Introduction
This article will provide an overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of blood in a dog’s urine or dripping from their urethra. Blood in a dog’s urine, known medically as hematuria, can be alarming for dog owners but is usually treatable if caught early. While there are many potential reasons for this symptom, most cases are due to relatively benign causes like urinary tract infections. This article will walk through the key information pet owners need to know about this condition in their canine companions.
Causes
There are several potential causes for blood in a dog’s urine, known as hematuria. Some of the most common causes include:
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): One of the most common causes of blood in urine is a UTI. This occurs when bacteria gets into the bladder or kidneys and causes inflammation and bleeding. UTIs are more common in female dogs due to their shorter urethras. Symptoms may include frequent urination, straining, and discomfort while urinating.1
Bladder or Kidney Stones: Stones or crystals in the bladder or kidneys can cause bleeding and irritation. This may occur with certain bladder infections, diets high in minerals that form stones, or other medical conditions. Stones usually require specific treatment to dissolve or remove them.2
Trauma: External trauma, such as being hit by a car, can cause damage and bleeding in the urinary tract. Ingesting toxins or foreign objects may also traumatize the system and lead to bloody urine. Immediate veterinary care is required.3
Cancer: While rare, tumors or cancer in the kidneys, bladder, prostate or urethra may cause bleeding. This requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Other signs like weight loss may also be present.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of blood in a dog’s urine include
- Blood in the urine, which can appear pink, red, or brown
- Discomfort or straining when urinating
- Frequent urges to urinate
- Small amounts of urine
- Crying out or vocalizing during urination
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Accidents in the house
According to the AKC, other symptoms depend on the underlying cause. With bladder infections, dogs may have abdominal pain. With kidney disease, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lethargy.1 Cancer may produce weight loss, abnormal growths, or bone pain. Uterine infections cause discharge and attraction of male dogs. Clotting disorders lead to easy bruising or bleeding.2
Diagnosis
If your dog is showing symptoms of blood in their urine, it’s important to take them to the vet for an accurate diagnosis. The vet will begin with a thorough physical exam and obtain a urine sample for testing. Common diagnostic tests for blood in dog urine include:
Urinalysis – This checks the chemical composition of the urine as well as examines it under a microscope for the presence of red blood cells, white blood cells, crystals, and bacteria. It can help identify if there is an infection or inflammation present.
Urine culture – A urine culture allows any bacteria present in the urine to multiply so it can be identified. This test determines the specific type of bacteria causing a urinary tract infection.
Imaging – X-rays, ultrasound, or cystoscopy (a tiny camera inserted in the urethra) may be used to examine the structures of the urinary tract for any abnormalities like stones, tumors, obstructions, or bladder wall thickening.
Cystoscopy allows for a direct visual examination of the inside of the bladder and urethra. It can detect stones, masses, inflammation, and sources of bleeding.
Based on the diagnostic testing, the vet can determine the underlying cause of the blood in urine and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for blood in a dog’s urine depends on identifying the underlying cause. Veterinarians may prescribe antibiotics if a urinary tract infection is the culprit. Common antibiotics used include amoxicillin, cephalexin, enrofloxacin, or trimethoprim-sulfonamide. The length of antibiotic treatment varies but usually lasts from 7-28 days [1].
Surgery may be necessary to remove bladder stones or tumors blocking the urinary tract. Removing obstructions can help restore normal urine flow and prevent further bleeding and damage. In males, surgery to remove prostate tumors or enlargement may also be required [2].
Medications like Phenylpropanolamine may help address prostate enlargement in male dogs. Supplements like glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can also help support urinary tract health. Making dietary changes, like feeding more wet food or a prescription urinary health formula, helps increase fluid intake and dilute the urine to prevent crystals [3].
