Why is my dog peeing blood?
Let’s be honest. There are some things in life we never want to deal with. And for dog owners, seeing blood in your pet’s pee is definitely one of them.
In the worst-case scenario, it could mean something serious - but don’t panic just yet. It’s good to know that this isn’t always life-threatening.
There are actually a bunch of reasons for why your dog is peeing blood and might be straining when doing so. So, let’s break it down, figure out what’s going on, and most importantly, talk about what you can do to help.
How old is your pooch? Dogs can have blood in their pee at any age, but how old they are can help point to the cause. For example, in younger dogs, it’s often linked to familial hematuria, which is a hereditary condition. On the other hand, if your older dog is showing this symptom, the most common culprit is cancer.
Gender also matters here. Female dogs are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs), and those can sometimes lead to blood in their urine.
The medical term for blood in the urine is hematuria, and it can signal a range of underlying causes – some mild, and others more serious. These might include UTIs (often in females), hereditary issues (younger dogs), or cancer (older dogs).
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What symptoms should I watch out for?
The most obvious sign is the blood itself, which might change your dog’s pee to shades like amber, red, orange, or even brown and bright red. Your dog might also start peeing more often than usual or show signs of discomfort, like tummy pain. In some cases, you might even see bruising under their skin caused by tiny blood vessel leaks.
However, sometimes blood in the urine isn’t obvious, especially if there isn’t much of it. You might not even notice a difference in the color of their pee unless it’s tested during a routine check-up or while you’re actually looking into another health issue.
Oh, one other thing – if your dog has eaten beet recently this can affect the color of their pee. If they aren’t showing any of the other tell-tale signs, it’s worth thinking back to what they’ve been eating before you hit the panic button – it might save you a lot of stress!
What’s causing the blood in my dog’s urine?
Age aside, there are plenty of other reasons why your dog might have blood in their urine. Here are some common causes:
Sometimes blood shows up because of an infection – whether it’s in your dog’s bladder, kidneys, prostate, or urethra. These areas can become vulnerable to bacteria, especially if your dog’s immune defenses are weakened. Older pooches and those with conditions like diabetes are more at risk, so keep an eye out for signs of trouble.
Tumors
Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors are pretty common in dogs. While most don’t cause issues unless they’re in sensitive areas, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you notice any growths on your dog get your vet to check them out quickly to rule out anything serious.
Stones
Kidney or bladder stones could also be the culprit. These form when minerals in your dog’s pee clump together into tiny crystals, and if they get large enough they form a stone, which can cause a lot of discomfort. A major warning sign is if your pup seems to be in pain when peeing – don’t wait, call the vet!
If you’re dog’s peeing blood and straining, it might be a sign that they’ve ingested something toxic. Rat poison is a common example, but poisoning can also come with other symptoms like lethargy, coughing, breathing troubles, or an unwillingness to exercise. If you suspect poisoning, get help right away.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections happen when bad bacteria get into your dog’s urinary tract. Blood in their urine is often a key symptom, alongside difficulty peeing, losing bladder control, and being in pain while peeing. You might also notice a stronger-than-normal smell or your dog obsessively licking around their urinary opening.
Injuries
Dogs are often getting into trouble (which is a reason why many of us love them so much!) so if they’ve recently experienced physical trauma, it could explain why your dog’s peeing dark red blood, for example. Report any injuries to the vet – they’ll want to evaluate what’s going on internally.
Prostate issues (male dogs)
Male dogs can suffer from prostatic diseases, with seven possible types that could lead to blood in their urine. These include:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Squamous metaplasia
- Cystic hyperplasia
- Bacterial infection
- Prostatic abscess
- Paraprostatic cysts
- Prostatic cancer
As well as blood in their urine, you might notice symptoms like trouble peeing, a weak urine stream, or even difficulty pooping.
Estrus (female dogs)
Female dogs bleed when they’re in heat, and while the blood isn’t technically in their urine, it can look that way, since it comes from the same area. This is a natural part of their cycle but can sometimes confuse dog owners.
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How vets diagnose blood in your dog’s pee
If your dog is showing symptoms of peeing blood, don’t delay – it’s crucial to get them to the vet quickly, especially since some of the underlying causes can be very serious. Here’s how the vet might go about pinpointing the issue:
Share what you’ve noticed
Be ready to give a full rundown of any symptoms your dog has had. If they’ve recently been injured or eaten something they shouldn’t have done, let your vet know – it’s all useful information.
Physical check-up
The vet will examine your dog closely to look for signs of swelling, tenderness, or growths. They’ll likely run a complete blood count too, which can reveal any odd levels of red or white blood cells, platelets, and other key markers like calcium or phosphorus.
Urinalysis
Your dog’s pee will be tested for pH levels, minerals, blood cells, hemoglobin, protein, and glucose. If there’s a high concentration of minerals, it could mean crystals or stones, and the vet might examine those under a microscope.
Gender-specific tests
Male dogs may need an ejaculate sample to check for prostate-related issues. For female dogs, the vet might perform a vaginoscopy or cystoscopy to assess their genital health.
Imaging
If the vet suspects a tumor, they might order an ultrasound or X-ray. Sometimes a biopsy is needed to confirm whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
Treating blood in your dog’s pee
How your vet treats your dog will really depend on the diagnosis. Their first priority will be stabilizing your pup, and from there, they’ll tackle the root cause of the problem.
Stabilizing in this case might involve giving intravenous fluids to rehydrate your dog or even a blood transfusion if their red blood cell count is dangerously low.
