If your dog urinates blood, it means there is bleeding or a problem somewhere in the urinary tract. This symptom is known as haematuria and may be linked to bladder inflammation, a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, trauma, prostate problems, kidney disorders or, less commonly, tumours or bleeding disorders.
Blood may colour the entire urine stream pink or red, appear only at the start or end of urination, or be present as small drops or clots. Even if your dog is behaving normally, haematuria should not be ignored: it is advisable to seek a veterinary practice in Benissa to identify the cause and prevent the problem from getting worse.
The situation requires immediate attention if your dog repeatedly tries to urinate but produces very little urine, is unable to urinate, shows signs of severe pain, is listless, is vomiting or has a distended abdomen. These signs may indicate a urinary obstruction or another urgent complication.
Common causes of blood in a dog’s urine
Haematuria is not a disease in itself, but a symptom that can have various causes. The most common causes include:
- Inflammation of the bladder, or cystitis.
- Bacterial urinary tract infection.
- Crystals or stones in the bladder, urethra or kidneys.
- Injuries to the abdomen, kidneys or urinary tract.
- Prostate disorders in male dogs.
- Kidney diseases.
- Reproductive problems in unspayed females.
- Polyps, masses or tumours of the urinary tract.
- Coagulation disorders or exposure to certain toxins.
The cause cannot be determined solely on the basis of the colour of the urine. The vet must assess whether the bleeding is coming from the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, the urethra, the prostate or the reproductive system.
When is it a medical emergency if a dog is passing blood in its urine?
You should seek urgent veterinary care if, as well as blood in the urine, you notice any of the following signs:
- He tries to urinate frequently but only manages to pass a few drops.
- He can’t manage to wee.
- They strain, tremble, cry or show signs of pain when passing urine.
- It contains clots or a large amount of blood.
- Their abdomen is swollen, hard or tender.
- He is listless, weak or disoriented.
- He is vomiting or has stopped eating.
- He has a fever.
- The gums are pale.
- He also bleeds from his nose, gums or other areas.
- They have suffered a fall, a blow or been hit by a vehicle.
- He may have ingested rat poison or some other toxic substance.
An inability to urinate is a medical emergency. A blockage can prevent the bladder from emptying and lead to serious kidney and metabolic problems. Do not wait until the next day if your dog is making repeated attempts to urinate without producing a normal amount of urine.
How can you tell the difference between a urinary tract infection and other problems?
Dogs with a urinary tract infection may urinate more frequently, pass small amounts of urine, show signs of pain, lick their genital area or have urine with a stronger odour. Blood may also be present in cases of cystitis or a bacterial infection.
However, these same symptoms may be caused by stones, inflammation, prostate disease or an obstruction. For this reason, it is not advisable to administer antibiotics without first carrying out the necessary tests. Incorrect treatment may fail to address the underlying cause and make it difficult to interpret the results of a subsequent culture.
Where an infection is suspected, the veterinary urinalysis It enables the concentration, pH and the presence of blood, inflammatory cells, bacteria, proteins, glucose or crystals to be assessed. In certain cases, a urine culture may also be recommended.
Can kidney stones cause blood in the urine?
Yes. Stones can rub against and irritate the wall of the bladder or the urethra, causing inflammation, pain and bleeding. Some dogs also try to urinate frequently, pass only small amounts, or have a broken stream.
If a stone partially or completely blocks the urethra, the dog may be unable to empty its bladder. This risk is particularly significant when the dog strains repeatedly but passes only a small amount of urine.
The veterinary X-ray to detect urinary stones enables the identification of certain types of stones, whilst the veterinary ultrasound in Benissa It helps to assess the bladder, kidneys, prostate and other structures of the urinary tract.
Blood in the urine and prostate problems
In male dogs, particularly if they are not neutered, the presence of blood may be linked to prostate problems. Some prostate conditions can cause blood in the urine, bloody discharge from the penis, difficulty urinating or defecating, pain, fever or lethargy.
A clinical examination and imaging tests enable the size and appearance of the prostate to be assessed. Depending on the individual case, urine tests, blood tests, an ultrasound scan or other supplementary tests may be required.
What evidence may be needed?
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and a review of the symptoms. It is important to note when the blood first appeared, whether it is present throughout urination, whether the dog is urinating more frequently, whether it is in pain, whether it has suffered any trauma, and whether it is taking any medication.
The most common tests may include:
- Urine analysis and sediment examination.
- A urine culture is carried out when an infection is suspected.
- Blood tests to assess kidney function, inflammation, anaemia and blood clotting.
- Ultrasound scan of the kidneys, bladder, prostate and urinary tract.
- X-rays to detect certain stones or abnormalities.
- Cytology, a biopsy or further tests if a mass is detected.
The veterinary blood tests These may be particularly important if the dog is listless, is vomiting, has a fever, is bleeding heavily, or if kidney disease or coagulation disorders are suspected.
When the problem affects the bladder, the urethra, the kidneys or the prostate, an assessment by the department of veterinary urology for dogs to determine the appropriate treatment and follow-up.
What to do if you notice blood in your dog’s urine
Check whether your dog is able to urinate normally and note the frequency, volume and colour of the urine. If possible, take a photograph or a video and make a note of any signs of pain, dripping, clots, changes in appetite, vomiting or lethargy.
Do not restrict their water intake and do not give them antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or human medicines without consulting a vet. Medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to dogs, and some treatments may mask the symptoms without addressing the underlying cause.
If you are able to collect a recent urine sample in a clean container, ask the clinic for advice on how to store and transport it. Sometimes, the vet may prefer to take a sterile sample directly in order to carry out a reliable culture.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Make an appointment if you notice blood in your dog’s urine, even if it has only happened once. A check-up is particularly important if your dog is urinating frequently, is in pain, has clots in their urine, is experiencing leakage, is repeatedly licking their genital area, or if the problem recurs.
At Benivet Benissa, we can assess whether haematuria is related to an infection, cystitis, kidney stones, kidney disease, prostate problems, trauma or other causes, and carry out the necessary tests to guide treatment.
If your dog is passing blood in its urine and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can contact Benivet Benissa to book a veterinary check-up.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
