Glossary

Chronic kidney disease

A gradual, permanent loss of kidney function that causes increased thirst and urination, weight loss and poor appetite, mainly in older dogs.

Also called: CKD, kidney failure in dogs, renal disease, renal failure, kidney disease

The kidneys filter waste from the blood, balance fluids and help control blood pressure. In chronic kidney disease, or CKD, they lose function slowly and cannot be repaired. Dogs can lose a large part of their kidney function before they look sick, so early signs are often missed.

Signs include drinking and urinating more, weight and muscle loss, poor appetite, vomiting, bad breath and tiredness. Causes include age, infection, inherited disease and past damage from toxins such as grapes and raisins.

Blood tests, a urine test and blood pressure checks help a vet find and stage it, which is why senior wellness exams include them. CKD is different from sudden kidney injury, which is an emergency. Management is lifelong and often includes a prescription diet, and a vet sets the plan, not an owner.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Blood panel A set of blood tests that counts blood cells and measures organ-related chemicals, used to screen healthy dogs and investigate illness. Prescription diet A food formulated to help manage a medical condition such as kidney disease or food allergy, fed under veterinary supervision. Senior wellness A preventive care plan for aging dogs, with more frequent exams and screening tests to catch age-related disease early.