Home Care
If your dog is urinating blood, there are some at-home care tips that may help until you can get them to the veterinarian:
Make sure your dog has easy access to fresh, clean water at all times to encourage increased water consumption. This can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract. You may want to switch them over to canned food or add water to their dry kibble to increase moisture intake.[1]
Take your dog outside to urinate more frequently than usual, at least every 2-4 hours if possible. Monitor their urine closely each time. Note the color, whether there is blood, if they are straining or in pain when urinating, and any other abnormalities.[2]
Restrict activity and exercise until the blood has cleared and your vet gives the okay. Jumping, running, and rough play can exacerbate the bleeding.
Try to keep your dog comfortable at home until you can get them to the vet. Provide soft bedding, pet them gently, and speak in calming tones if they seem anxious or in pain.
While there are no proven home remedies to treat bloody urine directly, you can try giving your dog cranberry extract once daily as a preventative measure, with vet approval. Make sure they remain hydrated when giving cranberry.[1]
Prevention
There are some steps dog owners can take to help prevent instances of blood in the urine. Keeping your dog well-hydrated is important, as concentrated urine can irritate the urinary tract and bladder. Provide fresh, clean water at all times and encourage your dog to drink frequently throughout the day. You may also ask your veterinarian about switching to a urinary health diet formulated to support your dog’s urinary tract health.
Try to avoid any trauma to your dog’s urinary system by keeping them away from toxic plants, chemicals, and other irritants that could cause inflammation or injury. Supervise your dog when outdoors to prevent falls or collisions that could damage the urinary tract. Take steps to minimize stress, which can contribute to urinary tract issues. Follow your veterinarian’s advice for regular checkups to monitor your dog’s urinary health.
While not completely preventable, these measures can reduce the chances of your dog developing hematuria or other urinary tract problems.
Prognosis
The prognosis for blood in dog urine is generally good with prompt veterinary treatment, according to the AKC 1. Many of the underlying causes like urinary tract infections, bladder stones, trauma, bleeding disorders, and prostate disease can often be successfully treated. However, the prognosis depends on the specific cause and severity.
Without treatment, blood in the urine can worsen and lead to complications. Left untreated, urinary tract infections can spread to the kidneys and cause life-threatening kidney failure, according to Veterinary Emergency Group 2. Other risks of leaving blood in urine untreated include bladder infections, bladder stones, bladder cancer, and kidney disease. That’s why it’s crucial to have a veterinarian determine the cause and start proper treatment right away.
In most cases, dogs recover fully from the underlying condition causing blood in urine with prompt veterinary attention, medications, and follow-up care. However, dogs with recurrent UTIs, kidney disease, cancer, or other chronic conditions may need ongoing monitoring and care.
When to See a Vet
It is recommended to promptly take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice any amount of blood in their urine. Even small amounts of blood or just a pink tinge to the urine could be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires veterinary attention.
According to the Veterinary Emergency Group, you should contact your vet or emergency veterinary clinic as soon as possible if your dog is urinating blood. They advise not to wait and see if the blood goes away on its own.
The American Kennel Club also states that if you notice blood in your dog’s urine, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian right away for an examination and urinalysis.
In most cases, blood in a dog’s urine indicates an underlying problem that needs veterinary attention. Getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve your dog’s prognosis.
Conclusion
In summary, finding blood in your dog’s urine is always an alarming and serious symptom that requires veterinary attention. While there are various potential causes, from urinary tract infections to trauma or cancer, only a veterinarian can determine the specific reason through diagnostic tests.
Some key points to remember are that bloody urine may appear red, pink, brown, or orange. It’s important to monitor how much blood is present, as larger amounts of blood or blood clots can indicate a more serious problem. Other accompanying symptoms like straining or discomfort while urinating provide clues to the underlying cause.
Though home care like increasing water intake may help minor cases, blood in the urine is not something that should be ignored or treated solely with home remedies. Prompt veterinary assessment and treatment give the best chance for determining the cause and resolving it before permanent damage occurs.
While the presence of blood in urine is always concerning, the good news is veterinary medicine today has many ways to diagnose and manage this symptom effectively. With veterinary guidance, most dogs with blood in their urine can go on to make a full recovery.