Just like in people, your pet’s kidneys perform essential tasks that help regulate their entire body. These two small but powerful organs help remove waste, manage hydration and electrolyte levels, regulate blood pressure, and produce the hormones needed for red blood cell production. They also play a role in activating vitamin D for use throughout the body.

When the kidneys stop functioning properly, serious health consequences can follow. Kidney failure in pets can develop gradually or occur suddenly—and in both cases, early detection and timely treatment are critical. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH), our board-certified internal medicine specialists and 24/7 emergency team are trained and equipped to manage even the most serious kidney-related conditions.

Types and Causes of Kidney Failure

There are two primary forms of kidney failure in pets: chronic kidney failure and acute kidney failure. While both impact the kidneys’ ability to function properly, they differ in how they develop, how they’re treated, and what outcomes to expect.

Chronic Kidney (Renal) Failure

Chronic kidney failure involves a gradual decline in kidney function over a period of weeks, months, or even years. It is most common in middle-aged and senior pets and is typically linked to the natural aging process and degeneration of kidney tissue.

Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) cannot usually be reversed, it can often be successfully managed with medical treatment, diet, and supportive care—allowing many pets to maintain a good quality of life for months or even years after diagnosis.

Potential causes of chronic kidney disease include:

• Kidney infections or blockages that don’t result in immediate failure but gradually reduce kidney function over time
• High blood pressure, thyroid disorders, or certain cancers
• Dental disease, a leading contributor to chronic kidney problems in older dogs. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream during eating or drinking and impair kidney function over time

Because symptoms can be subtle at first, regular veterinary exams are critical for catching this condition early.

Acute Kidney (Renal) Failure

Acute kidney failure is characterized by a sudden and significant decrease in kidney function over the course of hours or days. It can affect pets of any age and is considered a medical emergency.

When diagnosed and treated promptly, acute kidney failure can often be reversed.

Common causes of acute kidney failure include:

• Poisons, which are the most frequent cause of acute renal failure, including:
  • Antifreeze
  • Toxic plants like lilies
  • Pesticides, cleaning fluids, and snake bites
  • Certain human medications, including ibuprofen—even a single tablet can be dangerous
• Trauma, especially injuries that involve a broken pelvis or ruptured bladder
• Shock or rapid fluid loss due to bleeding, overheating, extreme activity, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Infection in the kidneys, such as Leptospirosis, a serious bacterial disease
• Blockages that restrict blood flow into or urine flow out of the kidney—such as in male cats with urethral obstruction
• Heart failure accompanied by low blood pressure, which reduces blood supply to the kidneys

Because of its rapid onset, early recognition and veterinary care are essential to achieving a positive outcome in cases of acute kidney failure.

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Pets

Kidney failure can present with a wide range of symptoms—many of which may seem mild or nonspecific early on. If your pet is showing one or more of the following signs, prompt veterinary attention is important:

• Weight loss
• Vomiting or diarrhea (possibly with blood)
• Pale gums or signs of anemia
• Bad breath with a chemical or ammonia-like smell
• Increased or decreased thirst and urination
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth ulcers
• Blood in the urine
• Lethargy, depression, or reduced activity
• Loss of balance or stumbling
• Seizures

In cases of acute kidney failure, your pet may also exhibit a stiff-legged walk or arched back, indicating kidney pain.

How Is Kidney Disease in Pets Treated?

Treatment for kidney disease depends on the underlying cause, the severity of damage, and whether the condition is acute or chronic. In cases of acute kidney failure, damage may be reversible if diagnosed and treated quickly. Chronic kidney disease, on the other hand, causes permanent damage to the kidneys and typically requires long-term management.

Your veterinarian will begin by addressing any immediate concerns such as chemical poisoning, dehydration, trauma, or infection. From there, your pet’s treatment plan may include:

• Fluid therapy (often delivered via IV) to support hydration and kidney function
• Medications to stimulate urine production
• Electrolyte supplementation to restore chemical balance in the bloodstream
• Drugs to reduce nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal upset
• Dialysis, in select cases where kidney function is critically impaired
• Dietary changes, including prescription renal diets to reduce kidney workload
• Blood pressure regulation
• Medications for anemia, which can develop as kidney function declines

Because some damage cannot be reversed, especially in chronic cases, early detection and supportive care are essential to slow disease progression and preserve quality of life. Your veterinary team will help determine which therapies are most appropriate based on your pet’s condition and response to care.

