Renal Failure in Dogs

UPDATED: Nov 17, 2020Fact Checked

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Written by Melanie Musson
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Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. A love of the sea meant accepting her first job in the port town of Portsmouth, England. A After working in private practice for two years, her next position was as a vet at the People�...

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Reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian

UPDATED: Nov 17, 2020

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UPDATED: Nov 17, 2020

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What is Renal Failure in Dogs?

The principal organs of the renal system are the kidneys, which are in charge of filtering the blood to remove metabolic waste and toxins through the urine.

Renal function is one of the most important components of good health.

Renal failure can be acute, meaning that it appears suddenly, or chronic, meaning that it is the result of a long period of the disease.

There are several causes for renal failure in dogs—from intoxication to congenital problems.

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Causes of Renal Failure in Dogs

Acute Renal Failure

Injury
Toxicity
Infection
Kidney stones
Ureteral stones
Heatstroke

Chronic Renal Failure

Old age
Infection
Parasitic disease
Cancer
Autoimmune disease
Trauma
Medication
Congenital disease

Symptoms of Renal Failure in Dogs

Appetite loss
Bad breath
Bloody stools
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Excessive sleepiness
Extreme thirst
Fever
Irregular heartbeat
Sores in the mouth
Sudden increased or decreased urination
Vomiting
Weakness
Weight loss

Treatment of Renal Failure in Dogs

Cases of acute renal failure due to toxicity or poisoning must be treated with gastric lavage and fluid therapy—this usually requires hospitalization. Cases of infection may also need fluid therapy in addition to antibiotics.

Chronic renal failure is usually treated with dialysis to flush the kidneys and get them started working again, followed by medications at home.

Depending on the cause of the kidney failure, the treatment may only be needed once and your dog may be fine for years.

Return to the Dog Health Problems glossary.