Blood in Dog Urine: A Comprehensive Guide to Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

May 27, 2025

Discovering blood in your dog’s urine can be alarming, but it’s a symptom that offers valuable insight into your pup’s health. Known as hematuria, this condition often signals underlying issues within the urinary system, ranging from minor infections to more serious concerns. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes, treatment options, and preventative measures to help modern dog moms make informed decisions about their dog’s health and wellness.

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Understanding Hematuria: What Does Blood in Dog Urine Mean?

Blood in a dog’s urine can originate from the upper or lower urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder, urethra, or prostate. While hematuria may appear as visible red or brown discoloration in urine, it can also be microscopic and detected only through veterinary testing.

Common accompanying symptoms include:

Straining or pain during urination
Frequent urination or accidents indoors
Changes in urine smell or color
Lethargy and loss of appetite

Recognizing these signs early is crucial for addressing the root cause and ensuring your dog’s comfort and health.

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Common Causes of Blood in Dog Urine

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are one of the most frequent causes of blood in a dog’s urine. Bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra, causing inflammation and irritation. Symptoms include frequent urination, straining to urinate, foul-smelling urine, and licking of the genital area.

Treatment: UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian after a urine culture identifies the specific bacteria involved.

2. Bladder Stones

Bladder stones form when minerals crystallize in the bladder, causing irritation, bleeding, and potential blockages. Dogs with bladder stones may strain to urinate or pass small amounts of blood-stained urine.

Treatment: Depending on the size and type of stones, treatment may involve dietary changes to dissolve them or surgical removal.

3. Kidney Stones

Though less common than bladder stones, kidney stones can cause hematuria by damaging kidney tissue or obstructing urine flow. Breeds like Yorkshire Terriers are more prone to developing these stones.

Treatment: Kidney stones may require surgery or specialized diets to prevent recurrence.

4. Prostate Issues (Male Dogs)

Prostatic diseases such as infections, cysts, or cancer can lead to blood in male dogs’ urine. Additional symptoms may include difficulty urinating or defecating.

Treatment: Neutering is often recommended for benign prostate enlargement, while infections may require antibiotics.

5. Trauma

Physical injuries—such as being hit by a car—can cause internal bleeding that manifests as blood in urine. Trauma-related hematuria requires immediate veterinary attention.

6. Poisoning

Ingesting toxins like rodenticide can lead to hematuria along with other symptoms like lethargy, bloody diarrhea, swollen abdomen, and difficulty breathing.

Treatment: Emergency care is necessary to address poisoning effectively.

7. Cancerous Tumors

Bladder or kidney tumors can cause hematuria due to tissue damage or vascular growths within these organs.

Diagnosis & Treatment: Imaging tests (X-rays or ultrasounds) and biopsies are used for diagnosis; treatment may involve surgery or chemotherapy.

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What to Do If Your Dog Is Peeing Blood

If you notice blood in your dog’s urine:

Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately: Hematuria should be addressed within 24 hours to prevent complications.
Provide a Detailed History: Share information about your dog’s recent behavior, diet changes, injuries, or exposure to toxins with your vet.
Diagnostic Tests: Your veterinarian may perform a urinalysis, urine culture, imaging tests (X-rays/ultrasounds), and bloodwork to pinpoint the cause.

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Treatment Options for Hematuria

The treatment plan depends on the underlying cause:

Antibiotics: For bacterial infections like UTIs or kidney infections.
Surgery: To remove bladder/kidney stones or tumors causing bleeding.
Dietary Changes: Prescription diets can dissolve crystals/stones and optimize urinary pH.
Pain Management: Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed for conditions like prostate enlargement.
Emergency Care: For trauma or poisoning cases that require immediate intervention.

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Preventing Blood in Dog Urine

As a proactive pet parent, you can take steps to minimize the risk of urinary issues:

Hydration & Diet

Ensure your dog drinks plenty of fresh water daily to prevent concentrated urine that irritates the urinary tract.
Feed high-moisture diets with balanced minerals to support kidney and bladder health.
Consider supplements like cranberry extract or D-Mannose for UTI prevention.

Routine Care

Regular grooming around the genital area reduces bacterial exposure.
Provide frequent bathroom breaks to prevent urine retention that promotes bacterial growth.

Veterinary Check-Ups

Annual health checks allow early detection of urinary problems before symptoms worsen. If your dog is predisposed to urinary issues (e.g., certain breeds), discuss preventative measures with your vet.

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Why Modern Dog Moms Value Proactive Care

As a dedicated pet parent, you prioritize solutions that align with your values—science-backed guidance that empowers you without overwhelming complexity. Proactive care for urinary health reflects this approach by:

Preventing discomfort before it escalates into serious conditions.
Offering peace of mind through regular monitoring and professional advice.
Strengthening your bond with your pup through attentive care tailored to their unique needs.

By staying informed and vigilant about symptoms like blood in your dog’s pee, you’re ensuring their health and happiness every step of the way.

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Final Thoughts

Blood in your dog’s urine is not something to ignore—it’s a sign that something within their body needs attention. By understanding potential causes like UTIs, stones, trauma, or toxins and seeking prompt veterinary care when needed, you’re taking an important step toward safeguarding their wellness.

Remember that while home remedies can complement care for mild cases (like hydration support), always consult a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans tailored specifically for your furry friend!

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