Seeing blood in your dog’s urine can be alarming for any pet owner. A dog peeing bloody urine can be a warning sign from their body, a symptom of potential underlying conditions like urinary tract infections, stones, or even tumors. It's not something to be taken lightly. This article will help you understand the causes of dog blood in urine, teach you how to assess the situation, and provide information on treatment and prevention. The team at Concordia Pet Care is here to help you protect your dog's urinary health.

Understanding the Causes of Dog Blood in Urine

If your dog urine has blood, it may signal a problem. To understand the root cause, you first need to determine if the issue is in the upper or lower urinary tract.

Upper Urinary Tract Causes

Just like humans, dogs have two kidneys that filter blood and produce urine. If your dog's bloody urine is coming from the upper urinary tract, it's often related to the kidneys. Common causes include:

Idiopathic Renal Hematuria: This may be related to infections, medications, or immune system disorders. It's typically hereditary and benign. Some breeds, like the Welsh Corgi, are more prone to this condition.

Kidney Infections: Infections in one or both kidneys can lead to a dog peeing blood. Early treatment is crucial to prevent kidney damage.

Kidney Cancer: Although rare, dogs can get kidney cancer, which can cause a dog's bloody urine.

Renal Angiodysplasia: Some dogs have a genetic predisposition that can cause abnormal blood vessel dilation, leading to hematuria. This condition is rare, but it should be considered to avoid delayed treatment.

Lower Urinary Tract Causes

The lower urinary tract includes the bladder and urethra, which are responsible for storing and expelling urine. If there's an issue here, the chance of a dog peeing bloody urine is higher. Common causes include:

Bladder Infections: Lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common reasons for a dog peeing blood. These can be caused by skin allergies, abnormal urethral anatomy, or hormonal changes in spayed female dogs.

Bladder Stones: Genetic factors, nutritional issues, or chronic infections can lead to bladder stones, which cause a dog to pee blood.

Bladder Cancer: Symptoms are similar to an infection—difficulty urinating and dog blood in urine—so it's important to be vigilant. Bladder tumors, such as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), are more common in older dogs. If a dog's urine has blood persistently, imaging tests should be considered.

Prostate Problems: Unneutered male dogs often have an enlarged or infected prostate, which can cause a dog to pee blood.

Other Causes

Besides urinary tract issues, other factors can also cause a dog to pee bloody urine:

Heartworm Infection: Advanced heartworm infection can lead to anemia, fluid in the abdomen (ascites), and a dog peeing bloody urine.

Clotting Disorders: Some genetic or acquired blood clotting abnormalities can cause blood to mix with urine.

Female Dog in Heat: During their heat cycle, female dogs may have traces of blood in their urine. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and can cause pseudo-hematuria.

A 4-Step Guide to Identifying Dog Blood in Urine

Step 1: Observe the Urine Color and Smell

Check if the urine is pink, dark red, or brown, and if it has an unusual odor. A change in urine color is often an early sign of a urinary problem.

Step 2: Note Changes in Your Dog's Behavior

Watch for signs of pain or frequent urination. For example, does your dog make noise when squatting? Do they go to the bathroom frequently but produce only a small amount of urine? Do they arch their back, seem restless, or have a loss of appetite? These are all distress signals indicating pain or discomfort.

Step 3: Record the Frequency and Symptoms

Keep a log of how often your dog pees blood, how long it lasts, and any other accompanying symptoms. This information will help your vet make a more accurate diagnosis.

Step 4: Consult a Vet Promptly

If these symptoms recur, you should take your dog to the vet for an examination to determine the cause of the hematuria. Concordia Pet Care offers 24-hour emergency services. Our hotline at 26791000 is always ready to provide you with prompt support.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

You should seek immediate veterinary care if your dog pees bloody urine for several days without improvement, or if it's accompanied by other severe symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, or extreme lethargy. Your vet will perform tests, such as urinalysis, ultrasound, or X-rays, to get a precise diagnosis and provide targeted treatment, such as antibiotics for an infection or surgery to remove stones or a tumor.

Daily Care and Diet Tips for a Dog with Bloody Urine

Adjust Diet and Lifestyle

Providing your dog with a balanced diet, adequate water, and high-quality food can effectively reduce the risk of urinary tract issues. Here are four dietary tips to help prevent or improve dog blood in urine:

Increase Water Intake: The recommended daily water intake is 40cc per kilogram of body weight. Sufficient water intake effectively prevents stone formation.

Adjust Diet: Choose food specially designed for urinary tract health to control mineral intake and prevent stone formation.

Offer Cranberries: An appropriate amount of cranberries can help maintain urinary tract health, but be mindful of sugar intake.

Add Probiotics: Probiotics can help maintain urinary tract health and reduce the recurrence of infections.

Regular Health Check-ups

Regular comprehensive check-ups for your dog, especially for breeds with genetic risks or older dogs, can help detect potential urinary tract issues early.

When your dog urine has blood, there's no need to panic. Timely detection and proper treatment usually do not lead to severe health consequences. As a pet owner, you should focus on providing a healthy diet and a comfortable living environment to help your dog avoid urinary tract problems. At Concordia Pet Care, we are dedicated to protecting every dog's health. Feel free to contact us for professional consultation and attentive care for your beloved pet.