If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve noticed something in your dog. Maybe your senior dog’s drinking more. Or losing weight. Or just not acting like their usual self. Kidney disease in older dogs isn’t rare. But the tricky bit? It often sneaks in quietly.

So let’s talk about the subtle signs that can tell you your dog’s kidneys might be struggling, before things get serious.

So What’s the Job of the Kidneys Anyway?

Okay, super quick,  the kidneys filter waste from the blood, balance fluids, and help manage blood pressure. When they stop working well, toxins start building up, and your dog’s body feels the effects from nose to tail.

But kidney disease creeps up slowly. That’s why catching it early makes a huge difference.

Early Sign 1: Drinking More Water Than Usual

This is one of the first things dog parents notice. It’s not just one thirsty day. It’s consistent.

Like you find yourself refilling the bowl again and thinking, “Didn’t I just do this an hour ago?” If your dog is guzzling like they’ve just crossed the Outback or finished a marathon, take note.

Their kidneys may not be concentrating urine properly, so the body’s way of compensating is to drink more.

Early Sign 2: Peeing More, or Having Accidents

More water in means more pee out. Sometimes in the house. Sometimes during the night. You might even think your dog’s developing incontinence.

And yeah, they may look sheepish about it. But it’s not about training,  it’s their body struggling to keep up.

If your house-trained dog starts having “oops” moments, don’t just grab the mop and move on. It’s worth a vet check.

Early Sign 3: Weight Loss and Muscle Wasting

You might notice their back end looking thinner. Or their ribs poking out a bit more.

Weight loss can be sneaky, especially if you see your dog every day. One day they look fine. Next week they feel bony when you give them a pat.

If your dog’s eating normally (or even more) and still dropping weight? That’s another red flag.

Early Sign 4: Bad Breath, Like Really Bad

We all know “dog breath” isn’t exactly minty fresh. But if your senior pup’s breath suddenly smells foul,  like something crawled in and died,  it could be from a build-up of toxins in the blood.

Especially if that bad breath has a weird metallic or ammonia smell. That’s a telltale sign the kidneys aren’t filtering properly.

Early Sign 5: Just Acting “Off”

This one’s vague, I know. But you’d be surprised how many owners say this when we finally catch kidney disease early.

They say things like:

“He’s just not himself lately.”
“She’s more tired.”
“He seems a bit down, kind of out of it.”

You know your dog. If they’re sleeping more, skipping meals, or looking at you with those “meh” eyes instead of their usual spark,  listen to that.

It could be nothing. But it could be something.

What the Vet Will Probably Do

Bloodwork and a urine test. That’s where we usually start. We’re looking at kidney values like BUN, creatinine, and SDMA. These numbers help us figure out how the kidneys are doing and if there’s damage.

Sometimes we’ll do ultrasounds or blood pressure tests too, depending on what we find.

And if it is kidney disease? Don’t panic.

It’s not always a death sentence. Many dogs live for months or even years with proper management, especially if we catch it early.

What You Can Do at Home

First off,  keep an eye on the water bowl. Seriously. Track how much they’re drinking if you can.

Feed a kidney-friendly diet if your vet recommends it. These are lower in phosphorus and protein but still tasty enough to make your dog drool.

Keep your dog’s routine calm and consistent. Stress can make symptoms worse.

Oh, and don’t forget regular check-ups. Senior dogs benefit so much from bloodwork at least once a year. Even if everything seems fine on the outside, things can shift fast behind the scenes.

Real Talk from One Dog Parent to Another

Kidney disease is something I see all the time in practice. It’s frustrating because it often flies under the radar until it’s pretty far along.

But I’ve also seen dogs bounce back once we figure it out. I’ve seen stubborn old staffies still wagging their tails after six months of meds and special food. I’ve seen poodles perk up after a fluid treatment like someone gave them a new battery.

The key is knowing what to watch for,  and trusting your gut when something feels off.

Our dogs can’t tell us when something’s wrong. But they show us,  in the way they drink, the way they move, the way they look at us with those eyes that say, “I don’t feel quite right.”

So let’s keep watching. Keep learning. And keep fighting for these old souls who’ve loved us so hard for so long.

Has your senior dog been acting differently lately,  and could it be time for a check-up?