How to Spot Blood in Dogs Urine and What to Do?

Blood in dogs urine is not uncommon; however, you should take it seriously to rule out any severe conditions. Most people do not watch their dogs urine, but it is almost certainly blood if you notice pink or red discoloration in their urine. But don’t worry, a trip to the veterinarian should solve the problem. It is most likely a urinary tract infection.

The sight of blood sets off alarm bells in our heads. So, as a loving dog owner, it’s no surprise that you’ll be alarmed if you find traces of blood in your dog’s urine.

In rare situations, various causes might lead to finding blood in dogs urine, including urinary tract infections, toxins like rat poison, trauma, or cancer. This guide will discuss what symptoms to look out for and how finding blood in dogs urine impacts your puppy. bloody urine

What Is Blood in the Urine of Dogs?

Blood in dogs urine may also be referred to as ‘Hematuria,’ a medical term used to describe this condition. Visual inspection or diagnostic testing can detect the slightest presence of blood in dog’s urine.

Dog owners don’t always notice blood in dogs urine right away. After all, no one wants to stare at their dogs while peeing. However, if your dog urinates on a light surface such as a carpet, a floor, or snow, you might notice the blood. It might be in the form of discoloration; it may also look nearly normal in red, brown, amber, or orange color.

Blood in the urine isn’t always apparent, and finding red blood cells requires a diagnostic test. So even if your dog’s urine appears normal, it may contain blood.

Inflammation or infection frequently causes hematuria in the urinary system, including the upper and lower urinary tracts. Other conditions can cause discolored urine, so you should first contact your veterinarian if your dog’s urine turns a strange color. Your veterinarian can evaluate blood in the urine or hematuria to determine the cause and provide recommendations for your dog.

You might observe blood in dog’s urine at any time in their lifespan. However, your dog’s age might often determine the cause. Another cause of finding blood in dogs urine may be related to the term familial hematuria. It is when this condition passes down from one generation to another. Blood in dogs urine may also be an alarming indication of cancer, particularly in adult dogs. Another factor to consider is gender. If you have a female dog and you find blood in their urine, it could indicate a urinary tract infection.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of blood in dogs urine is the presence of discoloration. It can be in the form of a brownish appearance or clear red color. Additionally, if you find your dog urinating often, or they experience hemorrhages beneath the skin, or any signs of abdominal pain, all of these factors can indicate this hematuria.

Blood in dogs urine often goes unnoticed by the dog owner because there is no clear indication, which may depend on the urine concentration. Hematuria gets detected during routine examinations or testing for another health problem requiring a urinalysis.

There are a variety of other reasons for discolored urine. Often, the consumption of beet may also lead to red-tinted urine, so consider the type of meal your dog recently had before contacting your vet. If discolored urine is persistent, calling your vet earlier rather than later will help your dog and prevent worsening conditions.

Some additional symptoms you can look out for include drinking more water and frequently urinating, not being able to urinate, bleeding gums or nose, skin bruises, and bloody feces.

Causes

Blood in the urine, like vomiting and diarrhea, is a common symptom that can appear in various conditions. Here are a few examples to give you an idea of the causes of blood in dogs urine.

Kidney Infection

One cause of finding blood in dogs urine may be a kidney infection, a bladder infection, or an infection of the urethra or prostate. It might also be possible that both of your dog’s kidneys are infected if you find blood in their urine.

The most common cause of a dog peeing blood is a lower urinary tract infection (UTI). Most common in females, it can be accompanied by allergies, and hormone-related incontinence in spayed females, to name a few causes.

Tumors

Both non-cancerous and cancerous tumors can cause blood in the urine of dogs. That’s why it’s always better to contact a vet if something seems off with your dog.

Stones

Kidney or bladder stones can cause hematuria, as the stones strain these organs. While kidney stones may be uncommon in dogs, they can have a detrimental impact on both or one of your dog’s kidneys. Genetics, nutrition, and chronic infection are all factors that can cause kidney stones to form.

Poisoning

The blood in dogs urine could indicate that it has consumed something toxic. Other symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, intolerance, swollen abdomen, and difficulty breathing accompany the core symptom.

