Acute kidney injury in dogs (sudden damage to the kidneys)
In acute kidney injury, the kidneys are damaged suddenly, over hours or days, in a dog that was previously well. They no longer filter blood properly: waste and certain salts build up and poison the body. The dog becomes lethargic, stops ea...
What is it?
In acute kidney injury, the kidneys are damaged suddenly, over hours or days, in a dog that was previously well. They no longer filter blood properly: waste and certain salts build up and poison the body.
The dog becomes lethargic, stops eating, vomits and becomes dehydrated. Urination drops sharply or stops completely, with no straining, because the kidneys no longer produce urine. A dog that produces little or no urine is an emergency.
The main causes to be aware of are poisons: grapes and raisins, antifreeze, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs meant for people. An infection such as leptospirosis can also be responsible.
Key point
A dog that produces little or no urine, or that may have swallowed grapes, raisins, antifreeze, or human medication, must be seen urgently, even if he seems to feel well—the sooner treatment begins, the better the chance his kidneys will recover.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Lethargy, weakness, dog remaining lying down.
Refusal to eat.
Vomiting, sometimes diarrhea.
Dehydration: dry gums, skin that stays pinched when gently pressed.
Urine production very low or absent, with no straining to urinate. In some cases, the dog may instead urinate excessively.
Ulcers in the mouth and foul breath when waste accumulates.
Pain when the abdomen or back is touched, in the kidney area.
After antifreeze ingestion, the dog may first appear drunk and unsteady, then seem to improve before the kidneys are affected.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Poisons, the main cause to know about:
Fresh grapes and raisins, including those in cakes and pastries: the dangerous amount varies greatly from dog to dog and cannot be predicted.
Antifreeze, the cooling fluid in cars: its sweet taste attracts dogs, and it is highly toxic to the kidneys.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs meant for people, such as ibuprofen, and certain veterinary medications given without professional advice.
Some rat and mouse poisons based on vitamin D.
Infections: leptospirosis, transmitted through the urine of animals, especially rodents, in water or mud; severe kidney infections.
Other causes: severe dehydration, heatstroke, shock, severe babesiosis, prolonged urinary blockage.
Access to grapes, raisins, antifreeze, human medications or rodenticides.
Swimming or drinking from stagnant water, contact with mud or environments soiled by animal urine: risk of leptospirosis.
Pre-existing kidney disease, advanced age.
Dehydration, extreme heat, intense exercise.
Long-term treatment with certain medications that can strain the kidneys.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian will ask what your dog may have swallowed, whether he is still urinating, and how long he has been ill.
A blood test measures the waste that the kidneys should eliminate and blood salts, particularly potassium, which can be dangerous for the heart when it builds up.
A urinalysis, kidney ultrasound, and tests are done to identify the cause: leptospirosis, antifreeze, or a blockage in the urinary tract.
The amount of urine produced is monitored closely during hospitalization.
These tests also help distinguish acute kidney injury from chronic kidney disease that has worsened.
Treatment
Treatment requires hospitalization.
An intravenous drip rehydrates the dog and helps the kidneys eliminate waste; urine output is monitored continuously.
Vomiting, pain, and abnormal blood salt levels are corrected.
The underlying cause is treated when possible: an antidote for antifreeze, which works only if given very soon after ingestion; antibiotics for leptospirosis; or stopping a medication responsible for the problem.
After recent ingestion of a toxin, the veterinarian may induce vomiting. Do not do this yourself without veterinary advice.
In severe cases where the kidneys produce no urine, dialysis may be offered at certain specialized centers.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Never give grapes or raisins to your dog, and keep them out of reach, including baked goods that contain them.
Store antifreeze in a closed container up high, and clean up any puddles under a car immediately.
Never give your dog human medication without veterinary advice, and keep your medicine cabinet secured.
Keep rodent poisons out of your dog's reach.
Vaccination against leptospirosis protects against one of the infectious causes—discuss this with your veterinarian, especially if your dog swims or drinks from stagnant water.
In hot weather, always provide water and shade.
Possible complications
High blood potassium levels, which can disturb the heart.
Fluid accumulation in the body and lungs when the kidneys no longer eliminate water.
Progression to chronic kidney disease in dogs that only partially recover.
Death when treatment is started too late or when kidney function does not return.
When to see a veterinarian
Your dog has eaten grapes, raisins, antifreeze, rat poison, or human medication, even if he seems fine—call your veterinarian immediately.
He produces little or no urine without straining: immediate emergency.
He is vomiting, not eating, and is very lethargic: see your veterinarian the same day.
He is staggering as if drunk: immediate emergency, suspect antifreeze.
He has a fever, yellow eyes or gums, or has swum in stagnant water: do not delay in seeking care.
He is straining to urinate with nothing coming out: immediate emergency, this may be a urinary obstruction.
Prognosis
The outlook depends on the underlying cause, how quickly treatment is started, and how much urine the kidneys continue to produce.
Some dogs recover completely, while others develop chronic kidney disease that requires ongoing monitoring.
The outlook is guarded when the kidneys stop producing urine despite treatment, or when antifreeze poisoning is discovered late.
Frequently asked questions
Acute or Chronic Kidney Failure: What's the Difference?
Acute kidney failure occurs suddenly, over a few hours or days, in a dog that was previously healthy, often following poisoning or infection; recovery is possible. Chronic kidney failure develops slowly over months: the dog drinks and urinates excessively, loses weight, and the damage does not repair itself. Blood tests and imaging help the veterinarian distinguish between them.
Acute Kidney Injury or Leptospirosis: How to Tell Them Apart?
Leptospirosis is one of the causes of acute kidney failure. It is often accompanied by fever, pain, and sometimes yellowing of the eyes or gums in a dog that has been in contact with contaminated water or mud. Only laboratory tests can confirm it. Leptospirosis can also be transmitted to humans: if it is suspected, protect yourself when handling the dog's urine.
My dog ate a few grapes and he's fine: should I worry?
Yes, call the veterinarian without waiting for the first signs. We cannot predict what quantity will be dangerous for a given dog, and the kidneys can be affected while the dog still appears to be in good condition. Early intervention is the best protection.
He is no longer urinating: is this a kidney or bladder problem?
Look to see if anything comes out. A dog straining without passing anything likely has a blocked bladder, for example from a stone. A dog that no longer tries to urinate at all may have kidneys that are no longer producing urine. In either case, it's an emergency.
References
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 11 October 2026
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