Renal Failure in Dogs

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Mathew B. Sims is Editor-in-Chief and has authored, edited, and contributed to several books. He has been working in the insurance industry ensuring content is accurate for consumers who are searching for the best policies and rates. He has also been featured on sites like UpJourney.

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Written by Mathew B. Sims
Editor-in-Chief

Melanie Musson is the fourth generation in her family to work in the insurance industry. She grew up with insurance talk as part of her everyday conversation and has studied to gain an in-depth knowledge of state-specific car insurance laws and dynamics as well as a broad understanding of how insurance fits into every person’s life, from budgets to coverage levels. She also specializes in automa...

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Reviewed by Melanie Musson
Published Insurance Expert

UPDATED: Nov 17, 2020

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Cost of Treatment: $400 – $3,000

Table of Contents

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.