Blood in Dog Urine: What it Means and What You Should Do
Quick Answer: Blood in your dog's urine, medically known as hematuria, should never be ignored. It can signal anything from a common urinary tract infection to bladder stones, trauma, poisoning, or in rarer cases, cancer.
If you notice pink or red discoloration in your dog's urine, along with symptoms like straining to urinate, frequent urination, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian right away or seek emergency care if your dog seems to be in distress.
We know it's scary to spot something unusual in your dog's urine; however, try not to panic. While alarming, it's not a super uncommon occurrence for a pet owner to discover blood in their dog’s pee.
Most of us aren't watching closely every time our dog goes to the bathroom, so if you do happen to catch a bit of pink or red discoloration, know that you're not alone; and a trip to the vet will likely get to the bottom of it quickly. Often, it's something as manageable as a urinary tract infection (UTI).
What Does Blood in Dog Urine Mean?
Blood found in a dog's urine is medically referred to as "hematuria." Hematuria means there is blood present in the urine, whether visible to the naked eye or only detectable through lab testing.
It can be found by an owner spotting a bit of discoloration as their dog squats in the grass or lifts their leg. It can also be found by a vet during a regular visit if urine is tested for a check-up or other purposes.
What Causes Blood in Dog Urine?
Blood in dog urine can stem from several sources, ranging from a routine infection to more serious underlying conditions. Below are the most common causes pet owners should know about.
Can Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Cause Blood in Dog Urine?
Yes, a urinary tract infection, or UTI, is the most likely cause of blood in a dog's urine. As we humans know, these are pretty common, and unpleasant to experience. They can be painful, itchy, make it difficult to use the bathroom, and cause more serious problems if not taken care of.
We might not think of our canines as susceptible to UTIs, but they are. Female dogs are prone to developing urinary tract infections.
What Upper Tract Problems Cause Blood in Dog Urine?
A urinary tract problem that includes blood could be affecting the upper or lower tract. Blood that is coming from the upper tract indicates an issue with the kidneys, which are part of the upper urinary tract.
Blood in dog urine that comes from the kidneys, or upper tract, is likely due to one of these few problems:
- Idiopathic renal hematuria, where blood comes from the kidneys with no known cause, such as medication or a weakened immune system.
- Renal telangiectasia, which is a spontaneous widening of blood vessels in the kidney that can lead to blood in the urine (Corgis are genetically prone to this condition).
- Kidney infection in one or both kidneys.
- Kidney stones, though these are not so common in dogs.
- Kidney cancer, though this should never be the first conclusion a pet owner jumps to.
What Lower Tract Problems Cause Blood in Dog Urine?
On the other hand, a blood-in-urine problem stemming from the lower urinary tract could be caused by:
- Bladder infection, or UTI (this is the most common cause of blood in a dog's urine).
- Prostate issues, which would affect male dogs who pee blood, possibly indicating a prostate problem.
- Bladder stones, which can result from nutrition, genetics, or persistent infection.
- Bladder cancer, though this should never be the first conclusion a pet owner jumps to.
Because both lower and upper tract problems involving blood could be as minor as a UTI or as serious as cancer, the best way to protect your dog's health and safety is a trip to the veterinarian.
Can Trauma Cause Blood in Dog Urine?
Trauma can be another cause of blood in a dog's urine. For instance, if a dog is hit by a car or involved in a dog fight, internal damage could cause blood in their urine.
If any of the above situations happened to your dog, they must be seen by an emergency vet immediately. A dog that has been in an accident or was attacked might also experience bloody urine during their recovery.
Can Poison Cause Blood in Dog Urine?
Yes, poisoning is a serious cause of hematuria in dogs. Too often, our furry best friends fall victim to rodenticides or insecticides, common poisons meant for rats and mice and insects, respectively.
Unfortunately, these poisons are made to be tasty. Dogs and cats alike find them hard to resist, or they may ingest rodenticide secondhand by eating a poisoned rat.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Has Bloody Urine?
The first thing to do is call your veterinarian. It is impossible to say without a veterinary evaluation and diagnostic testing what could be causing blood in a dog's urine. While it is easy to guess a UTI, only a veterinarian can examine your dog and provide a proper diagnosis.
Other signs of a UTI in dogs include:
- Frequent urination
- Visible or audible pain during urination
- Dripping urine uncontrollably
- A struggle to urinate
- Licking of the genitals
Even if it turns out to be a UTI, a dog with any infection will need medical attention. UTIs that go untreated can lead to a serious kidney infection that worsens until it becomes life-threatening. Dogs with any infection should be taken to a vet and more than likely given antibiotics to help fight the infection.
And of course, what appears to be a UTI could in fact be something much more serious. Not that a UTI isn't serious, because it is, but a UTI is quite different from potential bladder cancer.
If you see any signs of blood in your dog's urine, or any behavior indicating pain or difficulty with urination, take them to the vet's office, or to an emergency vet if your dog needs immediate care. Dogs with visible blood in their urine should be seen by a veterinarian within 24 hours.
How Can You Prevent UTIs and Other Causes of Bloody Dog Urine?
While not every cause of hematuria is preventable, there are several steps pet owners can take to lower their dog's risk.
1. Make Sure Your Dog is Getting Proper Nutrition
One of the best ways to help prevent urinary tract infections in your dog is to give them proper nutrition based on protein, which helps keep their pH balance acidic.
2. Ensure That Your Dog Has Plenty of Water
Give your dog plenty of fresh water to help keep everything flowing smoothly. Keep your dog on a consistent pee schedule so they can anticipate potty breaks. Holding in urine for long periods of time can aggravate the bladder and cause infection.
3. Groom Your Dog Properly
Ensure good genital hygiene, such as closely clipped fur, especially for female dogs with long fur around their genitals.
4. Keep a General Eye on Your Dog
The most basic advice is to simply monitor your dog closely. You do not need to become obsessed with your dog's urination habits but keep an eye out for any unusual behavior or urine coloring.
Key Takeaways
1. Is blood in dog urine always an emergency?
Not always, but it should always be checked by a veterinarian within 24 hours. If your dog also shows signs of distress, lethargy, straining to urinate, or has experienced trauma, seek emergency care immediately.
2. What does the color of blood in dog urine tell you?
Bright pink or red urine often points to a lower urinary tract issue, like a UTI or bladder stones, while dark red or brown urine may indicate a kidney or upper tract problem. Only a veterinarian can confirm the exact cause through testing.
3. Can stress cause blood in a dog's urine?
Stress itself doesn't directly cause hematuria, but it can aggravate underlying bladder issues in dogs. A vet visit is still the best way to rule out infection, stones, or other causes.
4. Should male and female dogs be evaluated differently for blood in urine?
Yes. Female dogs are more prone to UTIs, while blood in a male dog's urine may point to a prostate issue. Your veterinarian will tailor their exam based on your dog's sex and symptoms.
We're Here to Help, Day or Night
Noticing blood in your dog's urine is unsettling, but you don't have to figure it out alone. Whether it turns out to be a simple UTI or something that needs closer attention, getting your dog seen quickly gives them the best chance at a fast, comfortable recovery.
Trust your instincts, keep an eye on their symptoms, and don't hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian or an emergency vet if something feels off. Our team at Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC) is always just a call away, ready to give your pet the compassionate, dedicated care they deserve.
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