When pet owners notice blood in dog urine, they usually seek emergency veterinary care, which is highly recommended.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Blood in dog urine can indicate a variety of underlying conditions
- It is essential to seek prompt veterinary attention to diagnose the cause of blood in dog urine
- Causes of blood in dog urine range from urinary tract infections to more severe illnesses
- Proper treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition
- Timely veterinary care can ensure the best outcome for your pet’s health
The correct term for blood in the urine is hematuria, which is caused by bleeding from any part of the urinary system.
To help you understand, let’s start with the makeup of the urinary system. It includes the kidneys, bladder, bladder and bladder.
The kidneys produce urine, which travels through the bladder to the bladder. The bladder stores urine.
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When an animal urinates, urine is excreted through the urethra. The urethral opening is at the end or inside the penis and vagina.
Due to the close relationship between the urinary and genital systems, blood in a pet’s urine can also originate from the penis and prostate in males and from the uterus and vagina in females.
Blood in Dog Urine: Causes, Signs and Testing
While each case is unique, the most common causes of bloody urine in both dogs and cats are:
Poison
It brings us to poison. Very often our furry good friends fall prey to rodent and rat poisoning common poison rat poison.
Unfortunately, these poisons are not only good for mice but also delicious.
Second-hand poisoning occurs when dogs and cats in the Highlands and Westville are similarly prevented from taking them or by consuming rat poison by ingesting rat poison.
- Urinary tract infection
- The most common site of uroliths (stones in the urinary system- kidneys, bladder, urethra) with stones in the bladder
- Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
- Tumors of the urinary system
- Injury
- Coagulopathy (coagulation problem)
In addition to bloody urine, employers often notice clinical signs:
- Filtering for urination
- Frequent urination
- Poor urine flow
- Excessive dressing/laughing of the perineal/penile / vulvar area
- Pain in the abdomen
- Leakage of urine
- Improper urination and “accidents”
- Water consumption has increased
- Vomiting
- Laziness
- Decreased appetite
Diagnostic testing is used to determine the cause of hematuria. The tests include:
- A diuretic
- Blood tests- CBC, chemistry panel, clotting tests
- Urine culture
- Abdominal radiographs (plain x-rays and contrast studies)
- Abdominal ultrasound
- CT scan
Treatment of hematuria is to identify and treat the underlying cause. The most common causes of hematuria in dogs and cats can be easily identified and treated with medication and / or surgery.
Depending on the trigger of your pet’s bloody urine, veterinarians may recommend one or all of the following:
- Medications- Antibiotics, pain medications, anti-inflammatory
- Surgery (for stones, some urinary tumors, anatomical abnormalities)
- Changing diet/switching to prescription diet
Is Blood in Dog Urine an Emergency?
Discovering blood in your dog’s urine can be alarming. While some cases may be mild and resolve on their own, others may be indicative of a more severe underlying condition. It’s essential to evaluate the situation’s urgency and determine whether it requires immediate veterinary attention.
In most cases, blood in a dog’s urine is a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). If left untreated, a UTI can develop into a more severe condition, such as bladder or kidney infections, which can ultimately lead to organ failure or death. Thus, identifying the root cause and starting appropriate treatment is crucial in ensuring your furry friend’s overall well-being.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, take your dog to the vet right away:
- Blood in urine more than once
- Frequent urination
- Prolonged straining to urinate with no success
- Painful urination exhibited by vocalizing, whimpering, or crying while urinating or after urination
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite
Notably, the root cause can be more severe, such as cancer, bladder stones, blood clotting disorders, or exposure to specific toxins. Your veterinarian will guide you in identifying the underlying cause and recommending an appropriate course of treatment.
By seeking prompt veterinary care, you can help manage the severity of the condition and administer suitable treatment to help your dog recover.
How to Treat Blood in a Dog’s Urine
Once your veterinarian diagnoses the underlying cause of blood in your dog’s urine, they will recommend a suitable treatment plan. Treatment will vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Below are some common treatments:
Antibiotics
If your dog’s urine infection is the cause of blood in their urine, the veterinarian will prescribe a suitable course of antibiotics. Follow the prescription strictly and complete the course even if the dog appears to be improving.
Medications
If the underlying cause is bladder stones, tumors or cancer, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to alleviate the symptoms or prevent the condition from worsening.
Surgery
Surgery can become necessary in more critical cases such as bladder stones or tumors, blood clotting disorders, or even incontinence. The surgeon will determine the best course of action and provide an aftercare plan.
It’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s advice and not self-medicate your dog. Additionally, recovery from blood in the urine can be stressful for dogs, so providing a calm and comfortable environment will aid their healing process.
Conclusion
While blood in a dog’s urine may be a cause for concern, it’s essential to remember that not all cases require immediate veterinary attention. In some instances, blood in the urine may resolve on its own. However, it’s crucial to closely monitor your pet’s health and seek veterinary care if the situation persists or worsens.
It’s equally important to note that blood in urine can be a symptom of a severe underlying condition. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, such a condition can compromise your pet’s health and well-being. If you notice blood in your dog’s urine, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care promptly. With timely treatment and care, your dog can make a full recovery.
So, can blood in dog urine go away on its own? While it’s possible, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary care. Remember, your pet’s health and well-being are essential, and early intervention can make all the difference.
