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My dog has a kidney infection and won't eat. What should I do now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 7 months old | 175 lbs

My dog has not eaten hardly anything at all in 8 days now took her to the vet and they kept her over night and said she had a kidney infection, they gave her something so she could not vomit, and cephalexin, she has been home a day and still not eating and not wanting to do anything but sleep is this treatment the right treatment for her, and if you have any other suggestion, and how long can she go without food? She is drinking water though. Thanks carla

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Bailey, DVM

Answered By Laura Bailey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 31st, 2018

If she is still not eating then you should take her back to the vet for IV fluid therapy. And more diagnostics. Make sure they did bloodwork to check her kidneys. An abdominal X-Ray or ultrasound may help to diagnose the issue as well. If her kidney enzymes are elevated, that can make her nauseous and not want to eat. IV fluids will help to flush the kidneys. There are also special foods that can help with kidney issues like hills K/D food. If the kidney issue is for sure due to an infection, then hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon. Sometimes it’s good to give cephalexin with another antibiotic like Baytril if it is a severe infection.
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