Blood in Dog Urine: 6 Common Causes
If you’ve noticed blood in your dog’s urine, you might feel a bit concerned – and rightly so. Seeing your dog pee blood can be scary.
There are several possible causes. Regardless, it’s important to see your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Let’s look at the six most common causes for blood in a dog’s urine. Then, we’ll outline what other symptoms you might see if your dog has one of these conditions.
Blood in Dog Urine: What it Looks Like
Blood in a dog’s urine can have a variable appearance depending on the volume of blood present.
Sometimes, the urine is slightly pink because a very small volume of blood is present. Other times, the urine may appear bright or dark red from a large volume of blood present. You may also see urine with red blood clots in it or specks of red blood.
Some pet owners may spot blood in their dog’s urine when their dog urinates outside. But if the volume of blood in the urine is small, this may be tough to see. Other owners only notice blood in the urine when they see it when their dog urinates on snow or when wiping up urine with a paper towel.
What Causes Blood in a Dog’s Urine?
There are several possible causes for blood in the urine. Because many of these causes can have similar symptoms, it’s important not to try to diagnose your dog at home. If your dog has bloody urine, see your veterinarian right away.
Possible causes for blood in the urine include:
Urinary Tract Infection
The most common cause for blood in the urine is a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria from the genitalia and urethra penetrate a dog’s bladder. Other than blood in the urine, other UTI symptoms may include pain, frequent urination, urinating small volumes, and inappropriate urination. Urinary tract infections are more common in female dogs than in males.
Kidney Infection
A kidney infection – also called pyelonephritis – is a bacterial infection of one or both kidneys. It commonly occurs when an infection from the lower urinary tract – the bladder and urethra – ascends to the kidney(s) via the ureters. Some dogs with kidney infection are asymptomatic. Others have upper urinary tract signs including increased drinking, increased urination, kidney pain, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and blood in the urine.
Urolithiasis (Urinary Stones)
Stones in the urinary tract can cause blood in the urine due to the resulting inflammation and trauma to the surrounding tissues. Stones can be found in the upper urinary tract, such as in the kidney or ureter, or in the lower urinary tract, such as in the bladder or urethra. The majority of stones occur in the lower urinary tract. Other symptoms of urinary stones include painful urination, frequent urination, and urinary incontinence.
Tumors
Tumors of the lower urinary tract may lead to blood in the urine. Dogs with tumors of the lower urinary tract may also strain to defecate due to the tumor pressing against the rectal wall. Tumors of the bladder (including bladder cancer) or urethra may lead to urinary tract obstruction, resulting in unproductive straining, pain, lethargy, and systemic illness.
Prostatic Disease
In unneutered male dogs, diseases of the prostate such as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can cause blood in the urine. These conditions are common in intact male dogs and uncommon in neutered males. Other symptoms associated with prostate disease include straining to defecate, increased urination, straining to urinate, urinary incontinence, and bleeding from the penis.
Bleeding Disorders
A less common cause of dogs urinating blood is a bleeding disorder. Bleeding disorders can be inherited or acquired secondary to other conditions. One example is bleeding that occurs due to rodenticide toxicity, which can result in blood in the urine. Typically, blood in the urine is not the first or only symptom of a bleeding disorder. Other symptoms may include pale gums, weakness, bruising, bleeding from the nose, coughing, or exercise intolerance.
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Any time you see blood in your dog’s urine, it warrants a trip to the veterinarian. Be sure to note any other symptoms your dog may be experiencing as well. Tell your veterinarian about these symptoms at your visit, as they can help your veterinarian diagnose the cause of your dog’s changes in urination.
Your veterinarian will likely also ask you about any changes in your dog’s eating and drinking habits, energy level, and defecation habits. This history is an important part of your pet’s medical workup, so be sure to give your veterinarian as much detail as you can.
Diagnosing the Cause of a Dog Peeing Blood
To diagnose the cause of the blood in your dog’s urine, your vet may recommend some or all of the following diagnostic tests:
Physical Examination. Your veterinarian will perform a comprehensive head-to-tail physical examination. This includes palpating your dog’s abdomen and examining your dog’s genitalia. The physical examination may also include a rectal examination, which allows the veterinarian to palpate the urethra and examine the prostate in male dogs.
Urinalysis. Your vet will likely request a urine culture for analysis which can be used to identify blood in the urine as well as other changes such as bacteria, crystals, and casts in the urine.
Radiographs (X-Rays). Your vet may recommend X-rays of your pet’s abdomen to evaluate the urinary tract. Radiographs can help diagnose abnormalities such as stones and certain types of prostatic disease, as well as identify changes associated with other systemic illnesses.
Ultrasound. Your veterinarian may recommend ultrasound imaging of your pet’s urinary tract to evaluate structures such as the bladder, kidneys, and prostate. Ultrasound can be used to diagnose certain diseases and may also be used to collect urine samples via a special method called cystocentesis.
Blood in Dog Urine Treatment
The treatment for blood in your dog’s urine depends on the underlying cause. Some causes of blood in the urine, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney infections, need prescription medications. Other causes of blood in the urine, such as bladder stones, are treated with surgery to remove the stones. Your veterinarian will determine the best course of treatment for your dog.
You should not attempt any home remedies. There are no effective home remedies that will get rid of blood in your dog’s urine. Don’t delay seeking veterinary care for blood in the urine, as many causes of this issue can be serious and can progress in severity if left untreated. Never attempt to treat your dog with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments unless directed to do so by your veterinarian.
How to Prevent Blood in Dog Urine
Prostatic disease can be prevented by having your dog neutered. In dogs predisposed to developing bladder stones, a prescription veterinary diet may be used to prevent the recurrence of bladder stones following initial treatment. Regular preventative veterinary care can help identify health concerns that may result in bloody urine. It is also important to keep any rodenticides securely out of reach of your dog.
FAQs
What causes blood in dog urine?
Common causes of dog’s peeing blood include urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, trauma, tumors, or prostate issues. A vet visit is essential to find the exact cause and start treatment.
Why is my female dog peeing blood but acting normal?
Even if your dog seems fine, blood in the urine can signal a number of health issues, including bladder stones or reproductive issues. Female dogs are especially prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) as well, which may cause bloody urine. It’s important to get her checked by a vet to catch problems early.
Why is my male dog peeing blood but acting normal?
Blood in a male dog’s urine could be caused by a UTI, stones, or other health concerns. Male dogs who have not been neutered are especially susceptible to prostate issues, which can cause blood in the urine. Dogs can hide discomfort well, so don’t wait—call your vet for a full exam.
Why is my old dog peeing blood?
In senior dogs, blood in the urine can point to more serious issues like kidney disease, cancer, or chronic infections. A prompt vet visit can help manage or treat the condition early.
What color should my dog’s pee be?
Healthy dog urine is usually pale yellow to amber. Dark yellow, orange, red, or cloudy urine could indicate dehydration or a medical issue, especially if you notice blood. Consult our dog urine color chart for more information.
