The kidneys perform a very important function — they filter waste and maintain the appropriate amount of water in the body. When the kidneys fail, a dog (like a person) becomes very ill.

Chronic kidney failure is typically a disease of older dogs — their kidneys just wear out. But dogs with juvenile renal disease (JRD) lose kidney function very early, often when they're less than a year old. Early signs include increased thirst, urination, and leaking urine, as well as weight loss. Because of the increased urination, puppies with JRD are difficult to housetrain.

JRD is an inherited condition seen in Standard Poodles. There is no cure — the kidneys of a dog with JRD will inevitably fail. But the earlier it is caught, the more there is that can be done to slow the decline, primarily through diet, medication, and fluids, as needed.