Yes, take the Tums, followed by your favorite adult beverage, then repeat!

Tri-pug Maggie developed early kidney failure or CRF (chronic renal failure) as well, she was almost 11 when diagnosed.  I don't remember getting Tums from the vet, but we did try several stomach meds.  I am assuming the tums is to help her apatite?  That became a big problem for us, which is normal course for kidney failure. 

There is a helpful yahoo group, I think called K9Kidneys- I'll check when I get home if you are interested.  You are welcome to PM me too and I can share what I know.  Unfortunately Maggie was diagnosed with oral melanoma not long after the CRF diagnosis so we only dealt with CRF for about 4 months.

Karen and the pugapalooza

Dogs with kidney failure often have increased stomach acidity so Tums or Mylanta helps control that and improves appetite.  Some dogs also develop elevated phosphorus in the blood and the aluminum hydroxide in some stomach meds will bind phosphorus and lower the levels.  I have also used famotidine (Pepcid) or Carafate for stomach issues.

If your vet hasn't checked a urine sample I would also do that since many of these dogs have a secondary UTI or excess protein leakage and if unchecked those conditions could make kidney disease worse.

Pam