What to Do When Your Dog Pees Blood (Hematuria): Causes, Treatment, and Care276

Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a common and often alarming symptom in dogs. While it can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, it can also be caused by relatively minor issues like urinary tract infections or bladder stones. Understanding the causes and treatment options for hematuria is essential for any dog owner to ensure the well-being of their furry friend.

Causes of Hematuria in Dogs

The causes of hematuria in dogs can be divided into two categories: upper urinary tract disorders and lower urinary tract disorders.

Upper Urinary Tract Disorders

Kidney stones
Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
Kidney cancer
Bladder cancer
Prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
Urethral obstruction
Urinary tract injury

Lower Urinary Tract Disorders

Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Bladder stones
Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina in female dogs)
Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland in male dogs)
Urethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra)

Symptoms of Hematuria in Dogs

The most obvious symptom of hematuria is the presence of blood in your dog's urine. The urine may be pink, red, or brown, depending on the severity of the bleeding. Other symptoms may include:
Frequent urination
Straining to urinate
Painful urination
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Fever

Diagnosis of Hematuria in Dogs

If you suspect that your dog has hematuria, it is important to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination and ask you about your dog's symptoms. They may also order some tests, such as:
Urinalysis
Blood test
X-rays
Ultrasound

These tests can help the veterinarian determine the cause of the hematuria and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment of Hematuria in Dogs

The treatment for hematuria will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, treatment may be as simple as antibiotics for a urinary tract infection. In other cases, more extensive treatment, such as surgery, may be necessary.

If the cause of the hematuria is not known, the veterinarian may recommend a "trial of therapy." This involves giving your dog antibiotics to see if the hematuria resolves. If it does, then the veterinarian will assume that the cause of the hematuria was a bacterial infection.

Care for Dogs with Hematuria

While your dog is being treated for hematuria, there are some things you can do at home to help them recover:
Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water. This will help to flush out the bacteria and toxins from the urinary tract.
Feed your dog a high-quality diet. This will help to support their immune system and overall health.
Avoid giving your dog treats or table scraps. These can irritate the urinary tract and make the hematuria worse.
Keep your dog clean and dry. This will help to prevent infection.
Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular checkups. This will help to ensure that the hematuria is being treated effectively and that there are no underlying health problems.

Prognosis for Dogs with Hematuria

The prognosis for dogs with hematuria depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a minor issue, such as a urinary tract infection, the prognosis is usually good. However, if the cause is a more serious condition, such as kidney cancer, the prognosis may be more guarded.

Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for improving the prognosis for dogs with hematuria. If you suspect that your dog has hematuria, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

2025-02-08

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