• The signs of kidney failure are diverse.dog image by Ramona smiers from Fotolia.com
  
  Kidney failure occurs in 9 out of every 1,000 dogs examined by a vet according to the website PetMD. Kidney failure can occur in a large canine because of disease, heredity, medications or blockages of the urinary tract.
  
  Early signs of renal failure include lethargy, weight loss and an unhealthy-looking coat, writes University of Illinois' information specialist Carrie Gustavson. Because the kidneys play many different roles in the body, the signs and symptoms of kidney failure can vary. Veterinarian Sheila McCullough, through Gustavson, stated that, "More often than not, the signs are non-specific and the animal just doesn't seem himself."
  
  

Excessive Thirst

• Excessive thirst can be a sign of diabetes or kidney failure.Green dog water bowl image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
  
  A dog requires about 1 oz. of water per lb. of its body weight every day, according to Steven J. Covert at the University of Missouri. If your dog is drinking three or more times this amount, diabetes or kidney failure may be present.
  
  

Urination

• Increased need to urinate can be a sign of kidney failure.Busa the Dog image by Fallout Photography from Fotolia.com
  
  Increases in the amount and frequency of urination can be a sign of kidney failure. They may urinate in inappropriate places, according to Dr. McCullough, and PetMD reports that you may find blood in your large canine's urine.
  
  

Gastrointestinal Signs and Symptoms

• Loss of appetite is another possible sign of kidney failure.Steak Shaped Dog Treats image by LynWatanabe.com from Fotolia.com
  
  Your large canine my develop constipation, diarrhea or vomiting and can develop mouth ulcers, according to McCullough. Loss of appetite and weight loss are other signs and symptoms of kidney failure.
  
  

Blood Pressure Problems

• Kidney failure can result in blindness.the dog image by Alexey Khromushin from Fotolia.com
  
  Renal failure often results in high blood pressure that leads to heart problems. This can also end in detached retinas and blindness in your large canine.
  
  

Behavioral Signs and Symptoms

• Depression and irritability may develop in your dog.dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
  
  Waste products build up in the blood, causing behavioral changes, such as depression and irritability, according to McCullough. Overall weakness, seizures and coma can also occur in your dog.