Blood in a Dog's Urine

Blood in the urine is not normal and should always be discussed with a veterinary surgeon.

Blood in the urine is known as haematuria. Urine may appear pink, red, brown or tea-coloured, although small amounts of blood may only be detected during a veterinary urine test.

Several conditions can affect a dog's kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra or reproductive system. Veterinary examination is needed to identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Possible causes

Blood or other urinary symptoms may be associated with:

• Bladder or urinary-tract infection
• Inflammation of the bladder
• Bladder or kidney stones
• Crystals or debris within the bladder or urethra
• Partial or complete urinary obstruction
• Trauma or injury
• Kidney disease or infection
• Prostate disease in male dogs
• Problems affecting the uterus or vagina in female dogs
• Congenital abnormalities of the urinary system
• Spinal or neurological conditions
• Blood-clotting disorders
• Exposure to certain poisons or medications
• Tumours affecting the urinary or reproductive system

Stress alone should not be assumed to be the cause of bloody urine. A physical medical problem must first be investigated by a veterinary surgeon.

Other urinary symptoms

Signs that may indicate a urinary problem include:

• Passing only a small amount of urine
• Being unable to pass urine
• Pink, red, brown or cloudy urine
• Straining or crying when attempting to urinate
• Urinating more frequently than usual
• Passing a larger or smaller volume of urine
• Loss of bladder control or urine leakage
• Urinating in unusual places indoors
• Constantly licking around the urinary opening
• Strong or unusual-smelling urine
• Drinking more water than usual
• Fever
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting
• Changes in appetite
• Weight loss
• Abdominal or back pain

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence causes involuntary leakage of urine. Affected dogs may leave damp patches where they have been lying or drip urine while walking.

One possible cause is weakness of the urethral sphincter, which is seen particularly in some older or spayed female dogs. However, infections, neurological conditions, congenital abnormalities and other illnesses can cause similar symptoms.

Diseases which increase thirst and urine production, including diabetes mellitus and some hormonal disorders, may also make accidents more likely and can predispose a dog to urinary infections.

Why prompt treatment matters

Untreated urinary problems can cause considerable pain and may develop into serious illness. A bladder infection can travel to the kidneys and cause pyelonephritis.

Stones, crystals or other material may partially or completely block the urethra. A complete obstruction prevents the dog from passing urine and can rapidly cause kidney damage, dangerous electrolyte abnormalities, bladder rupture and death.

Veterinary diagnosis

The vet may examine a urine sample for blood, bacteria, crystals, protein and other abnormalities. A urine culture may be required to confirm an infection and select an appropriate antibiotic.

Other investigations may include blood tests, X-rays, an ultrasound scan, blood-pressure measurement or examination of the prostate or reproductive system.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Do not give leftover antibiotics, painkillers or human medication, as these may be ineffective, harmful or interfere with diagnosis.

Collecting a urine sample

Your veterinary practice may ask you to collect a fresh urine sample in a clean container. Ask the practice how they would like the sample collected, stored and delivered.

Do not delay an urgent appointment because you cannot obtain a sample. The veterinary team can collect one if necessary.