Prevention and Early Detection

While not all kidney disease can be prevented, many acute cases are avoidable with the right precautions:

• Keep pets away from toxins, including antifreeze, human medications, and toxic plants like lilies
• Vaccinate for leptospirosis, especially for pets with outdoor exposure
• Avoid feeding harmful foods like grapes and raisins
• Practice routine dental care to reduce bacterial load that can affect the kidneys
• Provide a balanced, species-appropriate diet
• Watch for early signs—like increased thirst, changes in urination, or weight loss
• Schedule annual or twice-yearly wellness exams, especially for senior pets

Chronic Kidney Disease and Genetics

Chronic kidney failure is often age-related and influenced by genetics, making it harder to prevent. Inherited kidney disease can sometimes be avoided through responsible breeding practices. Still, regular veterinary checkups are the most effective way to identify early changes in kidney function and begin treatment before symptoms progress.

We’re Here to Help

Kidney failure is a life-threatening condition, and early action can make a meaningful difference. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, our board-certified internal medicine specialists and emergency care team are here to support your pet every step of the way—from diagnosis to long-term management.

If your pet is showing signs of kidney dysfunction or you’re concerned about their health, please don’t wait. We’re here 24/7 to provide the care your pet needs.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Disease in Pets

1. What do the kidneys do for my pet?

Your pet’s kidneys remove waste, regulate hydration and electrolytes, control blood pressure, produce hormones for red blood cell production, and activate vitamin D for use throughout the body.

2. What is the difference between chronic and acute kidney failure?

Chronic kidney failure develops slowly over weeks, months, or years and is most common in middle-aged and senior pets. Acute kidney failure comes on suddenly, within hours or days, and is considered a medical emergency. Acute cases can sometimes be reversed if treated quickly, while chronic disease usually requires long-term management.

3. What can cause chronic kidney disease in pets?

Chronic kidney disease can be related to aging, long-term kidney infections or blockages, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, certain cancers, and dental disease, which can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and affect the kidneys over time.

4. What can cause acute kidney failure?

Acute kidney failure can be triggered by toxins such as antifreeze, lilies, pesticides, cleaning fluids, snake bites, or certain human medications like ibuprofen; trauma; shock or fluid loss; overheating; infection such as leptospirosis; blockages affecting urine or blood flow; or heart failure that reduces kidney blood supply.

5. What symptoms might a pet with kidney disease show?

Symptoms include weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea, pale gums, bad breath with a chemical or ammonia-like smell, increased or decreased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, blood in the urine, lethargy, depression, stumbling, seizures, and in acute cases, a stiff walk or arched back.

6. How is kidney disease treated?

Treatment varies based on cause and severity and may include fluid therapy, medications that encourage urine production, electrolyte supplementation, anti-nausea or gastrointestinal medications, dialysis in select cases, prescription renal diets, blood pressure control, and treatments for anemia.

7. Can chronic kidney disease be cured?

Chronic kidney disease usually cannot be reversed, but with early detection and ongoing supportive care, pets can often maintain a good quality of life for months or years.

8. Is acute kidney failure reversible?

Acute kidney failure can often be reversed if diagnosed and treated quickly.

9. How can I help prevent kidney problems in my pet?

Prevention steps include keeping pets away from toxins, vaccinating for leptospirosis, avoiding harmful foods, practicing good dental care, feeding a balanced diet, watching for early signs, and ensuring routine veterinary exams.

10. Are certain pets more likely to develop chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease is often age-related and influenced by genetics. Regular veterinary checkups are important for early detection.

11. What should I do if I notice signs of kidney disease in my pet?

You should seek prompt veterinary care. Early action can greatly improve outcomes, and specialty care is available 24/7 for diagnosis and treatment.

12. How can my veterinarian determine the right treatment plan?

Your veterinary team will assess the cause, severity, and whether the condition is acute or chronic, then recommend therapies such as fluids, medications, diet changes, or other supportive treatments based on your pet’s response.

13. Why is early detection so important?

Kidney damage is often subtle at first. Early detection allows treatment to begin before the disease progresses, especially in chronic cases where the goal is to slow deterioration and preserve quality of life.

14. Can dental disease really affect kidney health?

Yes. Bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and impair kidney function over time, especially in older dogs.

15. When should I seek emergency care for kidney concerns?

Seek emergency care if symptoms come on suddenly or if your pet shows severe signs such as vomiting, dehydration, stumbling, seizures, or possible toxin exposure. This is especially important for suspected acute kidney failure.