Renal Failure in Dogs
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Feb 3, 2025
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 3, 2025
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Cost of Treatment: $400 – $3,000
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
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Renal Failure in Dogs?
Renal failure is a condition in dogs where the kidneys, vital for filtering blood and removing waste, may not function properly. It can be acute, appearing suddenly, or chronic, developing over an extended period.
What are the causes of Renal Failure in Dogs?
Causes include intoxication, congenital issues, and infections. Acute cases may result from toxicity, requiring hospitalization, while chronic cases may involve dialysis and home medications.
What are the symptoms of Renal Failure in Dogs?
Symptoms can include changes in urination, lethargy, decreased appetite, and vomiting. Timely recognition and treatment are crucial for a positive outcome.
How is Renal Failure in Dogs treated?
Acute cases may need hospitalization with gastric lavage and fluid therapy. Chronic cases often involve dialysis to restart kidney function, followed by home medications. Treatment frequency depends on the cause.
What is the cost of treatment for Renal Failure in Dogs?
he cost can range from $400 to $3,000. Pet insurance can cover up to 90% of vet bills, making it a valuable resource for managing the expenses associated with pet health.
How can pet insurance help with vet bills?
Pet insurance pays up to 90% of vet bills for sick or injured pets. It provides financial assistance, ensuring that pet owners can provide necessary medical care without significant financial burden.
Is pet insurance necessary?
Yes, pet insurance is essential for managing unexpected veterinary expenses. It offers financial support, allowing pet owners to prioritize their pets’ health without worrying about high medical costs.
How frequently should a dog with Renal Failure be monitored?
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for monitoring a dog’s renal health. The frequency may vary based on the severity of the condition and the specific treatment plan.
How can I find affordable pet insurance?
To find affordable pet insurance, you can compare quotes from top companies. Enter your ZIP code to view options and choose a plan that fits your budget and provides comprehensive coverage for your pet.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.