Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 7 years and 5 months old | 12 lbs
What do you look for as symptoms of kidney failure? My dog Romeo has been peeing little more than usual (about 5 times a day) but he has been drinking more water with if being so hot outside. He’s 12 pds and 7 years old. He has good appetite and playful. He hasn’t lab work in about a year. He has his annual exam next month. Thank you.
1 Answer
Published on July 18th, 2020
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Romeo. Drinking more water and urinating more can both be signs of kidney failure. Keep in mind, however, that it is hot out and he's drinking more due to that, which would increase urination. With kidney failure, you would also see weight loss, a loss of appetite, and lethargy. From what you are saying, it doesn't sound like kidney failure, more likely due to the hot weather. At his next annual exam, you can get blood work again to check his kidneys. I hope this helps!
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