Why Is My Dog Peeing Blood? Possible Reasons & What to Do (Vet Answer)

Noticing blood in your dog’s urine is a scary sight for any dog owner. Some dogs pee blood while appearing otherwise completely well, while some dogs are showing signs of malaise or discomfort. The veterinary term for blood in urine is hematuria. There is a very long list of causes of hematuria in dogs. While in many cases it is something relatively benign that can be treated, in other cases it is a warning sign of a more sinister disease.

This article will explain what to do if you’ve noticed blood in your dog’s urine, as well as common causes and treatments for hematuria.

Blood in Dog’s Urine: Three-Step Action Plan

If you’ve noticed blood in your dog’s urine and are wondering what to do, follow the below three-step plan:

There are no at-home remedies or diagnostic tests to help a dog that is peeing blood. As there is a long list of possible causes, identifying the cause is very important.

Signs of Blood in Urine

This one may sound straightforward, but there are several different ways that hematuria can manifest. Things to look for include:

Causes of Blood in Urine

While it sounds simple, dogs that are peeing blood have a source of bleeding (or hemorrhage) somewhere in their urinary tract. We say somewhere because the source of bleeding can be anywhere from the kidneys and ureters to the bladder or urethra. Some common causes are summarized below:

If you’re concerned about your pet’s well-being, we recommend consulting a veterinarian.

How Is the Exact Cause Diagnosed?

There are four main ways in which the cause of hematuria is identified:

How Is Blood in Urine Treated?

Treatment for hematuria is dependent on the underlying cause. Again, this emphasizes the importance of prompt veterinary attention. UTIs are generally treated with antibiotics and painkillers. Bladder stones need to be dissolved or surgically removed.

Bleeding disorders and snakebites generally require aggressive treatment and intensive care.

Conclusion

If you’ve noticed blood in your dog’s urine, don’t waste time in seeking veterinary care. Thankfully, most causes of hematuria are relatively straightforward and can be treated with medications while your dog remains in your care at home.

See also:

• Why Is My Dog’s Pee Green? 5 Vet Reviewed Reasons & What to Do

• Why Is My Female Dog Peeing in Her Sleep? Vet-Reviewed Causes & Tips

Featured Image Credit: onstockphoto, Shutterstock