Dog Blood In Urine
Seeing blood in your dog’s urine can be alarming, and it’s a symptom that should be taken seriously. Here’s what may cause it, when to seek urgent or emergency care, and what you can safely do at home while you arrange veterinary help.
When to call a vet
Go to the ER now
- ● Your dog is straining to urinate but little or no urine is coming out.
- ● Your dog cannot urinate at all, seems very painful, or keeps trying to squat without producing urine.
- ● There is heavy bleeding, large blood clots, or the urine is dark red or brown and your dog seems weak or distressed.
- ● Blood in the urine happens after trauma, such as being hit by a car, a fall, or a bite injury.
- ● Your dog also has collapse, vomiting, severe lethargy, pale gums, trouble breathing, or you suspect toxin exposure such as rat poison.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● You notice any pink, red, orange, or brown-tinged urine, even if your dog otherwise seems okay.
- ● Your dog is urinating more often, having accidents, or asking to go outside repeatedly.
- ● Your dog strains, cries, or seems uncomfortable while urinating.
- ● Your dog is licking the genital area a lot, has foul-smelling urine, or is passing only small amounts frequently.
- ● A male dog has blood in the urine along with dribbling, a weak stream, or repeated urinary problems.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● If you are not completely sure the blood is coming from urine, check for other sources such as a wound, heat cycle discharge, or stool contamination and call your vet for guidance.
- ● Keep track of when you first noticed the color change and whether it happens every time your dog urinates.
- ● Encourage normal water intake and watch closely for straining, frequent urination, pain, or decreased appetite.
- ● If your dog seems comfortable and is urinating normally, this may wait briefly for a same-day or next-day veterinary appointment, but it should still be evaluated.
- ● If anything worsens or your dog stops passing urine normally, seek urgent care right away.
Common Causes of Dog Blood In Urine
Urinary tract infection
UTIs are a common cause of blood in the urine in dogs. They often also cause frequent urination, straining, accidents in the house, and discomfort.
Bladder stones or crystals
Bladder stones can irritate the bladder wall and cause bleeding. They may also lead to straining and, in some dogs, a dangerous urinary blockage.
Bladder inflammation
Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder. It may be caused by infection, stones, sterile inflammation, or other urinary tract problems.
Trauma
An injury to the urinary tract, abdomen, or genital area can cause blood to appear in urine. This is especially concerning if it follows an accident or rough impact.
Prostate disease or tumors
In male dogs, prostate disease can contribute to blood in the urine. Tumors of the bladder or urinary tract can also cause bleeding, especially if signs keep returning.
Clotting problems or toxins
Some toxins, including certain rat poisons, and some bleeding disorders can lead to blood in the urine. These cases may also cause bruising, weakness, or bleeding elsewhere.
What to Do at Home
Blood in the urine is a sign, not a diagnosis, so home care should focus on keeping your dog comfortable and getting veterinary advice promptly. Most dogs with this symptom need an exam and urinalysis, and some may need imaging or other testing to rule out infection, stones, trauma, prostate disease, or more serious urinary tract disease.
- Call your veterinarian to arrange a same-day or next-day visit, even if your dog seems otherwise normal.
- Watch closely for emergency signs such as straining without producing urine, repeated unsuccessful attempts to pee, worsening pain, vomiting, or collapse.
- Encourage your dog to drink normally and provide frequent chances to urinate outside.
- If you can do so safely, collect a fresh free-catch urine sample in a clean container and bring it to your appointment if your clinic recommends it.
- Do not give human pain medicines, leftover antibiotics, or urinary supplements unless your veterinarian tells you to.
- Do not attempt home treatment if your dog may have trauma, toxin exposure, or trouble passing urine normally.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dog peeing blood but acting normal?
Is blood in a dog's urine an emergency?
Can a UTI cause blood in dog urine?
What will a vet do for a dog with blood in urine?
Can bladder stones cause blood in my dog's urine?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.