To comfort a dog with kidney failure, focus on hydration, a vet-approved low-protein/low-phosphorus diet with supplements (like Omega-3s), managing nausea with small meals, keeping them in a calm, stress-free environment with easy water access, and providing gentle comfort through petting and soothing voices, all while following your veterinarian's specific treatment plan.
It is important to provide a comfortable environment especially as CKD becomes more advanced. Some things you can do to help your dog include: Ensuring soft, warm bedding for joint comfort. Keep water and food easily accessible to prevent unnecessary exertion.
Yes, kidney failure in dogs can be painful. Kidney failure in dogs can be painful because the kidneys are responsible for filtering body waste and toxins. When they fail, these toxins build up in the bloodstream and can cause discomfort and pain.
Being actively involved in decision-making regarding your dog's health and treatment is essential. If your dog suffers from persistent pain, loss of appetite, or incontinence as a result of kidney failure, euthanasia may be a compassionate consideration, especially if they no longer respond to treatment.
Lethargy/Difficulty Walking
As kidney disease progresses in your dog, they can become very lethargic and prefer to sleep much of the day.
Stage 4: Kidney failure is end-stage, and symptoms intensify, including extreme lethargy, dehydration, and loss of appetite. At this stage, the dog's kidneys are no longer able to function effectively, and euthanasia may be considered if quality of life deteriorates significantly.
Pain: If your dog is in pain, it may remain hidden or become reluctant to interact with the family. Your dog may seem to be panting more than usual or trembling. You may also notice other signs of pain like irritability, restlessness or aggression.
Patients may experience a wide variety of symptoms as kidney failure progresses. These include fatigue, drowsiness, decrease in urination or inability to urinate, dry skin, itchy skin, headache, weight loss, nausea, bone pain, skin and nail changes and easy bruising.
Acute kidney failure happens when your dog's kidneys suffer damage and stop working. They may stop producing any urine at all, which leads to a build-up of fluids and toxic waste in the body. This makes your dog very unwell. Acute kidney failure can sometimes be reversed with rapid and intensive vet care.
Dogs with kidney failure often drink more water than usual and may need to urinate more frequently. This occurs because the kidneys are no longer effectively filtering waste, leading to excess water loss.
An appropriate diet is vital in managing kidney disease. A diet specially formulated or tailored for kidney disease (such as those low in protein, phosphorus, calcium and sodium but high in omega 3 fatty acids) can help your dog.
Sudden kidney failure can progress from mild symptoms to life-threatening within days or even hours. Dogs with acute kidney failure often show dramatic symptoms like persistent vomiting, complete refusal to eat or drink, and severe low energy. Without quick medical help, this condition can be fatal.
Signs of Advanced Renal Disease
reclusive behavior. sunken eyes from severe dehydration. difficulty/inability to stand or walk. crying out from discomfort.
Symptoms of Renal Disease & Renal Failure in Dogs
Drinking too much and producing large volumes of urine. General depression associated with elevation of waste products in blood. Overall weakness caused by low potassium in the blood. Increased volume of urine in the bladder.
NSAIDs can be nephrotoxic and, in general, the renal damage is dose-dependent. When managing chronic pain in dogs with CKD, we have transitioned from use of classic NSAIDs to administration of non-acidic NSAIDs, such as acetaminophen.
Treatment for Acute Kidney Failure in Dogs
Hospital staff will very closely monitor your dog's heart rate, blood pressure, and overall condition while providing appropriate medications and treatments such as: IV fluids to hydrate and flush out the kidneys.
It depends on the stage of the disease, the dog's age and overall health, and how they respond to treatment. Early to mid-stage CKD: Dogs may live 1–3 years with proper care. Advanced-stage kidney failure: Life expectancy can range from a few weeks to several months.
Even dogs that have severe kidney failure may respond favorably to treatment and resume a normal quality of life after treatment.
The Link Between Bad Breath and Kidney Failure
One of the waste products that can build up is urea. Excessive urea (called uremia) can cause the dog's breath to smell like ammonia, urine or even “fishy” when they exhale.
As people get closer to dying, they may sleep more, become drowsy or be difficult to wake. They may fall asleep while talking. A person may slowly lose consciousness in the days or hours before death.
As such, comfort care can include treatments like pain management, skin and mouth care, nutrition, ensuring a patient's spiritual needs are met, and planning for death following the wishes of the patient and their family.
Symptoms of kidney failure may include: Itchy skin or rashes (pruritis) Muscle cramps. Nausea or vomiting.
A comfortable resting area, gentle massage, and low-impact exercise can help ease discomfort. CBD oil, acupuncture, and weight management may also support pain relief. Always consult a veterinarian before administering any treatment to ensure your dog's safety and well-being.
Silent pain in dogs refers to chronic or ongoing discomfort that isn't obvious through visible signs like limping or whining, but still affects their behavior, movement, and well-being. Pain and behavior are closely connected.
A dog in pain may sleep more than usual, or they may not be able to go to sleep or get enough sleep. Sometimes when a dog sleeps more than usual, they could be trying to heal themselves from their pain.