Identification

• The term kidney failure does not indicate the failure to make urine, but the failure of the kidneys to eliminate waste from the dog's body. In fact, dogs that are in kidney failure may produce larger amounts of urine than they have previously.
  
  

Diarrhea

• There are several different symptoms of kidney failure in dogs. One of them is diarrhea. This may not be very noticeable in the beginning stages of kidney failure, but the diarrhea may worsen as the condition becomes more advanced. The dog may become dehydrated due to severe diarrhea.
  
  

Other Symptoms

• Other symptoms associated with kidney failure in dogs are vomiting, ulcers in the mouth, increased water consumption, excessive urination and bad breath.
  
  

Effects

• The early signs of kidney failure may be subtle. Increased thirst may have the dog drinking more water, and needing to go out more frequently. Diarrhea may become difficult to control as the condition continues to worsen. Ulcers in the mouth and foul breath are signs of very advanced kidney failure.
  
  

Considerations

• Consult your veterinarian if your dog exhibits the symptoms of diarrhea along with other symptoms of kidney failure. There are several blood tests, such as the BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Creatinine levels, that can indicate kidney failure.