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My dog has kidney failure. What's his life expectancy without treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 12 years and 3 months old | 20 lbs

If a dog has kidney failure, approximately how long would they be able to live without treatment?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 15th, 2017

Unfortunately, without seeing blood test results and a hands-on exam, it is not possible to give you a time frame. Kidney failure is not curable, however with with giving your dog fluids (you can have your veterinarian show you how) and a low protein/low phosphate diet it is possible to prolong your dog's life with a good quality of life.

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