Blood in Dog Urine

by Barb
(Kalamazoo, MI USA)

I am scared of what this might be. Can somebody help. I plan on taking her to the vet soon, but am wondering has anyone else have this happen to there dog?

My dog Anna was spayed when she was 6 months old. She is now 8 years old.

My husband and Anna have been together for 6 years doing everything and going everywhere together when my husband had an accident that put him in the hospital for 4 months. The trauma of separation really hit her hard. She wouldn't eat or do any of the things that she used to do. I finally was able to take her to see my husband and she seemed better after that.

That was 1 1/2 years ago. Now my husband is home and still recovering. Anna (my dog)senses whenever something is wrong and runs and hides in the bathroom. She has been under tremendous stress this last year, but enjoys being with my husband and I.

She is the only thing that is normal in our lives right now and I noticed on one of her walks recently that she had a little spotting of blood in her urine. It wasn't all the time. Just once or twice then it went away. Then on another walk there was a little clump of blood (like a little tiny piece of skin or something). Then it stopped.

On our last walk when she urinated it was a brownish color but had no smell to it. (I got a sample in a sterile urine container that I got from work to take to the vet). When she goes to the bathroom she will go (I think) her normal flow, then as she walks it is just a dribble or two (which I was told is common for dogs on a walk to do this). She doesn't winch when you touch her tummy. Her energy is still that of a puppy. She loves to run and play. Her appetite is still the same as it always was and her drinking is the same also, no more, no less. Can anyone help?

Editor

Suggestion Regarding Blood in Dog Urine

Dear Barb,

Sorry to hear about the blood in dog urine problem and your husband's health problems.

It is understood that companion animals have a close social bond with owners. They surely feel bad and get stressed when they get separated or are grieving.

Stress can cause a disturbance in the normal behavior of companion animal and routine intake of nutrients gets disturbed. Also, some health problems may arise over time, which are possibly systemic and chronic in nature.

It is likely that the dog urinary tract problem occurred when your dog was experiencing the separation anxiety, and the problem has been building up over time. These clinical signs that you are seeing should be checked in detail.

The passing of blood in dog urine is never a normal sign. It occurs only when the surface of the urinary tract gets inflamed and bruised. It occurs in cases of infection, urinary stones or calculi (mineral deposits).

As you said, appetite, energy levels and physiological strength of your dog seems normal, but even then it is better to go for a detailed examination. Most important is the laboratory diagnosis, which should start with X-Rays or Ultrasonography and then urinalysis and complete blood work. Radiography and laboratory tests will surely reveal the underlying cause for blood in urine symptom.

Also, in diagnosing urinary tract problems, a dogs history is very important, so make sure that you give every bit of information regarding any past health problem, drugs administered, food given etc. to your veterinarian.

While your dog is being diagnosed for the underlying cause of the problem, we recommend you give your dog plenty of clean drinking water, food with lower amounts of minerals and some natural remedies to help maintain urinary tract and immune system health. A good choice for urinary support is UTI free and to support the immune system, a good choice is Immunity and Liver Support.

You can use natural remedies along with the specific therapy recommended by your veterinarian as support.

Best of luck and please keep us up to date on your dogs blood in urine problem.

Dog Blood in Urine

by Bonnie
(Windsor Canada)

Reader Question: My dog was diagnosed with cancer. He was administered Prednisone 4 days ago and is having blood in the urine. Is this normal?

Editor Comment Dog Blood in Urine

Dear Bonnie,

Thank you for your question and sorry to hear about the canine cancer diagnosis.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid, and is used for immunosuppression. Immunosuppression may be the desired effect of corticosteroid therapy in this case in order to maintain cellular integrity and strength. Unfortunately there are severe side effects related to its use.

It’s unfortunate that your dog has developed an adverse effect of prednisone, indicating that you should be careful with its use. Moreover, it is also possible that if therapy with prednisone is halted at once, it can cause a severe hormonal imbalance and your dog may experience additional severe complications including circulatory shock and death, so it is recommended that it is better to continue the therapy.

There are other additional measures that might be required to address the side effects.

Prednisone can cause several side effects such as polyuria (excess passage of urine), polydipsia (abnormal thirst), gastric ulcers, diarrhea, vomiting, skin problems and alopecia (hair loss) with increased susceptibility to infections including the urinary system.

Your dog is probably experiencing some kind of urinary infection. The passing of blood in the urine is never a normal symptom. You should note any other symptoms as well, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, abdominal pain, mild to severe anorexia, black stool etc. Be sure to discuss theses symptoms with your veterinarian who can recommend additional supportive measures.

Remember that discontinuing canine prednisone therapy can lead to even more complicated problems for your pet.

