Haematuria is the medical term used by vets for blood in the urine. If you have noticed traces of blood in your dog’s urine lately, you will know that this can be very unsettling and upsetting. It is for this reason that in this article I will be discussing the possible causes of this issue, many treatable, and teaching you what you might be able to do yourself or the steps you should take prior to consulting your vet if you notice this condition of blood in your dog’s urine.
Common causes of blood in the urine
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Blood in dogs urine can be caused by many factors, but the most typical cause is often a urinary tract infection. These infections are caused by bacteria. This condition will be more painful for your pet as their ureters (tubes) are shorter than in humans this can cause discolouration and bleeding of the tissues which you see as they pass urine as a light rose colour as opposed to a healthy yellow to clear stream of urine. UTI tends to be more common in female dogs, but it can actually be diagnosed in any dog, male or female. Recurrent urinary tract infection is not always a good sign and can be the cause of a more serious underlying issue such as Cushing’s disease, various tumours, prostate gland cysts or cancer. Be sure to inform your vet of your dog’s medical history and any predisposition to this infection if known when consulting with them.
Prostatic disease
In a male dog, any damage to the prostate gland, tumour, cancer or cysts can cause bleeding while urinating. It is advisable to take your pet dog to the vet right away if you notice swelling, particularly in the genital area or if you feel that the dog is behaving strangely or focusing on a particular area of their body in an insistent way.
Chemical poisoning
Another potential cause for this condition can be the ingestion of household chemicals which can manifest as blood in your pet’s urine due to poisoning. Please take your pet immediately to the vet – even if out of hours, if you see your dog accidentally eating any chemicals or harmful substances as these can be fast-acting and fatal for pets.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones can be painful and severe cases of kidney stones will cause bleeding while urinating in your pet. Kidney stones may require surgery to remove them depending on the formation of the stones and the severity of the issue. Your vet will first analyse the urinary system and diagnose the location of the stones, formation and recommend surgery if needed. Less severe cases can be treated with antibiotics. In this instance, your vet can prescribe a diet to your furry friend that you need to maintain to further reduce or avoid the formation of the stones. If the case is not too severe they may be passed naturally whilst urinating over time and with the good supportive diet in place.
Estrus
Estrus is a condition that affects female dogs that have not been spayed. This condition often represents a bloody vaginal discharge and is rare in the UK where most female dogs are spayed when young.
Common symptoms that accompany bloody urine in dogs:
In addition to seeing blood in your dog’s urine, if you notice additional symptoms such as vomiting, they have have become less active, difficulty having a wee, unable to hold wee or leaking urine, diarrhoea, increased/decreased water consumption – then it is super important to make your vet aware of these extra symptoms. Though these are common and less dangerous symptoms, knowing about any additional symptoms will help your vet to diagnose the actual disease in a faster and more accurate way.
Treatment
Once you take your beautiful pet along to the vet if they are experiencing blood in their urine, the vet will most likely recommend a urinalysis is performed. Your pet may undergo a blood test, pulse and temperature check and general health check to ensure your dog is healthy otherwise. An abdominal test or CT scans might also be suggested if a urinary tract infection is ruled out. The treatment depends on the cause. Often a simple course of antibiotics will help your dog get better if any infection or inflammation is found.
When to contact a vet
Bloody urine, as discussed, may or may not be serious, but it is not something that should be overlooked by a loving and kind pet owner. Sometimes, blood might not be visible in the urine but a urinalysis can indicate the presence of red blood cells in the urine. This is why it is important for the pet parent to seek out the opinion of a professional vet if you do notice your furry friend is showing any kind of discomfort while urinating just to be on the safe side.
Many cases with the right intervention, can be cured and your pet can return to their happy, fun, normal life. But in some, sadcases, saying goodbye is the last and most kind choice left. If this is the case, Vets2Home – Peaceful Pet Goodbyes have specialist euthanasia qualified vets who can come to your home and help you to say a loving final goodbye to your beloved dog with our unique two-step process. Always with sedation first, in your arms, with the humans who love your pet, at home, in your garden if you prefer, for a safe, loving and peaceful goodbye.