How common is kidney disease in puppies

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated January 25, 2025

Contributions sourced from

10 Common Causes of Kidney Disease in Dogs

Kidney disease is a common problem of older dogs, affecting an estimated 10% of canines in their lifetimes¹. There are a number of causes that may affect different age groups and have different consequences, ultimately though, chronic kidney disease (occurs over time) or acute kidney injury(occurs suddenly) will always have the same resultone sick pup. The signs of illness in your dog reflect the failure of the kidneys to do their many jobs well enough.Learn the basics of chronic kidney disease in dogs.Below you will find a brief description of ten common causes of kidney disease. These are the targets of your veterinarians testing:1. Damage to the kidney filters (glomerular disease)The glomerulus of the kidney (kidney filtration mechanism) is commonly involved in canine kidney disease. Early on, we expect no signs of illness, but since glomerular disease may be caused by infections (like Lyme disease) or cancer, amongst other things, time can make the problems worse. Over time, inflammation, in the glomerulus of the kidney, damages the surrounding kidney tissues, creating the chronic kidney disease that makes your dog feel sick.

Learn more about glomerular disease in dogs.

2. Infection of kidney tissues (pyelonephritis)Infection of kidney tissues with bacteria, or rarely, fungal organisms, is one of the kidney diseases that may have a more favorable outcome, so your veterinarian will be on the lookout for it. Our goal with pyelonephritis is to kill the bacteria that can cause the damaging inflammation. This should limit progression of any chronic kidney disease or assist with recovery from an acute kidney injury. A bacterial urine culture and susceptibility can verify the infection and identify which antibiotic might work the best.3. Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)Kidney stones can be the product of chronic bacterial infection, genetics or diseases that alter blood or urine characteristics. Nephro (kidney) liths (stones) dont seem to cause dogs much pain, but this can change if they cause blockage within the kidney or its collecting ducts; it can also change if they contribute to infection (see pyelonephritis).

Learn more about kidney stones in dogs.4. Kidney blockage (ureteral obstruction with hydronephrosis)Kidney stones can fragment and be carried along with urine into the ureter, the long narrow tube that connects each kidney to the urinary bladder. They are probably painful during their transit, but the bigger concern is the consequence to the kidney if they become lodged there, causing partial or complete blockage. New urine cannot exit the kidney easily and it backs up, causing the kidneys to swell. With enough pressure, the kidneys enlarge (hydronephrosis) and become damaged. If both ureters obstruct at the same time, it can prove disastrous.

5. Damage to kidney tubules (tubulointerstitial disease)Inflammation and damage to the kidney tubules and supporting tissues commonly leads to chronic kidney disease. In many cases there is no identified cause, and thus no option for specific treatment. This type of kidney disease can only be confirmed by microscopic examination of a kidney biopsy specimen, but biopsies are not usually recommended.6. Bacterial infection (leptospirosis)Bacterial infection with leptospires causes kidney disease and other organ challenges in dogs and people all over the world. Normally, the effects of leptospirosis will be quite sudden and cause an acute kidney injury. Occasionally, the infection might cause chronic kidney disease. Quick recognition of this highly treatable disease should lead to a better outcome and protect your dogs friends and family (YOU!) from becoming infected by contact with urine or other body fluids.

Learn more about leptospirosis in dogs.

7. ToxinsLots of household items can damage the kidneys, not just antifreeze. Ordinary table foods like grapes and raisins; certain commercial jerky treat products; common OTC medications like aspirin or other nonsteroidals (NSAIDs); or prescribed medications can all cause kidney disease. Venoms, pesticides and heavy metals are less common toxins. We know dogs like to lick stuff, eat stuff, roll in stuff or bathe in stuff, but that can put them at real risk. To reduce your buddys risk of kidney injury, consider limiting his free-roaming behaviors and refrain from giving him any medications without discussing it first with your veterinarian.

See the top 5 most damaging kidney toxins for dogs.

If you have any reason to believe your dog has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian right away. You may also contact:

8. CancerFortunately, kidney cancer is not very common in dogs. Unfortunately, treatment options for kidney cancer are rather limited. Solitary tumors affecting only one kidney can be removed by surgery with a good outcome, if the cancer is benign or has not spread to other parts of the body (including the opposite kidney). Your dog only needs one good kidney to function normally. If the cancer is more widespread, as usually occurs with lymphosarcoma, surgery will not be an option for cure. Microscopic analysis of a biopsy or small needle sample is needed for the correct diagnosis of cancer and appropriate treatment plans.

Learn 10 signs of cancer in dogs.

9. Protein issue (amyloidosis)Patients with amyloidosis lose function in certain organs, including the kidneys, because protein deposits replace the normal tissue. It is an uncommon consequence of chronic inflammation affecting other parts of the body. It may also be genetically programmed in some dog breeds. Amyloid deposits cannot be cleared away, and the functional kidney tissue that is lost cannot be replaced, so the prognosis is not good.

Learn more about amyloidosis in dogs.

10. Hereditary There are genetic links to various kinds of kidney disease for many purebred dogs. Some young dogs fail to develop normal kidneys, or have kidneys that are large and grape-like, with many fluid- filled cysts. These dogs show signs of kidney disease as youngsters. Other dogs with congenital problems of the glomerulus or with a predisposition to amyloidosis might only show signs or symptoms of kidney disease when theyre adults.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.References:

Brown SA. Renal dysfunction in small animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual website. Updated October 2013. Accessed January 14, 2015.

Are Pomeranians Prone To Kidney Disease

We love our dogs deeply and never want to see them suffer. Kidney Disease in dogs is common and can sometimes become serious.