A variety of substances can cause accidental poisoning in dogs. One of the most common is antifreeze. In addition, our furry friends often consume a poison used to kill rats and mice, such as rodenticide. Rodenticide is the most common poison that causes blood in the urine. Unfortunately, they make these poisons tasty to attract rodents, which consequently attract our pets. Once in contact with rodenticide, dogs and cats have difficulty resisting it. Additionally, they can ingest rodenticide by eating a poisoned rat, resulting in second-hand poisoning.

Rodenticide prevents blood from clotting in mice, rats, and other pests. As a result, anything that comes in contact with rodenticide will hemorrhage and bleed to death.toxic

Urinary Tract Infection

Blood in the urine is a common urinary tract infection (UTI) symptom. A urinary tract infection symptoms include facing issues while urinating, painful urination, or constantly licking the genitals. Additionally, if you smell a strong odor in your dog’s urine, it might be due to a UTI.  

Most people believe bacterial infections cause UTIs, but inflammation may also cause the problem. Therefore, many holistic veterinarians refer to UTIs as urinary tract inflammation rather than infection.

Injury

Blood in your dog’s urine could result from physical trauma. If your dog has recently sustained an injury, inform your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Prostate

The most common prostate problems in male dogs who aren’t neutered are benign prostate enlargement and prostate infection.

The prostatic disease can cause blood in your male dog’s urine. Some of these diseases are known as squamous metaplasia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostatic cancer.

Suppose your know or suspect your dog suffers from the diseases mentioned above. In that case, they might face issues such as having a decreased urinating stream or finding it difficult to pass urine.

Estrus

You might find random blood spots when a female dog is in heat. It might come as a surprise to many dog owners if they are not prepared. To determine if your dog is in heat, you have not spayed her, her vulva will be swollen, and drops of blood will be left behind when she sits down. It may be helpful to place rags and towels down on her favorite relaxing spots to protect your floors and furniture.

Diagnosis of Hematuria

It’s essential to take your dog to your vet as soon as you discover symptoms since there could be potentially dangerous underlying issues. A detailed account of the start of any symptoms and the possibility of a recent injury, consumption of a hazardous substance, ingestion of new or unusual foods, or ingestion of a new vitamin supplement would assist the veterinarian in diagnosing.

Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry panel, and urinalysis, are part of a standard diagnostic workup. Urinalysis will be an important diagnostic technique. The vet will check the pH of your dog’s urine, red blood cells, hemoglobin, protein, and glucose levels. They will analyze the urine under a microscope to see if they discover a high percentage of minerals, indicating crystals or stones.

The veterinarian may perform blood pressure tests if your dog has kidney disease. It will help determine the severity of the renal failure. For example, if your dog has kidney stones, your veterinarian may check their blood pressure. It will reveal if the stones are a sign of renal disease.

The veterinarian may ask for an ejaculate sample from your male dog, which the vet will analyze to see if he has a prostatic disease. A cystoscopy will examine your dog’s genital health.

If they find or suspect a tumor, the vet may request an ultrasound and an x-ray for confirmation. Radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasounds allow your veterinarian to examine your dog’s internal organs to check if there is any damage or other concerns. They help the veterinarian determine whether there is blood in the chest or abdomen and organ damage. In some circumstances, a biopsy may be required to identify whether a tumor is malignant or benign.

Your vet may also suggest changing their diet. For treating urinary tract disorders in dogs, nutrition is crucial. Wet foods can help dilute urine, and specific foods can help prevent stone development and improve urine pH.hematuria image

Treatment

Once your dog gets stabilized, treatment may vary and aim at the underlying issue of the blood in his urine. For example, if your dog’s red blood cell count is dangerously low, they may require an IV to stabilize them and treat the dehydration.

Infections

Infections affecting the kidneys, bladder, and other organs get treated with antibiotics initially. Then, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics depending on your dog’s previous medication and the location of the infection.

Stones

They can treat kidney and bladder stones with a low-protein, low-phosphorous, low-magnesium diet that promotes acidic urine and encourages higher water consumption or by removing the stones using nonsurgical or surgical techniques in more severe cases.

Tumors

The location and type of tumor determine tumor treatment. You may consult an oncologist to understand your dog’s condition better and for a more expert diagnosis and treatment.

