5 Signs Your Pet Needs a Renal Check

Your pet can’t tell you when something’s wrong—but their body might be trying to. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and supporting your pet’s overall health. When kidney function begins to decline, the signs can be subtle at first—but early detection makes all the difference.

At Creature Comforts, we believe prevention is the best medicine. If you spot any of the signs below, it may be time to schedule a renal (kidney) check for your cat or dog.

Kidney disease, especially chronic kidney disease (CKD), is common in older pets, particularly cats. But it can affect pets of all ages due to infections, toxins, or genetic conditions. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to manage—and the better the outcome for your pet.

Routine blood and urine tests can identify kidney issues before symptoms appear, helping your pet live longer and feel better.

1. Drinking More Water Than Usual

If your pet is suddenly visiting the water bowl more often, or if their water bowl seems to empty faster—this could be a red flag. Increased thirst is a common early sign of kidney trouble.

📌 What to watch for: Refilling the water bowl more often, waking up at night to drink, or obsessively licking taps.

2. Frequent or Excessive Urination

Kidneys that aren't working properly can't concentrate urine effectively. That means your pet may need to urinate more often, and the urine may be unusually clear or diluted.

🐾 Cats may start urinating outside the litter box, and dogs may have accidents indoors.

3.  Loss of Appetite or Weight

Kidney disease can cause nausea, making pets feel less hungry. Over time, this can lead to noticeable weight loss—even if your pet seems otherwise normal.

A gradual drop in appetite is easy to miss, especially in multi-pet households—so keep an eye on eating habits.

4.  Lethargy or Low Energy

If your once-playful pet is sleeping more, seems withdrawn, or just isn’t as active as usual, it could be a sign their kidneys aren’t functioning well. Waste buildup in the blood can make your pet feel sluggish or weak.

📌 This is often mistaken for “just getting older”—but a vet visit can uncover the real cause.

5.  Vomiting or Bad Breath

Kidney issues can lead to a buildup of toxins that cause nausea, vomiting, or a strong ammonia-like smell on your pet’s breath. You might also notice drooling or licking their lips frequently.

📞 If your pet is throwing up more than once, contact your vet right away.

Q: Do only older pets need kidney checks?
 No. While CKD is more common in older pets, any pet can develop kidney issues due to infections, certain medications, or toxins like lilies or antifreeze.

Q: How is kidney disease diagnosed?
 We run a blood test (to check creatinine, BUN, SDMA) and a urinalysis to assess kidney concentration and rule out infections.

Q: What happens during a renal check at Creature Comforts?
 Your pet will receive:

• A thorough vet examination
• Blood and urine tests
• Blood pressure check (if needed)
• Follow-up advice based on the results

Q: Is kidney disease curable?
 Chronic kidney disease isn’t curable, but it’s very manageable, especially with early intervention, diet changes, and supportive care.