Symptoms to Watch For
If you notice blood in your dog’s urine, it’s important to observe any additional symptoms. This can help your vet diagnose the underlying cause more accurately. Some of the signs that may accompany hematuria include:
- Frequent urination or difficulty urinating
- Licking of the genital area
- Pain while urinating (whining, discomfort)
- Decreased appetite or lethargy
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weight loss
If your dog shows any of these symptoms along with blood in their urine, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
How Do Vets Diagnose Hematuria in Dogs?
To determine the cause of blood in the urine, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination. The diagnostic process typically includes:
- Physical Examination: The vet will check for signs of trauma, tenderness in the abdomen, or other indicators of illness.
- Urine Analysis: A urinalysis will help detect red blood cells, bacteria, and crystals in the urine. It may also provide information on the pH level, which can indicate a UTI or bladder stones.
- Imaging: X-rays or ultrasounds may be used to detect bladder stones, tumors, or other structural abnormalities.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests help assess kidney function, liver health, and whether the dog has any coagulation issues.
- Cytology: If a tumor is suspected, a biopsy or cytology may be performed to analyze tissue samples.
What to Do if Dog Urinates Blood?
When your dog urinates blood, do the following:
1. Observation and preliminary judgment
- Observe the urine
Pay attention to the color of the blood in the urine, whether it is blood in the anterior, posterior or throughout the urine, and whether it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain in urination, frequency of urination, pain in urination, depression and loss of appetite.
- Determine the cause of the disease
According to the observation results, initially determine the possible causes of blood in urine, such as urinary system diseases, food poisoning, estrus, trauma and so on.
2. Emergency treatment
- Collection of urine sample
Collect fresh urine in a clean, lidded container for examination at the time of medical attention.
- Maintain water intake
Make sure your dog has enough water to drink to help flush the urinary tract and reduce bacterial growth.
3. Seek medical attention
- Seek medical attention in a timely manner
Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for a thorough examination, including urinalysis, blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound, etc. to determine the cause of the disease.
- Cooperate with the examination
Follow the doctor's recommendations for all tests to ensure the accuracy of the results.
4. Treatment and Nursing
- Treatment according to doctor's advice
Conduct appropriate treatment according to the cause of the disease, such as using antibiotics to treat infections, surgery to treat stones or tumors, etc.
- Dietary adjustments
Adjust the diet according to the doctor's advice, such as increasing water intake, choosing specific prescription food, etc.
- Life Care
Keep your dog's living environment clean and avoid overwork and mental stress.
5.Preventive Measures
- Dietary management
Provide a balanced diet and avoid feeding toxic food such as onions, chocolate, grapes, etc.
- Water intake
Ensure your dog has fresh water available at all times and encourage drinking more water.
- Routine of life
Maintain your dog's routine with regular feedings, walks and rest.
- Regular Physical Examination
Take your dog to the vet regularly for a thorough medical checkup for early detection and treatment of potential health problems.
What Food Should Be Giving Dog When He Urinates Blood?
Here are some foods that are appropriate when your dog is urinating blood:
Vegetable soup: such as squash soup, winter melon soup, etc. Vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, which help to replenish the nutrients needed by the dog's body and are light and easy to digest.
Watermelon: Watermelon is rich in water and has a certain diuretic effect, which helps to increase the amount of urination of the dog, flushing the urethra and reduce bacterial growth.
Cucumber: Cucumber is high in water content and has a certain effect of clearing heat and detoxification, suitable for dogs to eat.
Lotus root: Lotus root has the effect of stopping bleeding, you can boil the root and feed it to your dog.
Shepherd's purse: Shepherd's purse has certain effect of stopping bleeding, you can wash and cook the shepherd's purse and feed it to your dog.
Precautions
- Avoid stimulating food: such as spicy, greasy, high salt and other foods, these foods may aggravate the burden on the dog's kidneys, which is not conducive to the recovery of the condition.
- Control protein intake: If your dog is urinating blood due to kidney disease, you should control the protein intake appropriately to avoid aggravating the kidney burden.
- Follow veterinarian's advice: When choosing food for your dog, it is best to consult your veterinarian first and choose the right food according to your dog's specific condition and physical status.
FAQs
Is blood in a dog’s urine always serious?
Not always, but it should never be ignored. Hematuria can be caused by both minor issues (like UTIs) and serious conditions (like bladder cancer). Always consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
How soon should I take my dog to the vet if I notice blood in its urine?
You should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Blood in the urine is not a normal occurrence and can indicate a serious underlying problem that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Can diet alone prevent bladder stones?
While a proper diet is crucial in preventing bladder stones, it may not be sufficient on its own. Other factors such as water intake, overall health, and genetic predisposition also play a role. However, a balanced diet that is appropriate for your dog's age, breed, and health status can significantly reduce the risk.
How do vets treat a dog with hematuria due to cancer?
Treatment for cancer-related hematuria depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or palliative care to manage symptoms.
Is it possible for a dog to recover from kidney disease?
While chronic kidney disease is progressive, early detection and appropriate treatment can help manage the condition and improve your dog’s quality of life.
Conclusion
Finding blood in your dog’s urine can be alarming, but it’s important to stay calm and get your pet the veterinary care they need. Hematuria can result from various causes, ranging from urinary tract infections to serious conditions like cancer or kidney disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing these conditions effectively. If your dog is experiencing blood in their urine, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice immediately.
