Dog Peeing Blood? Learn More About Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in Dogs
Dog peeing blood might mean there’s a urinary tract infection. Photo by Boxed Water Is Better on Unsplash
What is a Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs?
You might have noticed your dog peeing blood and, for understandable reasons, ran a google search out of concern. A urinary tract infection is caused by pathogenic bacteria, although some are caused by fungi or viruses, but this is rare. If you’ve ever experienced one yourself, you’ll know they are painful and the same is true for your dog. Urinary tract infections are a common condition in dogs and about one in 3 will develop a UTI at some point.
How do I Know if my Dog has UTI? A dog peeing blood could be one of the symptoms.
The following are signs that might indicate a lower urinary tract issue:
Dog peeing blood or cloudy urine.
Straining to urinate or urinating only small amounts.
Increased frequency or volume of urination.
Dribbling urine.
Strong urine odor.
Urinating in inappropriate locations, in the house.
Excessive licking of genital area.
Increased water intake.
Fever, lethargy, vomiting.
Reduced appetite.
Back pain.
When is UTI in Dogs More Likely?
Older female dogs and dogs with diabetes are more prone to urinary tract infections.
What are the Causes of UTI in Dogs?
You saw your dog peeing blood and are wondering what caused it. Dogs typically get UTIs when normal skin and gastrointestinal (GI) tract flora get past the urinary tract’s defenses. These bacteria colonize the urinary tract, which leads to an infection. E. Coli is the most common bacterial cause of UTIs. Below are a list of other causes:
Bacterial infection.
Stones, crystals or debris accumulation in the bladder or urethra.
Incontinence from excess water intake, weak bladder or a hormonal imbalance.
Trauma.
Cancer.
Spinal cord abnormalities.
Birth defect.
Prostate disease.
You’ve Shrieked as you Noticed your Dog Peeing Blood. Is it an emergency?
You need to get to a veterinarian immediately if you notice your dog peeing blood, straining to urinate, crying out in pain or whining while urinating. This could indicate a stone blocking the urethra. X rays and ultrasound show the presence and location of stones.
How is a urinary tract infection, stone or urinary blockage diagnosed?
A urinalysis is collected first, usually with a needle while visualizing the bladder on ultrasound. The urine is then spun in a centrifuge to produce sediment that can be examined under the microscope for the presence of white blood cells, bacteria or crystals. A culture of the urine is advisable to grow the bacteria causing the infection and determine which antibiotic will be the most effective. Since bacterial infections are less common in males, it is always best for us to look for a more serious underlying problem, like kidney or prostate infection or stones.
We will use x-rays, blood tests and ultrasound of the bladder to look for underlying causes.
How are urinary tract problems treated?
Antibiotics.
Medications and supplements.
Urinary acidifiers.
Intravenous or subcutaneous fluids.
Surgery or catheterization to remove bladder stones.
Surgery to remove a tumor or correct a birth defect,
Treatment of any underlying condition that is contributing to a urinary tract problem.
What happens if a dog’s urinary tract problems are not treated?
Bladder infections can move up to the kidneys and cause life-threatening infections. Stones can cause an obstruction, preventing a dog from urinating. A urinary catheter or surgery may be needed to relieve the obstruction. Partial or complete obstructions of the urethra can lead to a ruptured bladder, which is fatal.
When a dog peeing blood doesn’t have a UTI.
Peeing blood is one of the most common signs of a urinary tract infection in dogs. However, it could also be an indication of something more serious like cancer, kidney disease, poisoning, or physical trauma.
If your veterinarian has ruled out a UTI with a negative urinalysis and found the urinary tract to be free from stones and obstructions, it is time to look for another cause.
The following conditions can have symptoms very similar to a UTI.
Cancer
When your dog is peeing blood, cancer is likely the furthest thing from your mind. While very rare, bladder cancer can affect certain dogs, especially breeds that are genetically predisposed such as Scotties, Shelties, Westies, Beagles, Wire Fox Terriers, and American Eskimo Dogs.
Bladder cancer in dogs often mimics the symptoms of urinary tract infections and can even cause UTIs to occur, so it may be difficult for your vet to diagnose.
As with all cancers, early detection is key. If your dog suffers frequent UTIs, has difficulty urinating, or has blood in their urine, ask your vet to perform additional diagnostics to rule out bladder cancer.
Kidney Disease
Sadly, unlike bladder cancer, kidney disease is quite common in dogs and may result in your dog peeing blood. Studies show that up to 10% of dogs will suffer from kidney disease, and it can be difficult to recognize the signs.
Early symptoms may include subtle weight loss, increased thirst, and frequent urination. Unfortunately, once your dog is peeing blood, it usually means the disease has progressed and there is significant damage to the kidneys.
Prostate Disease
Male dogs, especially those that remain intact (are not neutered) may pee blood as a result of prostate disease. The appearance of blood is caused by the dog straining to urinate as his enlarged prostate gland compresses his urethra.
Poisoning
Dogs are curious creatures who investigate the world by sniffing and tasting. This puts them at risk for accidental poisoning. Some of the most dangerous poisons to your dog include rodenticides, which are used to kill mice, rats, and other rodents people consider nuisances. The poison works by preventing the blood from clotting, leading to a horrible death by hemorrhage. In addition to other symptoms such as anemia and weakness, peeing blood could be a result of rodenticide poisoning, and requires immediate veterinary treatment.
Physical Trauma
Has your dog been in a fight, a car accident, been hit by a car, or suffered a fall? Even if the injuries appear minimal, physical trauma can cause spinal cord injuries and damage to internal organs resulting in your dog peeing blood. It is always better to be safe than sorry when your dog is in an accident. See your vet for an examination and diagnostics.
What can you do to prevent your dog from peeing blood and suffering from UTIs?
Urinary tract infections are more common in older dogs, but any dog can suffer from this painful condition. Protect your dog from UTIs before the symptoms even start by:
Providing fresh, clean water at all times. This includes washing your dog’s bowl every day to eliminate bacterial build-up. The more your dog drinks, the healthier the urinary tract will be, as fresh, clean water helps flush away infection-causing germs.
Providing plenty of potty breaks. Adult dogs generally urinate three to five times a day, while puppies and seniors may need to go much more. Be sure your dog has frequent opportunities to relieve his/herself and does not have to “hold it” for too long.
Feeding a healthy, balanced diet. What your dog eats can have a big impact on urinary health, especially for those predisposed to UTIs, stones, or peeing blood.
Considering probiotics. These supplements help encourage healthy bacterial growth and prevent bad bacteria from taking hold in your dog’s urinary tract. Ask your vet if probiotics are a good choice for your pup.
Keeping fluffy pups neatly groomed. Too much hair around the urinary opening can trap dirt and bacteria, making UTIs more likely.
Scheduling regular veterinary exams. Even if your dog seems perfectly healthy, your vet can recognize early signs of trouble and recommend preventative measures to keep your dog in tip-top shape.