• Kidney failure causes lethargy.dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
  
  There are two types of kidney failure, or renal disease, in dogs. They are classified as acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure occurs suddenly and is generally very severe. Chronic kidney failure is a slower process that can take a long time to develop into a full-blown disease. A number of factors can contribute to canine kidney failure, of which symptoms may include blood in the urine, increased urination, abdominal pain and vomiting.
  
  

Aging

• Age is the most common cause of kidney failure in dogs. According to Pet Place, the average age of a dog diagnosed with kidney failure is seven. Common breeds that experience kidney failure due to old age are the Shih Tzu, German shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso and the Golden Retriever.
  
  

Infections

• Viruses spread in dogs much as they do in humans. They are contracted though contact with bodily fluids such as nasal discharge or urine. A virus, such as Hepatitis, can affect a dog's urinary system and eventually cause renal failure. Vaccinating to prevent viruses and treating symptoms such as runny eyes, sore throat and coughing helps ensure the virus will not spread to the kidneys.
  
  Bacterial infections can also cause kidney failure in dogs. An infection caused by Leptospira occurs when a dog comes into contact with the harmful bacteria. The bacteria then spreads to the kidneys.
  
  

Parasites

• There are several types of parasites that invade the kidneys and urinary tract of dogs. Parasites such as Dioctophyma renale, enter the kidneys and cause infection. Parasites generally enter a dog's bloodstream through contact with feces or other contaminants. De-worming dogs is important to preventing infestation.