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My dog has kidney disease. What can I do to help her live longer?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | 2 years and 11 months old

My dog was just diagnosed with kidney failure, what can I do to prolong her life?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Menolly Cote, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on June 27th, 2017

There is a distinction between acute and chronic renal failure. Acute renal failure often occurs as the result of a toxin or infection while chronic renal failure is seen more in older pets that have had a slow decline in their kidneys over time. There are four stages of chronic kidney failure with multiple sub-stages. It may be helpful to use our consultation option as we will be able to ask questions and review bloodwork to give you more specific information. Management of acute vs chronic renal failure is different. In either case, a kidney specific prescription diet is probably the number one best thing that can be done to help with kidney disease in the long-term, though hospitalization with IV fluids is often vital in cases of acute kidney injury. Other potential treatments are aimed at the potential side effects of kidney disease including protein loss in the urine, high blood pressure and imbalances of certain nutrients such as Calcium, phosphorous and potassium. I encourage you to use our consultation option to discuss this more in depth.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Britni Miller, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Kidney disease is staged into 4 categories. The common recommendations for kidney disease include a renal diet, fluids if needed, antacids, phosphate binders, ACE inhibitors, and more. Often the recommendations are dependent on your pet's blood work results. I would start with a renal diet and discuss with your veterinarian what they specifically recommend for Bella based off her staging and blood work values.

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