Stabilizing in this case might involve giving intravenous fluids to rehydrate your dog or even a blood transfusion if their red blood cell count is dangerously low.
Infections
If your dog has an infection — like in their bladder, kidneys, or urinary tract — the vet will probably prescribe antibiotics. The specific type will depend on where the infection is and whether your dog has any history that might influence the treatment plan.
Stones
Bladder or kidney stones? These can sometimes be managed with a special diet low in protein, phosphorus, and magnesium, which helps promote acidic urine. The vet might also recommend increasing your dog’s water intake, but in more severe cases, they may need to remove the stones either surgically or through less invasive methods.
Tumors
Treatment for tumors depends on their location and the vet’s diagnosis. They might even refer you to an oncologist for specialized care.
Poisoning
If poisoning is the culprit, the treatment will depend on what your dog ingested. For example, if it’s rat poison and they’re experiencing vitamin D poisoning, they’ll need to stay on an IV drip until their electrolyte, calcium, and phosphorus levels are back to normal.
The vet might also give them a phosphate binder, like aluminum hydroxide, to help remove the excess phosphorus more quickly.
Injury
If trauma caused the blood in your dog’s urine, the treatment will depend on where the damage is on their body and how severe it is.
Prostate issues
Prostate problems can come from different causes, so treatment varies:
- Bacterial infections: Your dog may need aggressive, long-term antibiotic therapy.
- Benign issues (like hyperplasia or cystic changes): These often occur in unneutered dogs, and neutering is usually enough to fix the problem.
- Cysts or abscesses: These require surgical removal and drainage.
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Helping your dog recover
No matter what’s caused the blood in your dog’s urine, the most important thing you can do is follow your vet’s advice when it comes to care and monitoring. If the issue turns out to be related to diet, the vet will recommend a proper food plan. Always check with them before adding any nutritional or vitamin supplements.
And here’s one thing you can always do – make sure your pup has plenty of fresh, clean water. Keeping them well-hydrated is a small but critical way to help support their recovery.
Blood in the Urine Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Shih Tzu
Ten Years
31 found this helpful
31 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizure
We believe shes around 10 years. Had her first seizure at 1am no more since then. Losing her bladed a few times after(now with what looks like blood in urine), trouble breathing, hanging head.
Not sure if we should take her to emergency vet.
Feb. 14, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
31 Recommendations
Absolutely, you should.
She may have ingested something toxic, have a significant infection or have liver or kidney failure.
The felt will examine her and run tests such as a blood and urine test.
If needed, they will provide anti seizure medicine.
The sooner she is seen the better and wishing her all the best.
Feb. 14, 2021
Was this question and answer helpful?
mix
Eight Years
24 found this helpful
24 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding From Penis
He is bleeding from his penis pretty bad
Oct. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
24 Recommendations
Hi there, you are through to Dr Linda.
Any acute bleeding like this requires urgent vet care and I would not hesitate to have him seen by your local clinic right away.
There are several potential causes for this including a cut, growth that has broken open, infection etc.
Oct. 24, 2020
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Neapolitan mastiff pit mix
Ten Years
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Reddish Brown Coming From Her Vagina And Having Accidents In My House
My dog is 10 years old and has a reddish brown discharge coming from her vagina and she sometimes has a accident in my house and she is only eating her canned dog food and won't touch her dry food and she drinks water and keeps it down can you please tell me what is wrong with my dog
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
11 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If your dog is not spayed, that discharge is very suggestive of a uterine or ovarian infection. That can make dogs very sick, and it would be best to have your dog seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able to examine her and let you know what treatment she needs. I hope that all goes well for her and she feels better soon.
Sept. 29, 2020
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English Springer Spaniel
Seven Years
28 found this helpful
28 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Urine
My dog Gem has a little blood in her urine .. It’s been going on for a few days ..
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
28 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Blood in the urine means there is a problem, and it might be an infection or irritation in the bladder. Those things do not get better without treatment, and Gem needs to see a veterinarian. They will be able to examine her, see what is going on, and get medications for her.
I hope that all goes well for her!
Oct. 5, 2020
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Bichon/poodle
5 yrs
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bloody Urine/Walking Different
My dog has a lot of blood in urine and is walking different than usual
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 21, 2020
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Black Lab
Sadie
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Urine
My spayed female black lab will be 6 yrs in June . She sometimes peeing blood? She’s otherwise normal. Happy & content! But I am worried of course about bloody urin. Can anyone help please?
Bichon Frise
Honey
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Frequent Urination
Drinks A Lot
Blood In The Urine
I have a 9yr old bichon/poodle mix and as soon as she's done eating, she starts peeing and can't even make it to the door. The urine has blood in it. I've taken her to the vet and they gave her a round of antibiotics, but it didn't help. Then I bought some over the counter stuff that's liquid and you add a dropper of it to their food to help with urniary infections, kidney and bladder stones. Been giving that to her for a couple of weeks and that doesn't seem to be helping either. I don't think it's cancer because she doesn't have any of the other symptoms. She doesn't act like she's in any pain.
German Shepherd
toby
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Urine
Fever
my dog start peeing blood this morning during our regular walk, he have fever now. I have found some breed two days ago on the backyard of my house that wasn't ours, the bread was old and my dog grab it but i put it away before he have any chance to eat it but im not sure if he was eating something else beforehand. Do can be poison? do poison can cause fever? Giving the description which kind of issue can be if not poison?
Thank you.
