강아지 신독성 약물·물질 자주 묻는 질문 Q&A — 보호자가 꼭 알아야 할 핵심

Drugs and substances that damage your dog’s kidneys? — What is dangerous and how to avoid it

KidneyQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compiled frequently asked questions about medications and substances that can damage your dog’s kidneys. It’s important to understand these risks in advance so you can take appropriate precautions.

What are nephrotoxic drugs and substances in dogs?

Interaction between dog kidney cells and toxic substances as seen under an electron microscope

Nephrotoxic drugs and substances are chemicals that can damage your dog’s kidney function. Some medications used by humans and certain everyday items can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Common examples include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin, grapes and raisins, rodenticides containing vitamin D, and antifreeze ingredients like ethylene glycol, all of which can harm the kidneys. These substances can directly damage kidney cells, particularly the proximal tubules, or reduce blood flow, thereby impairing oxygen supply. There are many substances that pet owners should be cautious about. While acute kidney injury may be reversible with prompt treatment, it can progress to chronic kidney disease depending on the cause, making early detection and rapid response crucial.

Why are dogs more vulnerable to nephrotoxic substances?

Even when exposed to the same amount of a toxic substance, dogs are at greater risk because their smaller body weight results in a higher exposure per unit of body mass. This is especially true for puppies, whose liver and kidney functions are not yet fully developed, meaning they may react differently than adult dogs and require more cautious medication use. Additionally, dogs’ natural curiosity and tendency to eat indiscriminately make them prone to ingesting human medications or foods. Certain breeds are also known to have genetic sensitivities to specific drugs. However, because sensitivity varies significantly among individuals based on breed and age, it is essential to consult a veterinarian and undergo necessary tests before administering any medication to ensure safety. Never give your dog human medications based on your own judgment.

Visual comparison of kidney size in puppies versus adult dogs, along with differences in toxic concentration levels

5 frequently ingested nephrotoxic substances

There are various substances that can pose a risk to your dog’s kidneys. The most common is ibuprofen, a human nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is one of the most frequent causes of poisoning in dogs and can cause acute kidney injury with oliguria or anuria if ingested in large amounts. Other NSAIDs, such as aspirin, carry similar risks. Second, grapes and raisins can specifically cause acute tubular necrosis in dogs. Third, rodenticides containing vitamin D can lead to tubular damage and abnormalities in calcium and phosphorus levels. Fourth, ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in antifreeze, is also a well-known nephrotoxin. The level of danger from these substances varies significantly depending on the amount ingested and your dog’s body weight, so immediate consultation with a veterinary clinic is essential.

Five Everyday Items That Are Dangerous for Dogs

Comparison of risk levels and symptoms by nephrotoxic substance

Item	Risk level	Main symptoms	Emergency
Ibuprofen (NSAID)	Very high	Vomiting (± blood), loss of appetite, lethargy, oliguric/anuric kidney injury	Yes
Aspirin	High	Vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, lethargy	Yes
Grapes/raisins	Very high	Vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, acute renal tubular necrosis	Yes
Vitamin D rodenticide (rat poison)	Very high	Bradycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy, ataxia, renal tubular damage	Yes
Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)	Very high	Vomiting, ataxia, anuric renal failure	Yes

The risk level can vary depending on the amount ingested and the puppy's body weight. If ingestion is suspected, an immediate hospital visit is needed.

What to do immediately after ingestion of a nephrotoxic substance

If your dog has ingested a nephrotoxic substance, seek veterinary care as soon as possible. First, try to recall or note the exact name, amount, and time of ingestion, and bring the product packaging with you. Do not attempt to induce vomiting on your own, as it may cause further damage depending on the substance; whether to induce vomiting should be strictly determined by a veterinarian. At the clinic, treatment focuses on decontamination and intravenous fluid therapy to maintain urine output, while blood and urine tests are performed for accurate diagnosis. Because prompt intervention improves outcomes in nephrotoxic injury, do not delay and visit the clinic as quickly as possible.

A veterinarian reviewing a puppy's blood test results.

Signs requiring immediate veterinary visit

If your dog has ingested a nephrotoxic substance and shows symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive thirst or changes in urine output, blood in the urine, pale gums, rapid heart rate, or neurological signs like ataxia or seizures, seek veterinary care immediately. Getting to the clinic as quickly as possible is crucial. Kidney damage may not present obvious symptoms in the early stages, but as it progresses, recovery becomes difficult, and severe cases can be fatal. In fact, reported mortality rates for acute kidney injury are not low. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian without delay.

5 practical tips for prevention

To prevent accidental exposure to nephrotoxic drugs and substances in dogs, daily management is essential. First, store all medications in high places where dogs cannot reach them. Second, never administer human pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin without veterinary guidance. Third, give only medications prescribed by a veterinarian, and follow the prescribed dosage and instructions exactly. Fourth, keep hazardous substances out of your dog’s reach, including grapes, raisins, chocolate, antifreeze, and vitamin D rodenticides. Fifth, during walks or outdoor activities, monitor your dog to ensure they do not pick up and ingest anything. Establishing these habits can help prevent most accidents.

Illustration: Five practical tips for preventing nephrotoxicity in dogs

Breeds and age groups to watch out for

Puppies under six months of age are at higher risk because their liver and kidney functions are not yet fully developed, which can cause them to react differently to the same substances compared to adult dogs. Additionally, certain breeds are known to have a genetic sensitivity to specific medications. However, since sensitivity varies significantly among individual dogs depending on breed and age, it is dangerous for owners to self-medicate. For these puppies, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication and to receive prescriptions based on necessary test results, such as blood and urine analyses. Above all, prevention is key, so owners should familiarize themselves in advance with care methods appropriate for their dog’s breed and age.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently asked questions

My dog took some medication—should I take him to the vet?

Yes, if your dog has ingested human medication, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. In particular, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin can cause kidney damage, and prompt action can aid recovery.

How much chocolate is dangerous for pets?

The level of risk depends on the type of chocolate, your dog’s weight, and the amount ingested. Chocolate contains substances that primarily affect the heart and nervous system, making it difficult for pet owners to determine a safe consumption threshold on their own. If your dog has eaten chocolate, try to estimate the amount as accurately as possible and contact your veterinarian.

My pet ate a candy containing xylitol. Is that okay?

No, xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs. If your dog has ingested it, seek veterinary care immediately, regardless of the amount consumed. Symptoms can develop rapidly, so don’t delay.

It’s been two hours since my pet took the medication. Is it still okay to go to the vet?

Yes, it’s important to visit the vet even if some time has passed. Kidney damage may not show symptoms in the early stages, but early diagnosis and treatment can aid recovery.

What should you keep in mind to prevent it?

Store all medications out of reach, and keep human pain relievers, grapes and raisins, chocolate, antifreeze, and vitamin D supplements away from your dog. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication.

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References

[1] Cohn LA, Cote E (eds.). Cote’s Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Dogs and Cats, 4th ed. Elsevier, 2020.

[2] Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion, Small Animal Toxicology, 3rd Edition. Wiley-Blackwell, 2022.

[3] Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2021.