Seeing blood in our dog's urine (or anywhere coming from our dog, for that matter) can be worrying, to say the least. However, being aware of the different causes of why a dog is peeing blood may help us understand the conditions that exhibit the symptom and what it could mean for our dog.
Blood in urine, also known as hematuria, can either be noticed from the color of our dog’s pee, which may have a tinge of red, orange, amber, or brown, or it may be detected after diagnostic tests.
There are many possible underlying causes of blood in dog urine, including but not limited to urinary tract infections, familial hematuria, toxicity, prostatic disease, and cancer.
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A dog can have blood in their pee no matter what age they are, but age can be indicative of what’s causing it. Gender may also be another indicator since some conditions have a higher probability in a particular gender.
Content:
- Causes of Blood in Dog Urine
- Diagnosis and Treatment
- How Can the Emergency Fund Help with Treatment
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Causes of Blood in Dog Urine
"Why is my dog peeing blood?" you might be asking. Let us get to know the possible reasons below.
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Urinary Tract Infection
One of the key indicators of urinary tract infection (UTI) is blood in urine, which is often accompanied by having a hard time emptying the bladder, pain when peeing, a strong smell in urine, bladder control issues, and constant licking of the urinary opening (in animals). -
Poisoning
If your dog has ingested something toxic, such as rat poison, they will usually show symptoms such as blood in the urine, swelling of the abdomen, coughing, lethargy, and breathing difficulties. -
Cancer
Among the common signs of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is blood in the urine. However, many other different conditions exhibit the same symptom, so testing is needed to know the exact cause. -
Prostatic Disease
In male dogs, blood in urine may be caused by prostatic diseases such as squamous metaplasia, prostatic abscess, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic cancer, and bacterial infections. -
Injury
If your dog underwent physical trauma recently, one of the symptoms that they may exhibit is having blood in their urine. Note that if your dog is involved in any physical injury, let your vet know immediately. -
Estrus
This may be mistaken for blood in the urine, but estrus is a normal period of bleeding in female dogs. The accompanying symptoms of estrus include a swollen vulva and drops of blood when your dog sits down.
Other possible causes of blood in your dog’s urine are thrombocytopenia, clotting disorders, kidney diseases, nephritis, infectious diseases, anatomical malformations in the urinary tract or kidney, chemotherapy, inflammatory disease, and tumors.
Because blood in urine indicates that something is wrong, it is important to look out for any signs that your dog may be exhibiting. Having a good quality pet camera such as the Petcube Cam, may help you monitor your dog 24/7.
It has HD features and AI technology that allow you to keep tabs on your pet and even interact with them! You also get access to Petcube’s Online Vet service, allowing you to consult with certified vets anytime and anywhere you may be.
Female Dog
If a female dog has blood in their urine, it could be due to a urinary tract infection. This is because UTI is more common in female dogs than male dogs. In a study about the prevalence of hematuria in dogs and cats, the majority of the females who experienced hematuria were diagnosed with cystitis and microlithiasis.
Male Dog
In the same study above, the percentage of male dogs and cats who experience hematuria is 62% as compared to females' 38%. Most of the male dogs and cats who participated in the study were diagnosed with urinary lithiasis and feline urological syndrome (FUS).
Senior Dog
If an old dog is peeing with blood, it can be due to a variety of conditions, especially because senior dogs are more susceptible to illnesses. However, with senior dogs, the most common cause of hematuria is cancer.
Puppy
Blood in puppy urine may be familial hematuria, which is hereditary. However, it may also be due to other underlying conditions, such as an infection or inflammation of the urinary tract.
Read more: Inappropriate Urination: Why Dogs Pee Indoors and How to Make it Stop
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Because there is a wide range of possible conditions and diseases associated with hematuria, it’s vital to bring your dog to the vet as soon as you notice blood in their urine, along with any accompanying symptoms.
Providing your vet with a detailed account of when the symptoms started, the possibility of having ingested something toxic, any new food or supplement they took, or a recent injury will help the veterinarian diagnose the issue.
You may also help by checking if your dog’s pee has a different color. One way is to place a white piece of paper underneath your dog as he pees to see if his urine is discolored. It is also recommended to collect a urine sample for your vet. If you can’t go to the vet right away, be sure to place the sample in the refrigerator until you’re able to bring it to the vet.
At the vet, a thorough physical examination will be conducted. Your vet will be looking at and inspecting your dog’s abdomen, genital area, kidneys, bladder, and prostate. He or she will also check for any other signs and symptoms that may be noticeable, such as bruising.
After the physical examination, your vet may perform several diagnostic tests depending on the physical exam findings and the accompanying symptoms, if any.
Tests such as the CBC, chemical blood profile, and urinalysis are commonly performed. Additionally, the following tests may be performed if needed: ultrasound and/or x-rays; vaginoscopy; cystoscopy; ejaculate sample; and biopsy, among others.
Treatment
Treatment of hematuria is highly dependent on the cause. In some cases, stabilization may be needed before addressing the underlying condition. This may include IV fluids if your dog is dehydrated and a blood transfusion if your dog’s red blood cell count is extremely low.
Treatment will be focused on your dog’s specific needs, overall health, and wellness, as well as any pre-existing conditions that they may have.
If you notice or suspect your dog of having urea in their blood, it’s best to contact your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
Read more: Submissive and Excitement Urination in Dogs
How Can the Emergency Fund Help with Treatment
In emergency cases such as hematuria due to trauma, having the support to go through the process of treatment is beneficial. Petcube’s Pet Emergency Fund does that and more. With the Pet Emergency Fund, you get $3000 a year for pet emergencies without restrictions on age, breed, or medical history.
Not to mention, there is no payback, unlike insurance. You also get access to their Online Vet service, which allows you to ask certified vets any questions you may have along the way, whenever and wherever you may be. That way, you get the peace of mind that you need during a critical time.
FAQ
What does it mean if a dog is peeing blood and breathing heavily?
This may be a sign that your dog has ingested something toxic, such as rodenticide. This needs immediate veterinary care, so it is important to bring your dog to the vet immediately.
If a dog is peeing blood but acting normal, is there nothing to worry about?
While your dog may be acting normally, the fact that they have blood in their urine means that something is wrong. Because of this, it is important to bring your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Is blood in dog urine an emergency?
Because there are various possible reasons, from minor causes to serious ones, it is vital to bring your dog to the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
Blood in your dog’s urine may ring alarm bells in your head. However, there are many possible reasons why your dog is peeing blood. Some factors, such as age and gender, may indicate probable causes, but it also depends on your dog’s overall health. If you notice that your dog has blood in their urine, it is important to bring them to the vet as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.