Are Pomeranains prone to Kidney Disease?

Is Kidney Failure Common In Pomeranians

Pomeranians are pretty healthy dogs overall usually living long healthy lives.

Kidney failure is a possibility in Pomeranains as it is with many other dogs.

Making sure that your dog has routine checkups with your vet and watching your dog for any changes in behavior is the best way to find any possible health concerns before they become serious.

Kidney disease is more common among older dogs that affect up to 10% of dogs as they age.

Is Kidney Failure Fatal In Pomeranains

Kidney failure is extremely serious and can often lead to a fatal outcome.

If you notice anything that doesnt seem right with your dog discuss it with your vet as soon as possible.

Early detection is always the best chance for a positive outcome.

Types Of Kidney Disease In Dogs

There are two types of kidney disease that a dog may experience acute and chronic.

Acute Kidney Disease

Acute kidney disease develops and shows symptoms within a short period of time, usually within days.

Causes of acute kidney failure may be poisoning or infections.

Luckily, if caught soon enough most cases of acute kidney failure can be treated successfully.

Chronic Kidney Faliure

Chronic Kidney Failure on the other hand occurs over a long period of time usually, months and years.

In many cases, there will not be a cure for the degeneration of the kidneys but, treatments can improve the quality if life and give your dog more time, sometimes years.

What Causes Kidney Disease In Dogs

Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones
Kidney Blockage
Bacterial Infection
Damage To Kidney Filters (glomerular disease)
Damage To Kidney Tubules
Protein Issues
Toxins
Cancer
Hereditary
Dental Disease

Kidney Infections

A kidney infection can be caused by both a viral or bacterial source.

Luckily, if your dog has this type of kidney infection and is caught early, your vet has many options to treat it with positive outcomes for your dog.

Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones can often be the result of a chronic bacterial infection.

Some dogs also may have a genetic disposition making them vulnerable to kidney stones

Diseases that affect the blood or urine can also contribute to the formation of kidney stones in your dog.

Kidney stones may or may not cause your dog pain but, if they start to form a blockage within the kidneys or ducts they may become more serious.

Kidney Blockage

A possible result of having kidney stones is a more serious condition when a stone blocks the flow of urine from your dogs kidneys into its bladder.

The kidneys can start to swell and build up pressure causing pain and possible long-term damage.

Bacterial Infection

If your dog contracts a bacterial infection with leptospirosis it can cause sudden and acute injury to your dogs kidneys.

This bacteria can also be spread to humans and other pets putting us all at risk.

Luckily, there are antibiotics available for treatments to kill the bacteria as well as some vaccines against the leptospira bacteria.

As with anything getting diagnosed as early as possible leads to the best outcome.

Damage To The Kidney Filters

The Kidneys entire job is to filter toxins, if the filtration system is damaged there will be negative side effects.

Glomerular Disease often doesnt have any symptoms in the early stages but, can get more serious over time.

As time goes on the inflammation of the tissues will spread within and outside of the kidneys creating chronic kidney disease that can make your dog very sick.

Damage To Kidney Tubules

Damage to your dogs Kidney Tubules can be hard to detect and treat.

Inflammation and damage to the kidney tubules leads to chronic kidney disease.

Protein Issues

Some dogs will have protein issues where the protein deposits start to replace healthy tissues.

This can be caused by genetics or chronic inflammation that is affecting other parts of the dogs body.

Unfortunately, once this damage has been done there isnt a way to repair it making the prognosis not good.

Toxins

Unfortunately, dogs can get into many household toxins that can do some major damage.

Some normal items that everyone has in their homes like grapes, onions, medications, and cleaners can cause kidney disease in dogs.

Cancer

Luckily, Kidney Cancer is very rare in dogs.

If only one of your dogs kidneys has been affected by cancer, it can be removed leaving your dog with one healthy kidney.

If cancer has spread to both kidneys or other parts of the body, treatments and cures are very limited.

Genetics

Unfortunately, there are many purebred dogs that pass on genetic risks for kidney disease.

Some dogs can show signs of developing kidney disease at a young age whereas others may not develop it until later in life.

Dental Disease

Dental disease can lead to kidney failure in dogs by releasing toxins from the mouth and gums into the bloodstream and organs.

Over time your dogs organs can be severely damaged.

What Are The Signs Of Kidney Failure In Dogs

Some of the signs of kidney disease and kidney failure include.

Weight Loss
Loss Of Appetite
Nausea/Vomiting
Pale Gums
Lethargy/Lack Of Energy
Loss Of Balance/Stumbling
Mouth Ulcers
Blood In Urine
Urinating More Often Or Less
More Or Less Water Consumption
Seizures

If you notice any or a combination of the symptoms in your dog, please seek vet attention.

What Can Do For A Dog that Has Kidney Failure

The treatment of kidney failure will depend on many factors including the type of disease, cause, age, and overall health of your dog.

If your dog is experiencing acute kidney failure there will most likely be treatment options available to correct and eliminate the current condition and its causes.

On the other hand, if your dog has chronic kidney failure the focus of treatment may be on extending the length and quality of life for your dog.

How To Prevent Kidney Failure In Dogs

There are some ways to prevent kidney failure in dogs.

In order to prevent acute kidney failure make sure that your dog doesnt ingest anything that could be considered toxic like medications, cleaners, tainted food, and human foods that are toxic.

Chronic kidney disease often stems from age and genetics making it hard to prevent. The best way to prevent and catch kidney disease in your dog is to bring your dog to the vet for regular checkups as well as b