Your dog's kidneys work quietly every day. They filter waste out of the blood, balance water and salts, help control blood pressure and tell the body to make red blood cells. Kidney disease is one of the more common problems in older dogs, so it's worth knowing the early signs and the everyday habits that help. We'll also be honest about where food fits in, and where your vet needs to take the lead.
How common is kidney disease in dogs?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means the kidneys have been damaged for three months or more. Large studies put it at somewhere between 0.5% and 3% of dogs overall. It's much more common in older dogs, and some breeds are more at risk. A UK study of over 100,000 dogs found the main risk factors were older age, certain breeds, smaller body size and dental disease.
Early signs to watch for
- Drinking more water and peeing more often
- Weight loss or a fussy appetite
- Vomiting, or seeming flat and tired
- Bad breath that smells different from the usual doggy breath
The early stages often have no signs at all. That's why a yearly blood and urine test is so worthwhile once your dog is a senior. Vets look at markers like creatinine and SDMA, which can pick up changes before your dog seems unwell.
Everyday habits that help healthy dogs
Plenty of water
Kidneys like a well hydrated body. Always keep fresh water out. Fresh food helps too: our tubs are about 70% moisture, compared with around 10% for dry food.
A healthy weight
Keeping your dog lean protects nearly every organ. In a 14 year study, Labradors kept slim lived a median of 1.8 years longer and developed age related illnesses later than their littermates who ate more.
Clean teeth
Dental disease has been linked to kidney disease in dogs, so brushing and regular dental checks matter more than many of us realise.
Keep these out of reach
- Grapes and raisins, which can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts
- Human painkillers such as ibuprofen
- Antifreeze and other household chemicals
Keep up with your vet's care plan
Some infections, such as leptospirosis, can damage the kidneys. Vaccinations, parasite prevention and yearly check ups all help protect your dog, so please follow your vet's advice on these.
What about protein?
You may have heard that high protein food damages healthy kidneys. Current veterinary evidence doesn't support this: higher protein diets don't appear to raise the risk of kidney disease in healthy dogs. Good quality protein from fresh meat is a great fit for most dogs.
If your dog has kidney disease
This is where we want to be really clear. Once a dog is diagnosed with CKD, the most important change is usually a kidney diet prescribed by your vet. These diets keep phosphorus low, and studies show they help dogs live longer and feel better.
Our recipes are made with real ground bone, which is naturally high in phosphorus. That makes them great for healthy dogs, but they aren't a kidney diet. If your dog has kidney disease, please don't switch them to any new food, ours included, without your vet's guidance. Your vet may also suggest a veterinary nutritionist to design a fresh diet that's safe for your dog's kidneys.
The short version
- Know the early signs, and test your senior dog every year.
- Keep your dog lean, hydrated and their teeth clean.
- Keep grapes, raisins and human medicines well away.
- Follow your vet's plan for vaccines and parasite care.
- If CKD is diagnosed, let your vet guide the diet.
Looking after a senior furkid is a labour of love, and we're always here if you'd like to talk it through ❤️
Sources
- O'Neill DG et al. (2013). Chronic kidney disease in dogs in UK veterinary practices: prevalence, risk factors, and survival. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
- International Renal Interest Society (IRIS). Guidelines for staging and treating chronic kidney disease.
- Chandler M (2015). Dietary therapy for chronic kidney disease in cats and dogs. Vet Times.
- Kealy RD et al. (2002). Effects of diet restriction on life span and age related changes in dogs. JAVMA.