Is Your Dog Peeing A Lot? A Review of the Common Causes

Hello, dedicated dog parents! If you've noticed that your furry friend seems to be making more frequent trips to the backyard or has started having accidents in the house, you might be wondering, "Why is my dog peeing a lot?" Frequent urination in dogs can be a sign of various underlying health issues, so it's important to pay attention and know what could potentially be causing this change. We'll explore what is normal for dogs as well as define terms such as pollakiuria and polyuria so you can better understand what is going on with your dog. So let's get started and dive into why and what to do with a dog peeing a lot!

What is normal urine production for dogs?

Understanding what's normal for your dog is crucial to identifying when something might be amiss.

Normal urine production for dogs typically ranges from 20 to 50 ml/kg/day. This means that a 10 kg (22 lb) dog would typically produce between 200 and 500 ml (roughly 1 to 2 cups) of urine per day. However, factors such as the dog's diet, temperature and humidity, and activity level can influence this amount.

In terms of hourly output, the general calculation for average urine production is about 1 mL per kilogram per hour. So, if we continue with our 10 kg dog example, they should produce approximately 10 mL of urine per hour.

It's important to remember that these are averages and individual dogs may vary. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian if you observe a sudden change in your dog's urinating patterns or volumes. They can perform tests to ensure your dog's urine production is within the healthy range and rule out potential health issues.

What is the definition of frequent urination in dogs?

The medical term veterinarians use to define the increased frequency of urination in dogs is pollakiuria. The term means "frequent urine," in Latin and is defined as the increased frequency to urinate.

There is no hard rule set out to define the exact amounts in which a dog should urinate in a given time frame, however, most veterinarians would consider pollakiuria when a dog has 2 times the normal amount of urination in a day.

Dogs with pollakiuria will often urinate in smaller amounts but more frequently, sometimes even asking to go outside more than usual. The condition can be caused by various factors including urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and other lower urinary tract disorders.

The top causes of a dog peeing a lot

Here, we will being to discuss the most common causes of frequent urination in dogs. It's important to remember that these are not the only potential causes and your veterinarian will be able to most accurately diagnose your dog after a thorough physical exam and laboratory tests.

1. Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection is a common cause of frequent urination in dogs. Signs may include increased frequency of urination, straining to urinate, and blood in the urine.

2. Bladder stones

Bladder stones are hard, mineral deposits that form in the bladder. They can result in a dog peeing a lot as well as cause pain and discomfort when urinating.

3. Urine marking

Urine marking is normal behaviour for dogs, however, some dogs will mark more often than usual. While urine marking is more common in male dogs, it can occur in female dogs as well. You will often notice urine marking as urinating on vertical surfaces or in areas with a previous scent from another dog.

4. Polyuria, or increased volume of urine

Polyuria is the medical term for an increased volume of urine and can be caused by several factors including diabetes mellitus, Cushing's disease, pyometra (an infection of the uterus), and kidney disease.

5. Medications

Certain medications can increase urine production and therefore frequency of urination in dogs. Common examples include diuretics, corticosteroids (prednisone), and phenobarbital. If your dog is on any type of medication, be sure to check with your veterinarian as to the possible side effects.

6. Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence, or involuntary leakage of urine, is often due to an issue with the urethral sphincter. Its purpose is to control the flow of urine from the bladder. Urinary incontinence most commonly occurs in middle-aged or older spayed female dogs but can also occur in puppies or very young dogs that may have an ectopic ureter for example.

When do you need to be concerned about your dog peeing a lot?

It's always important to keep track of your dog's urination habits and volumes. Here are some scenarios when you should be concerned about your dog peeing a lot:

• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Straining to urinate (stranguria)
• Changes to appetite (increased or decreased)
• Urinating inappropriately (for example, urinating in the house)
• Vomiting

If you notice your dog urinating more frequently and/or is combined with any of the above symptoms, please contact your veterinarian for a proper assessment.

What are the treatment options for frequent urination in dogs?

If your veterinarian has determined that your dog's frequent urination is due to a medical condition, they will discuss the best treatment options for your pet. Treatment may include medication, dietary changes, or even surgery depending on the underlying cause. It is important to work with your veterinarian in order to determine the most appropriate course of action and follow their instructions carefully.

In order to help manage and depending on the diagnosis, your veterinarian might also suggest lifestyle modifications. This can entail increasing the amount of time spent exercising, supplying mental stimulation in the form of engaging toys or puzzles, and maintaining a regular toileting schedule.

In conclusion, understanding what is normal for your dog in terms of urine production and frequency can help you identify when something might be amiss. If you notice any changes to your pet's urination habits or volumes, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian who may perform tests to ensure that their urine production is within the healthy range and rule out potential health issues. The most common causes of frequent urination in dogs include urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, urine marking, polyuria/increased volume of urine, medications, and urinary incontinence. Treatment options will depend on the underlying condition but could include medication or dietary changes as well as lifestyle modifications such as increasing exercise time or providing mental stimulation with interactive toys or puzzles. It’s important to work closely with your veterinarian in order to determine the most appropriate course of action for treating your dog that is peeing a lot.