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My dog is showing signs of kidney failure. What's causing it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 6 years and 1 month old | 25 lbs

What causes kidney failure/symptoms

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 18th, 2017

Symptoms of kidney failure include drinking more water than normal, urinating more, urine appears dilute (clear), weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. It can be cause by infections, inflammation, congenital problem, degeneration from age, etc. It is diagnosed by running bloodwork and a urinalysis.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    This is a bit of a broad question, but I will do my best to give you some general information :) In dogs, kidney failure can be caused by ingestion of something toxic, an infectious disease such as Lyme or leptospirosis, a congenital problem such as polycystic kidney disease, or can be an age-related change in older dogs. Symptoms will vary somewhat depending on the underlying cause and whether the dog has acute vs. chronic kidney failure, but could include increased drinking and urination, weight loss, not eating, vomiting, and/or acting lethargic.

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