How to keep my dog with end-stage kidney failure comfy and hydrated?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 13 years and 11 months old | 5.4 lbs
My dog is in end stage Kidney failure. He's been at an emergency hospital on fluids for a few days and will be coming home tomorrow morning. I know this will be his last stretch. What can I do to help make him feel good for as long as possible? Is Pedialyte a good option to help keep him hydrated? Any other suggestions to keep him comfy until our "see you laters"?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 8th, 2018
I am sorry to hear that Memi is so sick. You may want to discuss doing subcutaneous fluids at home with your veterinarian. Also anti nausea medication such as cerenia can also be helpful and appetite stimulants if needed as well. I hope you have some good quality time left with him. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 8th, 2018
Hello, sorry to hear about Memi. I think all of those things are great measures to take for when Memi comes home. You do not need to supplement with Pedialyte as this also has electrolytes which are typically not well regulated with kidney diseases. Ensuring there are adequate quantities of water bowls may be sufficient. Depending on Memi's degree of kidney diseases and you comfort level, your veterinarian may recommend that you administer fluids under his skin on a daily basis. Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 12th, 2018
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, if Memi has been diagnosed with end stage kidney failure, then all you can do is try to keep him comfortable and hydrated the best you can. Depending on the degree of pulmonary hypertension, and any other existing heart problems, aggressive subcutaneous fluids could be dangerous, however without fluids, he will likely rapidly become dehydrated. That is a difficult balance. You could try splitting up the fluids, and administering smaller volumes more frequently instead of one larger bolus. But this is definitely a discussion to have with your veterinarian who will be much more familiar with the details of Memi's condition. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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