Peeing Blood in Dogs

You take your dog out for his usual walk and notice that his urine looks darker than usual.  The urine has an orangey, red color to it. You may also notice that your companion appears uncomfortable when passing urine. There are various reasons a dog may have blood in his urine such as:

• Urinary tract infection
• Tumors
• Kidney or bladder stones 
• Poisoning
• Injury
• Prostate disorders
• Estrus

If your dog has urine that is red, orange or brown he should be seen by a veterinarian.  The different shades are a good indication that there is blood in his urine.  The medical term for blood in the urine is hematuria. Hematuria is a symptom of an underlying condition, which may be serious.

A dog may have blood in his urine due to:

Urinary Tract Infection

The dog's urinary tract is comprised of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A urinary tract bacterial infection is usually found in the bladder or the urethra. Urinary tract infections can be very painful.

Tumors

Tumors may cause blood in the urine.  Tumors may be non-malignant (benign) or malignant (cancerous). In the event of a tumor, your dog’s stomach may be distended.

Kidney or Bladder Stones 

Stones are a collection of minerals that form in the urinary bladder or kidneys. The stones may range from small to large.  In addition to blood in the urine, your dog may show signs of straining and frequent urination. 

Poisoning

Your dog may have blood in his urine because he ingested a toxic substance.  Other symptoms of poisoning may include lethargy, coughing, swollen abdomen and respiratory distress.

Injury

If a canine experiences an injury such as a substantial fall, a kick or a vehicular trauma, he may be bleeding internally.  Internal bleeding may cause blood to be in the urine.

Prostate Disorders

Male dogs may have an infection, cancer, cysts or abscess in his prostate.  Dogs with prostate disorders may have blood in the urine, labored urination and a decrease in urination. Dogs that are not neutered are more prone to prostate issues.

Estrus        

During estrus, female dogs will bleed.  The menstrual blood may mix with urine, which will appear as blood in the urine.

If your dog is peeing blood he should be seen by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will examine the dog and determine the cause of the blood in the urine. The veterinarian may suggest a few diagnostic tests, which may include a complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry panel, urinalysis, culture, x-rays and an ultrasound.

Infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Dogs with tumors may have to undergo surgery. If the tumor is malignant, the patient may also have chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

If your dog has stones he will need to be placed on a diet which is low in protein, magnesium and phosphorous.  Stones may need to be surgically removed. In the event that poisoning is suspected, hospitalization may be recommended. Once hospitalized, your dog can receive 24/7 intensive care. 

If your dog is injured and has an internal injury he will need surgery. Patients with prostate issues may need antibiotics and in some cases, surgery. The owner of a dog that undergoes surgery will be given postoperative instructions by the surgical team.  The patient will have to wear a cone until the sutures are removed by the veterinarian.

Sometimes urinary tract infections can be prevented with proper hygiene and ensuring that your dog is drinking enough water.  Female dogs that are not regularly groomed may transmit feces into their urinary tract.  Adding a tiny bit of sweet potato in their water may help a dog to drink more water.  

Most male dogs with prostate disorders are intact.  Neutering your pet may prevent health and behavior issues.  Female dogs should be spayed.  Females dogs, which are not spayed will go into estrus. Female dogs that are not spayed are also more prone to false pregnancy, mastitis, and mammary cysts.

It is important to keep toxic substances away from dogs and small children.  Additionally, dogs should not be left outside for extended periods of time. Unsupervised dogs can escape their yard and may become victims of abuse or vehicular trauma. 

It is recommended that dogs have yearly wellness visits. Wellness visits can ensure that your dog is healthy. They may also help diagnose conditions in the early stages. Diseases and conditions diagnosed in the early stages have a better recovery prognosis.

Cost of treatment will vary depending on the diagnosis.  Urinary tract infections may cost $350 to treat. To treat bladder stones, the cost may be $1200 and prostatic cancer treatment costs may be $6500. Poisoning by certain substances can have a treatment cost of $3500.