DOGS AND CATS · OWNER EDUCATION
Chronic Kidney Disease
Gradual loss of kidney function can change thirst, urination, appetite, body weight and blood pressure, particularly in older animals.
THE SHORT VERSION
Understanding supports better veterinary conversations.
Chronic kidney disease develops over time and can affect waste handling, hydration, blood pressure, protein balance and overall comfort. Early signs may be subtle, especially in cats.
What is this condition?
Chronic kidney disease develops over time and can affect waste handling, hydration, blood pressure, protein balance and overall comfort. Early signs may be subtle, especially in cats.
Which animals can be affected?
Risk factors, examination findings and management can differ between species and individual patients.
Why can it happen?
- Age-related or chronic kidney damage, prior injury, inherited factors or other disease.
- High blood pressure, infection, urinary abnormalities and individual risk factors may contribute.
- The exact cause is not always identifiable after disease is established.
What might an owner notice?
- Increased thirst and urination, weight loss or decreased appetite.
- Nausea, vomiting, dehydration or reduced grooming.
- Weakness, mouth changes or changes in behavior as disease progresses.
How is the problem investigated?
- Chemistry panel and complete blood count evaluated together with urinalysis.
- Blood pressure measurement, urine protein assessment and additional tests when appropriate.
- Imaging or urine culture when needed to investigate structural or infectious concerns.
What might treatment involve?
- Individualized hydration, nutrition and medication support.
- Management of nausea, blood pressure, protein loss or related complications when identified.
- Scheduled monitoring to follow trends and adjust care.
This is an overview, not a prescription or a recommendation for a specific individual animal.
What can owners do at home?
- Maintain ready access to fresh water and follow the prescribed diet plan.
- Record appetite, weight, urination and comfort.
- Use only veterinarian-approved medications and discuss any sudden change promptly.
Avoid actions that could make care less safe.
- Do not restrict water to reduce urination.
- Do not start a human pain reliever, supplement or major diet change without veterinary guidance.
- Do not give human medications, leftover prescriptions or supplements without veterinary approval.
- Do not stop, increase, decrease or double prescribed medication without contacting your veterinary team.
- Do not delay assessment if symptoms are worsening, the animal stops eating or an emergency sign appears.
What can the longer-term outlook involve?
The outlook varies with stage, progression, complications and treatment response. Many animals benefit from early detection and a consistent monitoring plan.
Can risk be reduced?
- Support routine wellness testing and early evaluation of drinking or weight changes.
- Avoid known toxins and discuss medication safety for animals with kidney concerns.
When should you arrange care?
- Call for increased thirst, increased urination, reduced appetite, weight loss or vomiting.
Seek emergency veterinary care if you notice:
SEEK EMERGENCY VETERINARY CARE- Collapse, profound weakness, inability to keep water down, inability to urinate or sudden severe illness.
Sources behind this guide
American Animal Hospital Association veterinary guidelinesPrimary veterinary or veterinary-university guidance ↗Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: feline health topicsPrimary veterinary or veterinary-university guidance ↗Content last reviewed: August 23, 2026. Review status: veterinary-informed; independent veterinarian review not yet completed.