Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition common in older dogs, requiring careful nutritional management, fluid support, and regular monitoring to maintain quality of life as long as possible.
CKD causes accumulating uraemic toxin burden that produces chronic nausea, anorexia, and weakness. Dogs in advanced CKD may experience severe uraemia causing neurological signs and profound discomfort. Quality of life is the central concern in CKD management, as the condition is progressive and not curable. Welfare-centred management focuses on controlling clinical signs, maintaining appetite, and providing phosphate restriction through appropriate diet. End-of-life planning should be discussed with owners well before crisis, to enable a peaceful rather than emergency euthanasia decision.