Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Sudden kidney failure, or acute kidney injury (AKI), develops over hours to days. Common causes include toxins (grapes and raisins, antifreeze, NSAID overdoses), infections like leptospirosis, urinary blockages, and severe dehydration or shock. Signs include vomiting, not eating, lethargy, and producing little or no urine. AKI is an emergency, but unlike chronic kidney disease, it can sometimes be reversed with fast treatment.
Common causes
- Grapes, raisins, and currants
- Antifreeze (ethylene glycol): deadly in small amounts. Treatment must start within hours
- Human NSAIDs or overdoses of veterinary NSAIDs
- Leptospirosis: a bacterial infection spread by wildlife urine
- Lily ingestion is a cause in cats, not dogs
- Urinary blockage from stones
- Severe dehydration, heatstroke, or shock
Signs
- Vomiting, diarrhea, not eating
- Lethargy and weakness
- Little or no urine, or sometimes a lot of urine
- Bad breath or mouth ulcers
- Wobbly walking or seizures (with antifreeze)
What to do
If your dog ate something toxic, call your vet or a pet poison hotline immediately: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (fees apply). Don’t wait for signs.
Treatment
- Decontamination for recent toxin exposure
- Antidote for antifreeze
- IV fluids and urine output monitoring
- Antibiotics for leptospirosis
- Dialysis at referral centers for severe cases
Prevention
- Keep grapes, raisins, and medications out of reach
- Store antifreeze securely and clean spills
- Ask your vet about the leptospirosis vaccine
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Acute kidney injury in small animals
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Grapes, raisins, and antifreeze
- Sykes JE, et al. 2010 ACVIM small animal consensus statement on leptospirosis. J Vet Intern Med. 2011
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.