Take Care and our thoughts are with you and your sick dog. Please keep us updated on your dog's condition.

Bloody Urine in Multiple Dogs

by Anthony
(Pittsburgh)

I have two pit bulls, Ginger who is almost two and rebal who is three. Both are experiencing bloody urine. Ginger has lost her appetite and rebal still has his. It seems odd to me that they are both having similar symptoms at the same time time. Is it possible they could have been poisoned and how long does it take for the affects of poisoning to appear.

I am very concerned because the dogs are with my girlfriend and we are moving to Pittsburgh from Georgia, in the next couple days. also both dogs have experienced weight loss.

Editor Suggestion Bloody Urine in Multiple Dogs

Dear Anthony,

I, too, am concerned that you have two dogs with bloody urine. Of course it is possible that just by chance they have completely unrelated problems, but my biggest worry would be that they got into a type of rodent poison that can cause potentially life-threatening bleeding in dogs.

You should definitely get both of them to the veterinarian. Even if poisoning is not to blame, you are better off finding out what the problem is before you move than having to deal with whatever develops in a new and unfamiliar location.

Regards,

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Blood in Dog Urine

Blood in Urine Reader Question: We have a 10 year old female dog, she has been spayed 10 years ago. Just recently she started bleeding when she makes her water.

We have had her to the vet and they gave her infection pills twice - Amoxicillin - and it helped while she was on them but as soon as they were finished she starts bleeding in her pee again.

What can we do to help her? She eats and drinks fine and I don't think she is in any pain as she is content. She is part Rotti and Doberman and Shep. Can you give us some advice on what we can do. We sure don't want anything to happen to her and we just can't put her down. She is not sick, just problem with the blood in the urine.

dog Blood in Urine Dog Health Guide Editor Commoent:

Dear Yvonne,

Thank you for submitting your question and sorry to hear about the dog blood in urine problem.

The passing of blood in the urine is specifically termed, “Hematuria”, and it is never considered to be a normal sign. The condition may represent some type of underlying cause.

A urinary tract problem may be characterized by certain symptoms such as frequent urination, pain during urination, anorexia (appetite loss), stress and passing of blood and pus in the urine. But, in some cases, a patient might not show any symptoms at all or show only one symptom, as in this case.

As you said, your dog is not showing any other symptoms excluding the passing of blood in the urine. Most probably, your dog’s urinary tract is having some sub clinical problem, which means a developing problem which has not yet reached clinical importance.

This can be anything; you should carefully watch for other symptoms, like any signs of stress, unusual behavior during urination; like stress or straining etc.

Moreover, you have already administered antibiotics i.e. amoxicillin, which was helpful in overcoming the symptom. But, remember that the underlying cause hasn’t been definitely diagnosed. In such a case, even specific drugs may not help to resolve the problem completely.

You should take your dog back to the veterinarian for a detailed diagnosis, including urinalysis, blood tests and x-rays if needed. Once the problem is diagnosed, follow your veterinarian's directions carefully; treatment may include some specific and supportive drugs, adjustments in feeding etc.

You should discuss the problem with your veterinarian in detail and get her dog food adjusted, to reduce any stress on the urinary system. Be sure to choose high quality products that have lower proteins, minerals and higher energy levels. All the relevant dog foods meant for urinary tract problems need a prescription. Good choices are Hill's Prescription Diet k/d or UTI Royal Canin Food.

Also, offer your dog a lot of clean drinking water and make sure that it drinks it frequently in smaller volumes.

In addition, you can use a natural remedy for support such as the product Kidney Support. This will help in reducing stress on the urinary system and will help in soothing the dog urinary tract, including handling any problem in it, but remember this is for support only. Your pet needs to be properly examined and diagnosed for any underlying problem.

Please keep us up to date on your dog's condition.

Yorkie has Blood in Urine

by Lisa
(Grand Rapids MI)

Blood in Dog Urine Reader Question: I have a 3 year old male 3-4 lb yorkie. About 6 weeks ago I noticed blood in his urine.

The vet put him on an antibiotic Clavomox? without a steriod and it didn't go away. Then Clavomox with a steroid and it didn't go away then another antibiotic - 1/2 tablet of a tan pill per day. He also was put on an UTI Royal Canin food and has had no other food.

After the last antibiotic it seems to bet better than go back to having blood in the urine again. Last two potties last night were just a tad darker and this morning seemed clear again.

The vet has also tested samples and no crystals were found. Tomorrow they will be taking a sterile sample.

Any input would be appreciated

Thank you.

Dog Blood in Urine Question Editor Response:

Dear Lisa,

Thank you for sharing your experience with a dog blood in urine problem.

