Pay attention to any changes in your canine’s behaviour such as an increase in urination, pain during urination, or visible blood mixed with urine. Such circumstances call for an immediate veterinary attention and urinalysis test. What causes bloody urine in dogs? Is the blood in dog urine caused by stress?
Without a doubt, blood in dog urine is a worrying sign to dog parents. In most cases, they often take their dogs to the vet immediately, fearing for the worst. Though some are minor conditions that can be easily treated, an early preventive measure is always the best course. Moreover, it is important to understand all procedures. As such, we will help you make sense of some potential causes of the presence of blood in dog urine.
Understanding blood in dog urine
Haematuria is the medical term for the blood that we see in urine. Recognising the signs of blood in dog urine is not as easy as it seems. As a matter of fact, blood in dog urine is not always visibly noticeable. At times, it takes a diagnostic test to spot the presence of blood. The discolouration appears as almost normal, amber, orange, red, or brown. It usually appears with a pinkish tint rather than bright red blood in dog urine. If it does appear in bright red colour, the problem most likely comes from the rectum area or the vagina for females.
The following is an outline of the possible causes of blood in dog urine and quick tips on what you can do about the matter.
Oestrus cycle
A female dog in heat undergoes the oestrus cycle. You have nothing to worry if this is the case with your dog. As part of their nature, it occurs every six months.
What to do:
- If you are living with other male dogs whilst the female is on heat, use Vicks VapoRub at the base of her tail to deter the scent.
- Buy disposable dog diapers to solve the problem of uncontrollable bloody discharge of your pooch.
- Comfort your pooch in heat by playing soothing music such as classical ones.
Bladder stones or crystals
Bladder stones or crystals are also known as urolithiasis which commonly occurs in dogs. There are two types of bladder stones commonly found in dogs: struvite stones and calcium oxalate stones. The said stones are lodged in the urinary tract which makes urination painful and difficult to do. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from this condition, confirm it by bringing your dog to the vet.
What to do:
- Provide plenty of meat to your pooch to acidify his urine. Check the content of commercial pet foods that contain protein from grains; it makes the urine alkaline.
- Give your dog access to fresh water at all times. This is to help remove debris and bacteria that cause bladder infections.
- Provide him with a natural diuretic diet, such as corn silk and parsley. This is to remove fluid from the body. Prepare fresh chopped parsley about a half to one teaspoon in a day for dogs weighing less than fifteen pounds. For bigger dogs, you may feed it with one to two teaspoons a day.
UTI or urinary tract infection
UTI is caused by bacterial infections affecting the urinary tract. This condition is the most common cause of the presence of blood in dog urine. Symptoms are often accompanied by a slight fever, pain or difficulty in urination, and frequent licking around his rear end. Further, proper treatment can be performed by your veterinarian with prescribed antibiotics.
What to do:
- Encourage your pooch to drink more water.
- Provide supplementation to lessen the symptoms of urinary tract infection, such as vitamin B and antioxidants.
- Beware of food that can worsen UTI:
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Dairy products
- Tomatoes
Prostate complications
Prostate complications can occur to any dogs but most especially to unneutered male dogs. Bloody urine is one of its symptoms along with enlarged prostate gland, difficulty in defaecating, and laboured urination. This condition can be avoided by neutering your dog at the right age.
What to do:
- Saw palmetto is a palm plant with berries that can be used to treat cough, digestion, urinary tract, and even libido problems. You may provide a quarter of the human dosage for small dogs and full dosage for larger dog breeds. However, this should not be used as a treatment for dogs having kidney or liver diseases.
- Provide your dog with quercetin, an antioxidant flavonoid, as a supplementation. It is naturally found in citrus fruits, apples, parsley, broccoli, or dark berries.
RELATED: 9 Veggies and Fruits That Dogs Can Eat
Pyometra
Where prostate complications predominantly affect intact male dogs, pyometra only affects unspayed female dogs. The condition is characterised by two types, which can either be open or closed. It is an open pyometra when there is a discharge of blood and pus from the vagina. It usually produces a foul smell. As for closed pyometra, the cervix is closed and the infection cannot be drained out of the uterus. It is more dangerous than the former as the dog can become very sick with symptoms accompanied by vomiting and diarrhoea.
Pyometra usually occurs two to eight weeks after the heat cycle. As such, it is often confused as part of the heat cycle.
What to do:
- Provide her with a dosage of manuka honey which can be bought in a lot of health food stores. If there is none available, this can be substituted with raw honey.
- Add vitamin C to her diet.
- If your pooch is being uncooperative in taking these recommended remedies, you may mix it with cooked chicken or liver.
Poisoning
Poisoning apparently happens the moment your pooch has ingested poisonous substances that are naturally designed to poison animals. The most common comes from mice and rat poison that contain warfarin, leading to clotting and worse, a painful death.
Further, take any form of poisoning seriously. If you have been suspecting your dog to have ingested such a dangerous substance, it is best to promptly take him to the vet for proper treatment. Blood found in the urine is amongst the symptoms of poisoning in dogs. Other symptoms can develop very quickly which can become acute or severe. Watch out when your dog shows signs of general discomfort, pain, whimpering or unhappiness, unusual posture or stance, as well as blood in his urine.
What to do:
- Collect any remaining poison or suspected substance that you can find, including the vomit. This can help your vet in identifying the type of poison.
- Call your vet or the RSPCA immediately for help.
- Whilst on the phone with the staff, be ready to tell them important information such as your dog’s breed, age, sex, and weight. From there, professionals will take over for the next course of action.
RELATED: These 13 Plants Are Poisonous to Your Pets
Have you got more questions? Read more on pet health advice at UK Pets blog.
