The sight of blood in a dog's urine can be frightening and scary for dog owners. Blood in dog urine (hematuria) is a common symptom of a disease of the urinary tract and in this article, we will discuss what causes it and how to treat your dog's blood in the urine. The symptoms of bloody urine can be indicative of a kidney or bladder problem, so finding out which organ is causing the bleeding is essential for treatment. Once this information has been obtained, your veterinarian can prescribe appropriate treatments that are tailored toward these specific areas.

Causes of blood in dog urine

In almost all cases, blood in the urine signals a problem with the urinary tract, anywhere from the kidneys to the bladder. We separate the urinary system into the upper urinary system which includes the kidneys and the lower urinary system which includes the bladder.

Upper urinary tract causes

  • Kidney stones - Jagged stones that live inside either kidney can irritate and cause inflammation that results in blood in the urine.
  • Kidney infections - Renal infections can cause blood in urine in one or both kidneys.
  • Kidney cancer - Renal carcinoma for example disruptions the normal architecture of the kidneys.
  • Idiopathic renal hematuria - Idiopathic means the distinct cause is unknown.

Lower urinary tract causes

  • Bladder infections - Bacterial bladder infections are the most common lower urinary tract disease in dogs and can cause blood in the urine. Bladder infections may be opportunistic infections or be a sign of other conditions such as diabetes.
  • Urinary crystals - Genetic and dietary factors can precipitate the development of small urine crystal fragments that irritate the bladder lining.
  • Bladder stones - Stones that form and get lodged in the bladder can cause ulcerations and bleeding.
  • Cancer of the bladder - Just like with kidney cancer, any type of cancer cells that arise within the bladder can result in blood in the urine.
  • Prostate Disease - Common in older intact male dogs and can be due to prostatic cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate cancer is uncommon in neutered male dogs.

Bleeding disorders

Another cause of bloody urine in dogs is bleeding disorders. While this is the least common cause, it is still important to discuss. These disorders are usually caused by a lack of clotting factors in the blood. In some cases, these disorders may be inherited or acquired from other health issues such as liver disease or immune system problems. The most common symptom is the presence of fresh or clotted blood in the urine, alongside signs of bruising on the skin or bleeding from other areas of the body. Other signs include weakness, lethargy, and pale gums. Treatment for bleeding disorders in dogs is generally focused on managing the underlying cause and preventing further episodes of bleeding. Medications such as anticoagulants, antibiotics, and supplements may be used to help reduce the risk of recurrence.

How to diagnose blood in dog urine

If you notice blood in your dog's urine, you must seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. The diagnosis of blood in the dog's urine begins with a complete history and physical examination. Clinical signs that your veterinarian will look for during the exam include increased thirst and urination (polydipsia and polyuria), weight loss, vomiting, anemia (low red blood cell counts), and changes in behavior. On the physical exam, your veterinarian will palpate your dog's kidneys and bladder to gain as much information as possible.

Once your veterinarian has gathered all of the information from the history and exam, they will likely order some diagnostic tests. The most common test to evaluate for blood in the urine is a urinalysis. This test looks at different properties of the urine including how much blood is present. Other tests that may be ordered include:

  • Blood work (CBC and chemistries) - This is a routine test that can evaluate if there are any other issues in the dog's body.
  • Abdominal x-ray - This is very useful for diagnosing most types of kidney and bladder stones. It can also reveal the sizes of the kidneys and if they are symmetrical.
  • Abdominal ultrasound - An ultrasound can be useful to evaluate the bladder, kidneys, and abdomen to look for masses or stones within these organs.

Treatment options for dogs with blood in their urine

The treatment options for dogs with blood in the urine will vary depending on what is causing it. Many cases of blood in dog urine are caused by infections and can be successfully treated simply with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Other causes such as bladder stones may require surgical removal. If your dog has been diagnosed with urinary crystals, changing the diet to a prescription urinary diet can help.

Tips on how to prevent your dog from developing blood in urine

Blood in dog urine can be frustrating because the cause is often difficult to determine. If you notice blood in your dog's urine, you must see your veterinarian as soon as possible so they can diagnose and treat whatever condition may exist. The best way to prevent dogs from developing kidney or bladder stones is a high-quality diet that maintains a proper urinary pH (around 6.3). If you are unsure that the food you are feeding is appropriate, please bring a urine sample to your veterinarian so they can measure the pH. For dogs that develop frequent bladder infections and all underlying causes have been ruled out (such as diabetes, Cushing's disease, etc.), supplementing with cranberry and D-mannose can be beneficial.

Dogs may experience blood in their urine for several different reasons. Understanding the causes and treatment options will give you peace of mind knowing that your dog is getting the best care possible, regardless of what has caused this symptom to present itself. And if you notice any symptoms like increased thirst or urination (polydipsia and polyuria), weight loss, vomiting, anemia (low red blood cell counts), and changes in behavior; it's important to head on over to your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are many things they can do - from changing diet to administering antibiotics to correct these issues before they get worse!