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Blood in Dog Urine
Blood in dog urine can be caused by various reasons, such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, prostate problems, or it can be caused by
harmful substances such as rat poison.
Medically known as hematuria, blood in dog urine can be alarming to dog parents. Because there are a number of possible causes of this condition, it is advisable to learn
more about the common causes as well as the other accompanying symptoms for each cause so that we are in a better position to deal with the situation.
Let's first look at the most common causes:
Blood in Dog Urine - Possible Causes
- Urinary Tract Infections
One of the most common causes of bloody urine in dogs is urinary tract infections.
Female dogs are more prone to dog UTIs because of their shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to make their way up the urinary tract. If your dog has UTI, she
may urinate more frequently and may even be incontinent. She may strain while urinating and may have back pain and a fever.
- Bladder or Kidney Stones
Another common cause of blood in dog urine is bladder stones which are urinary mineral
deposits that gather in the urinary tract and crystalize over time. They are most commonly found in the bladder, but can also be found in the entire urinary tract.
In cases where the stones are very small like bits of gravel, they may be passed in the urine without causing much pain to the dog, but traces of blood in the dog's urine
may be found. In cases where the stones are large, the dog will urinate more frequently. There may be dribbling and the dog may strain while urinating.
- Yeast Infections
Dog yeast infections (Candida) can cause a lot of health problems in a dog, including
infections in the bladder and urinary tract which in turn may result in bloody urine. If your dog has Candida, he will most likely show a lot of other symptoms such as
skin problems (hives, eczema, hot spots, etc.), ear infections, food allergies, GI problems (e.g. diarrhea, bad breath, gas).
- Prostate Problems
If your male intact dog has blood in his urine, he may have a prostate problem, such as inflammation
of the prostate caused by bacterial infection. When inflammation is present, blood will come at the end of urination rather than throughout urination. Urination may become
more frequent and the dog may strain to urinate. The dog may also be feverish.
- Trauma and Injuries
Dogs with internal injuries may appear unhurt on the outside but may have blood in the urine. If your dog has recently had some kind of
accident (e.g. hit by a car, a bad fall), he may have sustained internal injuries.
- Poisoning
Dogs that have ingested anti-coagulant rat poison (warfarin) suffer from blood-clotting problems which result in bloody urine. Other signs of poisoning include
vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or restlessness. If you suspsect that your dog has ingested rat poison, rush him to the vet for emergency treatment.
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Blood in Dog Urine - Less Common Causes
Other less common causes of bloody dog urine include:
- Cancer of the urinary tract (e.g. bladder cancer)
- For male dogs, prostate cancer
- Congenital urinary tract abnormalities
- Some medications such as cyclophosphamide (a drug used to treat cancer and immune disorder)
- Bleeding from the kidney of unknown cause
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Blood in Dog Urine - When to See a Vet
As you can see, all the causes of blood in dog urine are serious health conditions which require medical attention. If you see blood in your dog's urine, take him to the
vet even though he may appear fine. A thorough examination including urinalysis, blood tests, and x-rays will be performed so that a proper diagnosis can be obtained and
appropriate treatment can be given.
References
D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
PetPlace.com
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