What it is
Each kidney holds a huge number of tiny filters that clean the blood around the clock, keep the body's water in balance and help control blood pressure and the making of red blood cells. Filters that are lost do not grow back, so the remaining ones have to work harder to make up for them.
Kidney disease can come on suddenly, for example after a dog swallows something poisonous such as antifreeze, grapes or certain plants, or develop slowly over years. Long-term kidney disease is linked to age, and some dogs inherit a tendency for the kidneys not to develop properly.
Because healthy tissue covers for the damage for a long time, the changes may only show once much of the kidneys' work has been lost. A dog with weaker kidneys needs fresh water at all times and more chances to go outside, so keep the bowl full and take the extra trips in your stride.
Signs you may notice
- Drinks more than usual
- Urinates more
- Eats less
- Loses weight
- Vomits or seems sluggish
- Breath smells unpleasant
The dog may drink and urinate more, eat less, lose weight, vomit or become sluggish, and its breath may smell unpleasant. If the dog suddenly stops urinating or seems very unwell, it needs a vet immediately.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your dog starts drinking or urinating more, eats less or loses weight. A dog that stops urinating, vomits again and again or may have swallowed something poisonous needs a vet immediately.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.