Urinary tract problems in dogs are represented by several signs such as pain while urinating, straining, frequent but reduced volumes of urine, passing of blood in the urine and sometimes a cloudy appearance due to pus.

Since these symptoms are general in nature, thus are usually exhibited in most dog urinary problems , confirmation of any specific underlying cause of the condition is done with laboratory tests such as urinalysis and with x-rays to see if there are any obstructions such as stones in the urinary tract.

As far as treatment is concerned, treatment of canine urinary tract problems always depends upon forming a definite diagnosis; any attempt to proceed with a specific therapy without confirmation usually does not succeed.

The administration of preventive doses of antibiotics and supportive drugs is often mandatory to prevent any further development or complications. Your vet might be administering preventive doses of antibiotics, which do not appear effective but these doses surely are helping to prevent any further complications.

UTI Royal Canin Food is an effective option, which helps to improve the health status of the affected urinary tract and also prevents the gathering of crystals and minerals within the tract.

Follow the instructions of your veterinarian carefully and communicate even minor symptoms and developments while the condition is is being diagnosed. Moreover, give your dog plenty of clean and hygienic water to to drink and avoid any mineral supplementation in food.

You can try some natural remedies such as Kidney Support or products that boost the immune system such as Immunity & Liver Support Formula, but remember that you should discuss it with your veterinarian prior to administration; whether you should give these types of supplements while a diagnosis is being made or not. Latter on, these natural remedies can be administered along with the specific prescribed treatment; which will surely help in achieving a hastened recovery.

Please keep us up to date on your dog's condition.

Dog Blood in Urine, Symptoms and Causes

by Sketch
(Terre Haute, IN, USA)

We first noticed some drops of blood on the tile in the kitchen about a week ago, and since then we have figured out that it is coming from our dog, a 10 year old Besingi.

At first, he seemed normal, but recently he's been very "clingy" and attention-starved and he has been going to the door a LOT more often than normal. He doesn't appear to be in any pain, and after palpating his stomach and chest, nothing seems to be causing him any pain.

I am told that this is mostly caused by a dog bladder stone. Is it possible that he could simply pass the stone and the problem will be rectified? Or do we have to do surgery?

I love my dog dearly, and I hate to think that I may have to lose him simply because I can't afford to have an operation done.

Thank you.

Editor Suggestion: Dog Blood in Urine

The passing of dog blood in urine is never a normal sign. It is a symptom associated with several possible conditions, which can be identified through exhibited symptoms. It is important to note that even if symptoms indicate a particular condition, a confirmed diagnosis can only be made with a clinical examination by a veterinarian and any required laboratory tests.

Here, we can analyze the condition for you and only recommend some supportive measures. Specific treatment should only be based on the recommendations of an attending veterinarian.

First, the passing of dog blood in urine may be the result of urinary tract infections, injuries, tumors or due to urinary tract calculi or stones. Fresh blood mixed with urine represents either urinary tract stones or cancer. On the other hand, cloudy urine with pus in it and blood with pus at end of the urine stream represents a canine urinary tract infection.

Similarly, other symptoms such as pain during micturation (urination), straining, frequent but lesser volumes each time urinating may be common in all kinds of urinary tract problems.

Blood may also pass in dog urine due to stress, weakened immunity and allergens in the food being given to your pet. This is one of the most common reasons for the passing of blood without any accompanying symptom, like pain, reduced volumes of urine or frequent urination etc.

So, the passing of blood in dog urine may not only occur in cases of canine bladder stones, there are other possibilities as well, which should be considered when diagnosing the condition.

If possible, we recommend that you get your dog checked by a veterinarian and at least get basic tests done for confirmation of the condition.

According to the symptoms you describe, the cause does not appear to be canine bladder stones. for your information, if it does turn out to be canine bladder stones, treatment depends upon the severity of the condition, the type and size of the stones.

There are some steps that you can take to help your dog. To support your dog's immune system, urinary tract and kidney health, we recommend the use of a few natural remedies. Product suggestions include Kidney Support to strengthen the urinary system and kidneys, and Immunity and Liver Support for the immune system.

To reduce stress, which is probably the cause of this condition, use a homeopathic remedy such as Pet Calm. Along with this remedy, you can reduce dog stress by arranging some playful activities to keep your dog busy. Try spending more time with your pet. Offer a lot of clean drinking water and make sure that your dog urinates normally and as many times as it requires. One approach would be to take your do on one additional walk each day. This would encourage drinking and increased urination (urination naturally cleans the urinary tract).

Best of luck to you and your dog and we hope these tips help with the dog blood in urine problem. Be sure to visit a veterinarian when you can, particularly if symptoms worsen such as changes in urination.

Please keep us up to date on your dogs condition.