Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease develops quietly over months or years before it shows, and once present it is irreversible and usually progressive¹. In UK practices about 0.2 to 0.4 percent of dogs were affected; dogs over twelve had more than five times the odds of dogs aged seven to twelve, and Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were at increased odds². Some breeds inherit kidney problems, among them the Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Standard Poodle (renal dysplasia), the Basenji (Fanconi syndrome) and the Shar-Pei (amyloidosis)³.

The early signs are drinking and urinating more, then poorer appetite, weight loss, vomiting and a dull coat. Because the kidneys lose most of their function before creatinine rises, the International Renal Interest Society recommends staging with creatinine and SDMA together, measured on at least two occasions in a stable, hydrated dog, with urine protein and blood pressure as sub-stages⁴. These are the tests in the senior screening panel, which is one reason twice-yearly bloodwork matters.

Management depends on stage: a kidney diet, fresh water always available, control of blood pressure and protein loss, and treatment of nausea. Survival after diagnosis varied widely and was linked to stage at diagnosis, so catching it early changes the picture².

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet knows your dog.

Sources

1. Renal Dysfunction in Dogs and Cats. Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed 2026-09-22.
2. Chronic kidney disease in dogs in UK veterinary practices: prevalence, risk factors, and survival (O'Neill DG et al.). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 27(4):814-821, 2013 (peer reviewed). Accessed 2026-09-22.
3. Renal Anomalies in Animals. Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed 2026-09-22.
4. IRIS Staging of CKD (modified 2023). International Renal Interest Society. Accessed 2026-09-22.