Why is my dog urinating blood?

One of the most common signs of potential health problems in dogs is when they pee blood or blood-tinged pee. When a dog urinates blood, it is called hematuria, which can be caused by various factors – from inflammation of the dog’s bladder, other urinary tract infections to more serious underlying diseases such as babesiosis or cancer.

It is important that pet owners who notice their dog urinating blood seek immediate veterinary care, as this can be a serious health problem that requires immediate treatment.

Why is my dog urinating blood?

There are many possible causes of hematuria in dogs, some of which are relatively minor and easily treatable, while others may be more serious and require urgent medical intervention. Some of the most common causes of blood in a dog’s urine are as follows:

• Urinary tract infections. One of the most common reasons why dogs urinate blood is a urinary tract infection. This can be caused by various bacteria, which can lead to inflammation of the dog’s bladder, inflammation and irritation of the dog’s urethra, which can cause blood to appear in the urine.
• Bladder stones. Bladder stones, also known as uroliths, are mineral deposits that can develop in a dog’s urinary tract. These stones can irritate and damage the bladder and surrounding tissues, causing the dog to urinate blood or blood-tinged urine.
• Trauma. Injuries to the urinary tract, such as a fall or blow to the abdomen, can cause a dog to urinate blood. Trauma can damage the blood vessels in the urinary tract, causing bleeding.
• Cancer. Although less common, cancer can also cause blood in a dog’s urine. Tumors in the urinary tract can cause bleeding, as well as other symptoms such as frequent urination and difficulty urinating.
• Other causes. In addition to the above, there are many other possible reasons why a dog may urinate blood, including autoimmune diseases, clotting disorders, and certain medications.

What to do if your dog is bleeding and how to help?

If an animal owner notices blood in their dog’s urine, they should consult a veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, including urine analysis, blood tests, and possibly imaging tests (X-ray and ultrasound) to determine the underlying cause of the hematuria.

The treatment plan and options always depend on the underlying cause of blood in the urine. Antibiotics may be prescribed for urinary tract infections, while bladder stones may require surgical removal. Other treatment options may include medications to help control bleeding or manage underlying health conditions.

How to prevent blood in a dog’s urine?

There are several steps that pet owners can take to help prevent their dogs from urinating blood:

• Always provide your dog with fresh, clean water.
• Encourage regular urination to prevent stones from forming in the bladder.
• Maintain your dog’s optimal weight to reduce the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.
• Have your pet checked regularly by a veterinarian once a year to monitor their overall health and detect any potential problems early on.

Why visit a veterinary clinic?

In summary, if a dog urinates blood or blood-tinged urine, this should be a cause for concern for the responsible owner and may signal serious health problems in the dog.

If your dog is urinating blood, reddish or red urine, contact the specialists at Begemotas Veterinary Clinic immediately. At the Begemotas Veterinary Clinic in Vilnius, you will receive all the necessary emergency veterinary care every day and without queues. A veterinarian will perform the necessary tests and select the most appropriate treatment plan for you and your pet.