Blood in Dog Urine

Seeing blood in dog urine can alarm you, but if you detect the problem and administer treatment, your dog should be fine. The most common cause of blood in the dog's urine is a urinary tract infection, which is not a fatal condition but can cause complications if not treated.

Causes of Blood in Dog Urine

When the dog has blood in the urine this can be caused by numerous underlying conditions including:

  • Urinary tract infections that are advanced
  • Bladder infections
  • Kidney stones, which are caused by an accumulation of crystals and minerals that can hurt the urethra and cause bleeding
  • Bladder stones
  • Swallowing of poison or other toxic materials
  • Tumors in the urinary tract
  • External injury or trauma
  • Internal bleeding
  • Tick bites that cause babesiosis, an infection that causes a low red blood cell count
  • An infection affecting the prostate in male dogs

Additional Symptoms

Look out for additional symptoms that could help you detect the problem. If the dog has a urinary infection, he may also urinate more frequently and have a fever. Other possible symptoms may include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Enlarged abdomen
  • Straining to urinate
  • Seizures
  • Excessive drooling
  • Visible wounds
  • Swollen penis and testicles (indicative of a prostate problem)

Any symptoms you detect should be reported to the vet, so that the diagnosis is made quickly.

Detecting the Problem

A urine test may be enough for the vet to detect the problem. However, if the dog has bladder or kidney stones or other growths in the area, ultrasounds and x-rays may be necessary.

Treatment for Blood in Urine

The treatment for the blood in the dog's urine will vary according to the findings of the vet.

  • If the dog has a urinary tract infection, the bacteria will be flushed with liquids and the dog may also receive a cure of antibiotics.
  • If the dog is affected by toxicity, you need to act immediately and the vet will try to remove the toxic materials from the dog's system. Fluid therapy may also be needed.
  • Tumors and other growths may be removed through surgery, but if they are malignant and have spread to other zones in the dog's system, surgery is not an option.
  • An infection caused by a tick bite may also be treated, provided the condition is detected in a timely manner.
  • Prostate infections can also be treated, but the underlying condition should be detected as well.

It's important to detect blood in the dog's urine. You should monitor your pet's urinating habits and if you see color changes in the urine, take your dog to a vet. If the dog doesn't receive immediate treatment, complications may arise. Even after treating your dog, monitor his urine, as some urinary tract problems may be recurrent.

 

Comments