Poisoning

The treatment for poisoning is determined by the drug consumed. For example, suppose your dog has consumed rodenticide and is suffering from vitamin D toxicity. In that case, she will need to be placed on an IV until her electrolytes, phosphorus, and calcium levels have normalized.

Injury

If your dog’s urine contains blood because of trauma, the therapy will be determined by the level and location of the internal damage discovered during the diagnosis.

Prostate

Because various disorders might cause prostatic disease, the diagnosis will determine the treatment. The vet will give your dog vigorous antibiotic therapy for primary or secondary bacterial infections, which may take longer than a regular antibiotic regimen. In addition, surgical removal and drainage of paraprostatic cysts and prostatic abscesses are necessary.dog in womans arms

Recovery From Hematuria

Following the veterinarian’s advice for follow-up treatment and monitoring is critical, regardless of the diagnosis. The veterinarian will recommend a suitable diet for your pet if they find a nutritional irregularity to cause the ailment. Regardless of what the Internet tells you, consult with a veterinarian before incorporating a vitamin or nutritional supplement into your dog’s diet; some may be harmful or cause further damage to your dog. Whatever the reason, it’s critical to keep fresh, clean water on hand and encourage your dog to drink it.

The presence of blood in your dog’s pee could indicate a significant medical problem. However, even with medical attention, your dog can seem on the path to recovery, only to experience a setback later. Call your veterinarian if your dog struggles to urinate, produces only a tiny amount of urine at a time, urinates frequently, appears uncomfortable when urinating, or the hematuria worsens.

How to Prevent Hematuria?

The most straightforward approach to avoiding blood in your dog’s urine or other urinary issues is regularly taking them to the vet. Your vet can inform you if your dog is prone to urinary problems. Aside from that, here are some suggestions for preventing blood in your dog’s urine:

Nutrition

Good dog food should include a well-balanced nutritional profile and a protein source as the first ingredient. Protein should make up almost a quarter of the total weight of the food. One of the most effective ways to prevent urinary tract infection is to provide your dog with enough protein-based nourishment, which helps to keep their pH balance acidic.

Water

Water is more vital than protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals for your dog’s diet. Throughout the day, your dog’s body naturally loses water. They lose water when they urinate, poop, and sweat through their paws. To keep things moving smoothly, give them plenty of fresh water to drink. Set up a pee schedule for your dog so that they know when it’s time to go. Holding in urine for long periods can irritate the bladder and lead to infection.

Grooming

If your dog is well-groomed, he will appear and feel healthier. Regular grooming treatments also allow you to monitor your dog for signs of sickness. Grooming your pet’s tail, genital area, and emptying their anal glands are all part of routine pet care. As a result, always give adequate genital care, such as close-cut fur, especially for female dogs with lengthy fur around their genitals. The cleaner you keep your pet’s tail area and genital region, the easier it will be to maintain.dog being groomed

Final Thoughts

There are a variety of causes of bloody urine in dogs, but the most prevalent ones are curable. If you see blood in your dog’s urine, consult your veterinarian. They’ll assist you in determining the source of the problem and treating it without the risk of long-term (and expensive) consequences. Before agreeing to any proposed tests, conducting your research on them is crucial. Not all tests are required, and many have non-invasive options that are better for your dog in the long run.

Some dog parents may leave their dogs out in the yard to play; while this can be relaxing for you, it is important to take note of your dog’s urinary habits and look out for the symptoms mentioned in this guide. Allowing a problem like blood in the urine to fester might have drastic effects. Since you are your dog’s first line of defense regarding their health, careful monitoring and consultations with your veterinarian are essential. In addition, you can keep your dog healthy and happy by providing love and attention.

Veterinarians can determine red blood cells by utilizing diagnostic testing. Blood doesn’t need to be visible in the urine. It can be a bit of discoloration as well. Every pet owner loves their pets and wants to pay special attention to their habits. However, sometimes you might unintentionally overlook important details. Therefore, it is important to note anything unusual such as blood in dogs urine. Even the most minor symptom can result in a serious health condition if left unnoticed.dog at vet with clean urine 

Was this article helpful?
YesNo

Zeen is a next generation WordPress theme. It’s powerful, beautifully designed and comes with everything you need to engage your visitors and increase conversions.