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My dog with kidney failure stopped eating and drinking. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 14 years old | 45 lbs

Chloe has kidney failure and was improving. She started to eat and drink plenty of water. She is no longer listless and is showing more interest in her family and human food. She is very alert and wagging her tail still, but she has gone back to showing no interest in eating and is not drinking enough water. Should I consider hospitalization? As said, she is no longer lethargic and is more energetic, but we are concerned about water and food intake. We aren’t ready to consider euthanasia.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 18th, 2020

Poor girl. I would certainly consider at least getting her checked again and fluid therapy (IV or subcutaneously). If her values are not too bad, she may be able to be managed at home with subcutaneous fluids that you yourself give. That is if you are up to the task. Also I am not sure if she is on a prescription kidney diet. If not, then she needs to be transitioned right away. The vet can also prescribe some anti-nausea medication for her to help with her condition. And lastly, I would highly recommend a supplement called Azodyl, which is a natural way to help lower your pets kidney enzymes. Their toxic levels in the bloodstream are directly correlated with how sick your pet will feel, so focusing on lowering these values can improve your pets condition greatly. Here is a website link with more kidney therapy options --> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952670 I hope that these additional treatment suggestions help Chloe stabilize and perhaps hold off the euthanasia talks for a while. Best of luck moving fowrard and take care. : )

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 19th, 2017

    She may need to be hospitalized for IV fluids as this can flush out her kidneys and lower the values to help make her feel better and improve her appetite. IF the values get too high, it does make them sick and vomiting so there is no appetite. Once the value gets lowered it will be temporary but you can talk to your vet about SQ fluids, diet changes and medication to help prolong her life.

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