination with nutritional factors and immune system defects. Chronic kidney disease is progressive and irreversible.

Unfortunately, the signs of kidney disease usually do not appear until 75% of kidney function has been lost. Once chronic kidney failure develops, it cannot be reversed.

IMPORTANT: Early stages of kidney disease will show no signs or symptoms. An increase in thirst may be the first sign of kidney failure — if you notice this, or any of the above signs, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Treatment: The importance of nutrition

The food your dog eats plays an important role in his overall health and well-being. If your dog is diagnosed with kidney or renal disease, modifying his food can help manage the disease by reducing the amounts of protein, phosphorus and salt in his food. Phosphorus restriction seems especially important in lessening the severity of the clinical signs and progression of kidney damage. Reducing protein levels may also help restore normal acid-base levels. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. If your dog has kidney problems, the right nutrition can positively impact your dog’s quality of life. For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your dog’s kidney health.

Ask Your Veterinarian About Kidney Disease:

  1. Are there any foods I should avoid giving my dog because of his condition?
    • Ask how human food may affect your dog’s health.
  2. Would you recommend a Hill’s® Prescription Diet® dog food for my dog’s kidney health?
    • Ask about special nutritional concerns for your dog
    • How much / how often you should feed the recommended food to your dog
    • Discuss which treats you can feed your dog with the recommended food
  3. How quickly should I expect to see signs of improvement in my dog’s condition?
  4. Can you provide me with written instructions or a booklet on kidney disease for my dog?
  5. What is the best way (email/phone) to reach you or your hospital if I have questions?
    • Ask if you need a follow-up appointment.
    • Ask if a reminder email or notice will be sent.
Hills Author Hills Author
Staff Author

One of our staff authors prepared this article for you

Related articles

Choosing the Best Toys for Your Dog

Play is an essential part of every dog's life. Find out what types of dog toys help them exercise and strengthen their bond with you.

Picking Up After Your Dog: Why It's Important

Picking up dog poop can be unpleasant, but there are lots of reasons it's important: local laws, bad smells, diseases and impact on grass are all factors.

Service Dogs Helping Other Dogs: Two Real-Life Stories of Pups Helping One Another

While service dogs play a huge role in helping people, they can also help other dogs with special needs. Read two true stories of these remarkable dogs.

Dog Park Rules: Do's and Don'ts

Learn about the dog park rules that make for a fun time at the park. Park outings are a fun way to socialize with your dog, but safety comes first.

What Should I Do for a Dog with a Splinter?

Discover helpful information on how to tell if your dog has a splinter, steps you can take to help, and when you need to seek help from a veterinarian.

Should You Allow a Dog to Give You Kisses?

Wondering if dog kisses are safe for you & your family? Learn the facts about how clean your dog's mouth is and when you can enjoy a smooch from your pup.

5 Popular Small & Toy Dog Breeds in America

U.S. Dog Breed Spotlight: 5 Popular Small & Toy Dogs

Are There Dog-Safe Hair Dyes?

Read about options for dog-safe hair dye, including which breeds and hair types work best with dyes and how to safely apply it to your dog's coat.

What Painkillers Are Safe for Dogs?

Not sure which pain medicine you can give your dog? Learn which painkillers, such as aspirin or name brand pain meds, are safe for your dog.

Is Hand Sanitizer Bad for Dogs? (& What to Do if They Eat it)

Learn whether hand sanitizer can be toxic for your dog, including potentially harmful ingredients that can be bad, and what to do if they've eaten it.

Why Do Dogs Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?

You're not the only pet parent out there wondering, "Does My Dog Smell Like Corn Chips?" Learn why this is such a common smell your pup might give off.

Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs

Learn all about laryngeal paralysis in dogs, including types of the condition, signs & symptoms, risk factors, how it's diagnosed and treatment options.

Sled Dogs Amazing Story of Strength and Beauty

Learn more about sled dogs and their role in today's wilderness treks, as well as their rich history helping to settle the Alaskan frontier.

Why Your Puppy Won't Stop Whining

Learn some common reasons why your puppy is whining, crying, and whimpering, as well as helpful ways to change his behavior through training.

Blood in Dog Urine: What Should You Do?

Learn the details about blood in your dog's urine, if it's a serious condition, the common urinary causes and how your veterinarian might treat it.

Why Do Dogs Howl?

Learn some possible reasons for your dog's howling, which breeds are most active howlers, and some training tips for getting them to stop.

Are Grapes & Raisins Bad for Dogs?

Learn why grapes & raisins are poisonous for dogs, how to manage the situation if they've eaten them, symptoms to watch for, and when to go to the vet.

Your Dog in Pain: Recognizing & Relieving

Learn how to recognize the signs & symptoms if your dog is in pain, whether you should give him medication, and if you need to call a veterinarian.

Enlarged Prostate in Dogs: Managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Signs of an enlarged prostate in dogs (benign prostatic hyperplasia) aren't easy to spot, so learn more about symptoms, treatments & prevention options.

10 Small Dog Breeds That Don't Shed

Explore some of the many small dog breeds that don't shed, why they can be better for people with allergies, and which breeds could fit your lifestyle.