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Though it may seem a little sci-fi at first, seeing a dog pee blood is a weekly occurrence in my life as a practicing veterinarian. Even though it may be common, peeing blood is still considered a serious sign that is indicative of numerous issues mostly relating to the urinary tract. So, while it may not be your favorite part of dog ownership, pay attention to what’s coming out of your dog so that you’ll quickly notice when something is off.
Causes of Blood in Dog’s Urine
“Why is my dog peeing blood?” will likely to be your first question when you notice a bloody tinge, clot, or otherwise red color to your dog’s pee, but your vet’s first question is going to be where is the blood coming from? You see, bloody urine can originate from a few main areas-the upper urinary tract, the lower urinary tract, or somewhere else in the body.
Upper Urinary Tract Issues
This part of the system consists of the kidneys and ureters, or the little tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This area may be the site of infections, stones, or cancer, all of which can be very serious, especially if a stone gets lodged in the ureter. The irritation from either an infection, stone, or mass can create some pain along with a dog peeing blood clots or blood-tinged urine.
Lower Urinary Tract Issues
The lower urinary tract starts at the urinary bladder and incorporates the urethra which either ends at the vagina in a female dog or the end of the penis in a male. In males, the urethra is surrounded by the prostate gland which is important because it can cause additional problems with a dog peeing blood that you won’t see in a female. Prostate disease is usually an issue with intact dogs, but neutered pups may have problems as well, including bloody urine, straining to pee, and even straining to poop.
As far as the bladder goes, it can also experience infections and stones similar to the kidneys, creating bloody, foul-smelling urine and a dog that feels like they need to pee more often than normal. Bladder infections are by far the most common cause of bloody urine in dogs, and they can affect all breeds, even the most popular dogs. Bladder cancer can also create bloody urine that doesn’t go away with normal treatments.
Causes Beyond the Urinary Tract
Blood in dog’s urine will likely come from the urinary tract itself, but occasionally may stem from somewhere else, including a viral or bacterial infection that causes vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels. This can allow blood to leak out into the urine. On a similar note, a low platelet count or other issue with blood clotting may lead to the same thing.
It’s also possible that your pup could have experienced trauma to the urinary tract or surrounding areas that may cause bloody urine as well as blood in a dog’s stool or a dog pooping more than usual. Things like getting hit by a car, kicked by a horse, or jumping from a boat and belly flopping on the edge of the dock (true story!) can all cause trauma that leads to bloody urine in dogs.
Diagnosing Blood in Dog Urine
Just looking at bloody dog urine won’t give you a clue as to what is causing it, so you have to see your vet. Vets have all kinds of tests and imaging they can run in order to pinpoint the exact source of the blood. Look for your vet to start with an exam and a urinalysis. So, if your pup is shy about peeing in front of strangers, bring in the freshest sample that you can.
After those tests, your vet may run additional blood work to check kidney function and blood clotting capabilities. They may also do an x-ray or ultrasound to check for stones or masses in the bladder or kidneys.
If your dog is peeing blood due to infection, your vet may choose to do a urine culture to find out exactly what nasty bug is growing in there and what medication will best treat it.
How to Treat Blood in Dog Urine
Since you won’t be able to diagnose the blood in your dog’s urine, it should stand to reason that you won’t be able to treat it either without the help of a vet. Fortunately, it’s something we do all of the time. Here’s how:
Infections, both kidney and bladder, will get antibiotics and often anti-inflammatories. Repeat infections may spur your vet to switch your pup to a urinary diet in order to prevent future issues.
Stones, with the exception of struvite, require surgery to remove. Struvite stones are a special and common type that can often be dissolved with a special diet and treatment of the urinary tract infection that is typically present as well. Bladder stone removal is similar to a spay surgery where your pup will have an incision on their belly that will need to heal over the course of 10-14 days.
Cancer may be treated with surgery if the mass is removeable. Chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended as a follow up.
Prevention and Monitoring of Bloody Dog Urine
Not all health issues can be prevented, but you can do your best by making sure your dog sees the vet regularly. Not only do annual or biannual visits give your vet a chance to get their hands on your dog, they also allow for questions about what you’re feeding, your dog’s drinking habits, and if they pee and poop normally. This information is an important part of your dog’s overall health as subtle changes may be an early indication that something is wrong.
You’ll also want to monitor your dog’s urinary habits. Yes, that means watch your dog pee. Not only do you want to get a look at the color and a whiff of the smell, you also want to make sure your dog can go with ease. Any off colors, foul odors, or difficulty doing so should be brought to a vet.
Along those lines, don’t wait and see for long. If you notice something off with your dog’s pee, or anything else for that matter, bring it to your vet’s attention sooner rather than later.
I know this sounds like a lot of veterinary visits, which just happens to equal $$, but it’s important for your dog’s health. For financial peace of mind when it comes to your pup, be sure to look into pet insurance for dogs as soon as you bring your new pup home so that you’ll be covered for these unplanned veterinary visits and treatments. Pet insurance covers accidents and illnesses, including tests to find out why your dog is peeing blood, as well as treatment to get your dog back to their healthy happy self.
If you’d like some help paying for regular checkups and specialty foods to keep your pup healthy (and not peeing blood!), consider adding on a non-insurance pet wellness plan. This acts as a budgeting tool so that you can spread out payments for your dog’s health care needs instead of being hit with a big bill when it’s time for a checkup.
Don’t Panic if you See Your Dog Peeing Blood
Peeing blood in dogs is a common enough issue but it isn’t one that should be taken lightly. As a pet parent, you are your dog's biggest advocate. By being observant and taking action when you notice changes in their urinary habits, you can play a crucial role in safeguarding their health. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your dog's treatment and prognosis. Remember, a timely vet visit can set your pup on the path to recovery and allow them to live a long, happy life.