Blood in Dog Urine – What You Need to Know

Blood in dog urine is not always a serious problem with the eventual treatment of the condition dependent on the cause. No matter what you suspect as the cause, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Causes of Blood in Dog Urine Infection is one of most common reasons for blood in dog’s urine. The infection may find its way into multiple points in the urinary system including the prostate, bladder (cystitis), kidneys (pyelonephritis), and the urethra (urethritis). The infection will cause inflammation in each of these areas. Other causes include stones in the bladder and kidney, injury, the presence of a tumor (neoplasia), urethral prolapse (when the tube which carries urine from the body collapses), and poisoning from a medication your dog is taking. It is possible that the cause cannot be identified. Diagnosis of Blood in Dog Urine Diagnosis of blood in dog’s urine starts with a physical examination of your dog’s stomach and history. Urine tests will determine if your pet is suffering from infection. The test will also determine if crystals are present to see if there might be stones in the bladder or kidney. If stones are suspected then your dog will probably be treated for this condition first to see if there is a positive response. Other tests include anything that can help your veterinarian look into your dog’s urinary system such as ultrasound and x-rays. A drop of blood on the penis is a symptom of a collapsed urethra. Treatment for Blood in Dog Urine If your dog has an infection then antibiotics will be prescribed. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine how the bacteria entered the body. For example, if the bacteria entered the body through the same area where urine leaves the body then an improvement is needed in your dog’s hygiene such as the cleanliness of the environment. Urine itself is natures way of cleaning your dog’s urinary tract. If your dog is not urinating enough, then bacteria might have a chance to take hold. To increase the volume and frequency of urination your veterinarian may recommend a switch to a canned dog food since these types of food have more moisture and confirmation that your dog always has access to clean drinking water. Special diets are available for dogs with a canine urinary tract health problem. If infection is a recurring problem and is causing blood in dog’s urine, then you might also want to consider a natural supplement which is designed to maintain the right PH in the urinary tract. PH is your bodies way of adjusting the urea, the substance in urine, to kill any bacteria. Ingredients such as Arctostaphylos uva ursi have clinical support for their effectiveness in the urinary tract. In the rare case that your dog has a tumor, then surgery may be recommended as an option for treatment of the blood in dog’s urine.

Jeff Grill is an editor of the Dog Health Guide and has written on many dog health problems. See this site for more information on Blood in Dog Urine treatment options.

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