Urinating Foam in Dogs

It can be a little concerning if you notice your dog is urinating foam. You need to watch closely when your dog urinates to try and determine if the foamy appearance is coming from your dog’s body or if it is bubbly and foaming when the urine comes into contact with the ground. If the urine looks foamy when it comes into contact with the ground, this may not be a cause for concern, especially if the weather conditions are very cold or very hot. 

Foamy urine may be a sign of excessive protein in the urine and could be a symptom of kidney failure. This is called proteinuria. Many times this is characterized by changes in urinary habits, appearance, and smell of the urine. If you suspect your dog has excess protein in their urine, you need to make an appointment with your veterinarian quickly. 

Some dogs that urinate foam may also have an infection in the kidneys or in the bladder. You may notice that your dog is straining to urinate or they seem to feel pain when they urinate. This is a condition that needs to be quickly diagnosed by your veterinarian. 

Medications can cause your dog to urinate foam. Prednisone and other steroidal medications can cause your dog’s urine to appear bubbly or foamy. Antibiotic such as Temaril or Clavamox can also cause foamy urine. Possible causes of why your dog is urinating foam include:

• Proteinuria
• Infection
• Medication

Proteinuria

Proteinuria is when there is an excessive amount of protein in the urine. This will cause your dog to urinate foam and is a main symptom of kidney failure. Your dog will need to be seen by your veterinarian so diagnostic tests can be performed to determine whether or not your dog is going into kidney failure. Once your veterinarian has determined proteinuria as a cause of your dog urinating foam, they can then discuss treatment options with you. 

Infection

Urinary tract infections or kidney infections can cause your dog’s urine to appear foamy. When your dog urinates, you will see foam or bubbly urine. You may notice a change in the color or smell of your dog’s urine. They may be straining to urinate or seem to be in pain when they urinate. All of these are symptoms of an infection. You will need to make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

Medication

Certain medications can cause your dog’s thirst to increase and they will consume for water. When they drink more, they will have to urinate more and their urine can appear to be foamy or bubbly. Steroids such as prednisone and antibiotics such as Temaril or Clavamox have been known to cause dogs to urinate foam. If you notice foamy urine, speak with your veterinarian about possible side effects of any medications that your dog is currently taking.

Anytime you notice something that is off with your dog, you should take time and fully assess your dog’s health. Monitor their water consumption, how often and how much they urinate. Also note how much foam or bubbles are produced when urinating. When you go in for your veterinary appointment, this information will help your veterinarian know where to begin their search for the correct diagnosis. 

A urinalysis will help determine if your dog is suffering from an infection or if there is excess protein in the urine. Once the diagnosis has been made, your veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you and prognosis. After a treatment plan has been decided, be sure to follow instructions carefully and ask any questions about side effects and timeline for recovery.

When your dog is on medications, be sure to ask questions about side effects. If the medication that your dog is currently taking may cause your dog to urinate foam, then you need to let your veterinarian know that your dog is experiencing this side effect. Changes in medication may be necessary if the foamy urine is excessive. Your veterinarian may need to re-examine your dog before concluding that the medication is causing the problem.

Proper diet and plenty of clean water will help your dog to not develop an infection. A clean environment, including clean bedding, will also help prevent bacteria or dirt from getting into your dog’s urethra and causing an infection. 

General check ups will also prevent your dog from becoming extremely ill from excess protein or an infection. Your veterinarian will be able to hopefully catch any changes within the urine and treat any problems that occur.

The expense to treat excess protein in the urine can be costly, depending on the severity of the condition. Costs can range from $500 to $3000. Treating a urinary tract infection can range from $300 to $1000, again depending on the severity of the infection.