Hematuria in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care Essentials

UrinaryDiseasesMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Hematuria in dogs is a condition where blood appears in the urine, and it can be caused by various factors such as infections, stones, or other diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Hematuria in Dogs Is a Symptom of Blood in the Urine

A dog owner noticing blood in their dog’s urine after it has used the bathroom

Hematuria in dogs is a symptom characterized by blood in the urine, which can occur when there is inflammation, injury, or tumors in the bladder or urinary tract. - Urinary Tract Infection: When bacteria invade the urinary tract, they cause inflammation and result in blood appearing in the urine. In male dogs, this may be accompanied by prostatitis. - Urinary Stones: Concentrated minerals such as calcium and magnesium can form stones that irritate the mucous membranes, leading to hematuria. This can also impact overall urinary tract health. - Bladder Tumors: These are particularly common in older dogs, with symptoms gradually worsening over time. Confirmation through a biopsy is necessary. - Prostate Disease: Enlargement or inflammation of the prostate in male dogs can be a cause. Hematuria may appear alongside difficulty urinating. - Immune-Mediated Diseases: If the immune system malfunctions and damages tissues, it can lead to hematuria. Blood tests and a comprehensive evaluation are required.

The Main Causes of Hematuria Are Infection, Stones, and Tumors

There are many possible causes of hematuria in dogs, including urinary tract stones, bladder tumors, idiopathic cystitis, and prostate disease. Veterinary textbooks list bacterial cystitis, urinary tract stones, tumors, and prostate bleeding as common causes, making it difficult to pinpoint any single one as the “most common” cause. - Urinary tract stones: When minerals such as calcium and magnesium become concentrated and form stones, they can irritate the mucous lining and cause hematuria. This is often accompanied by difficulty urinating. - Bladder tumors: These can occur in older dogs, with conditions like transitional cell carcinoma leading to progressively worsening symptoms. The possibility of metastasis should also be considered. - Idiopathic cystitis: Inflammation can occur without an infection, causing painful urination and hematuria. - Prostate disease: In male dogs, prostate enlargement, inflammation, or bleeding from the prostate can be the cause. These conditions can compress the urinary tract, leading to urinary difficulties and hematuria. - Immune-mediated diseases: Conditions like immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP) can cause bleeding problems due to immune system dysfunction, resulting in urinary tract bleeding and hematuria. A thorough assessment of the dog’s overall health is necessary.

An anatomical diagram highlighting the areas in a dog’s urinary tract where hematuria can occur.

Check for Key Symptoms and Signs

If you suspect your dog has blood in their urine, they may also show the following symptoms. Keep a close eye on these behaviors:

Increased urination frequency: They go to the bathroom often but pass only small amounts of urine.

Painful urination: They cry out or hunch their back while urinating.

Changes in urine color: The urine appears reddish, brown, or dark yellow.

Strong urine odor: The urine has an unusually strong or foul smell.

Decreased activity: They seem lethargic or reluctant to move.

If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately.

A puppy showing signs of pain while urinating

Signs That Require Immediate Veterinary Visit

If your dog is unable to urinate or shows severe pain while trying, seek veterinary care immediately. This could be a sign of urinary tract obstruction. Male dogs are at higher risk due to their narrower urethra. If no urine is produced at all, or if your dog crouches and whines while attempting to urinate, urgent medical attention is required.

Tests Are Necessary for Accurate Diagnosis

To accurately identify the cause of hematuria, several tests are necessary. - Urinalysis: Checks for blood cells, bacteria, protein, and pH levels to determine the presence of inflammation or infection. - Urine culture: Helps precisely identify the infecting bacteria and select an effective antibiotic. - Ultrasound or X-ray: Visually confirms the presence of stones, tumors, or prostate enlargement. - Blood test: Evaluates kidney function, inflammatory markers, and overall blood status to assess general health. - Biopsy: If a tumor is suspected, a tissue sample is taken for an accurate diagnosis. Treating without a precise diagnosis may lead to missing the underlying cause.

A veterinarian performing a urine test on a puppy

Treatment Methods Vary Depending on the Cause

Treatment for hematuria depends on the underlying cause. - Infection: Antibiotics are used to eliminate bacteria and should be continued until symptoms resolve. - Urolithiasis: Stones are removed through dietary management or surgery, followed by ongoing care to prevent recurrence. - Tumors: After confirmation via biopsy, treatment options such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy are considered. - Prostatic disease: Symptoms are managed with hormone therapy or surgery. - Immune-mediated disease: Immunosuppressants are used to control excessive immune responses. A customized treatment plan should be developed in consultation with your veterinarian.

A veterinarian administering medication to a puppy

Home Care and Prevention Points

Even after hematuria has fully resolved, ongoing care remains essential. - Hydration: Encourage frequent water intake to dilute the urine and keep the urinary tract clean. - Litter box hygiene: Keep the litter box clean and ensure your dog can use it comfortably. - Dietary management: Feed the veterinarian-recommended diet to prevent the recurrence of stones or inflammation. - Stress reduction: Maintain a consistent daily routine and regular walks to minimize stress. - Regular check-ups: Schedule veterinary exams every 6 to 12 months to monitor for recurrence. Visit the clinic immediately if you notice any abnormal signs.

A clean toilet and water bowl for your puppy to use

Certain Breeds Are at Higher Risk for Hematuria

Certain breeds may be more susceptible to urinary tract stones, inflammation, or bleeding disorders. However, veterinary textbooks specifically highlight breed predispositions for immune-mediated diseases, such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP), in breeds like the Cocker Spaniel. This immune-mediated thrombocytopenia can lead to urinary tract bleeding and hematuria. There is limited evidence suggesting that specific breeds such as Bichons, Terriers, or Poodles are particularly prone to hematuria itself. In male dogs, urinary tract obstruction can be a serious concern, so it is important to monitor for any difficulty in urination. If hematuria recurs, consult a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause, as a comprehensive evaluation, including genetic factors, is necessary. For prevention, regular check-ups and appropriate dietary management are recommended.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

My dog keeps having blood in his urine. What could be causing this?

Recurrent hematuria may indicate a recurring infection, reformation of stones, an immune-mediated disease, or a tumor. Regular check-ups and consultation with your veterinarian are essential.

Should I take my pet to the vet if I notice even a small amount of blood in their urine?

Yes, if you notice blood in your pet’s urine, it’s important to visit the vet right away. Early treatment can help prevent complications.

Even after treatment for hematuria, there is still blood in the urine. Why is that?

If you notice blood in your pet’s urine during or after treatment, it may indicate that the treatment was insufficient or the underlying cause hasn’t been fully resolved. Please consult your veterinarian again.

What should I feed my dog after it has experienced hematuria?

Use a special diet recommended by your veterinarian. Do not change to regular pet food on your own, as it can promote stone formation.

Should I avoid giving my pet medication at home if they have blood in their urine?

No, giving antibiotics or painkillers without knowing the cause can be dangerous. Only use medications prescribed by a veterinarian after a proper diagnosis.

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References

[1] Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat, 4th Ed. Elsevier, 2023.

[2] The Veterinary Workbook of Small Animal Clinical Cases. Wiley-Blackwell, 2022.

[3] Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2021.