Noticing your dog’s urine contains blood can be alarming for owners. While typically not an emergency, blood in dog pee, known medically as hematuria, warrants veterinary investigation to determine the cause. By understanding the possible reasons behind this common symptom, owners gain helpful insight on when to seek prompt treatment.
Examining Infections Causing Urinary Bleeding
Bacterial or fungal infections within the urinary tract frequently cause bloody dog urine. Common culprits include:
- Bladder infections – Blood results from inflamed bladder walls. Females are especially prone.
- Kidney infections – Causes pus and blood when bacteria spread to kidneys. Often secondary to bladder infections.
- Prostate infections – Abscesses and inflammation lead to bloody discharge in unneutered males.
Prompt veterinary treatment with antibiotics usually resolves infectious causes rapidly.
Investigating Other Health Conditions Related to Hematuria
Beyond infections, additional health issues also produce bloody urine, including:
- Bladder stones – Crystals that form within the bladder damage its lining.
- Kidney or bladder cancer – Tumors bleed easily and shed cells detected as blood.
- Urinary crystals – Mineral deposits like struvite or calcium oxalate irritate the urinary tract.
- Trauma – External injuries, bites or rough play can cause internal bleeding.
- Blood clotting disorders – Prevents blood from clotting normally.
Diagnostic testing like x-rays, ultrasound and urinalysis identify any underlying disease.
Factors That Increase Risk of Hematuria
Certain dogs are predisposed to urinary bleeding:
- Unspayed females due to anatomy and hormones
- Small dog breeds with crowded internal anatomy
- Dogs fed exclusively dry food instead of canned
- Overweight dogs prone to hormonal conditions
- Older dogs more likely to develop infections, stones and tumors
- Dogs with excessive mineral levels from diet or water
Ongoing veterinary care tailored to your dog’s needs and age lowers their risk.
Responding Promptly to Urinary Blood
While rarely an emergency initially, owners should contact their veterinarian promptly when noticing bloody dog urine. Rapid diagnosis and treatment greatly improves outcomes before the issue escalates or causes strain on the kidneys. With veterinary guidance, most causes of hematuria can be successfully managed, restoring your dog’s urinary health and your peace of mind.
