The presence of blood in the dog's urine is called hematuriaand is usually associated with different conditions that can affect your urinary tract. Urinary problems develop quite frequently among pets, mainly females, and need to be treated quickly to keep the animal in good he alth.
Have you noticed that your dog urinates blood? Of course, we must be clear that the observation of any abnormality in the urine or feces of your best friend requires immediate attention from a veterinary doctor. However, in this article on our site, you will be able to learn about the possible causes, treatment and some home remedies for a dog that urinates blood
What if my dog urinates blood?
If you're wondering what's wrong with a dog when he urinates blood, here are the most common causes of hematuria:
Urinary infection
In most cases, the presence of blood in the dog's urine is related to a urinary tract infection. In general, a dog develops this clinical picture when certain bacteria enter through its anus or vulva, are "transported" through the urethra, and then lodge in the bladder. In these cases, hematuria is often accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Need to urinate more often.
- Difficulty or straining when urinating.
- Constantly licking the genitals.
- Fever.
Females are more vulnerable to urinary tract infections than males, as their urethra is wider and shorter, making access easier of bacteria to the organs of the urinary tract. However, all animals come into contact with a large number of microorganisms on a daily basis, which is why the development of an infection is usually associated with a weak immune system. For this reason, the best way to prevent a urinary tract infection in your dog is to provide it with adequate preventive medicine, a balanced diet and reinforced hygiene habits to strengthen the system immune system of your best friend.
The treatment of a urinary tract infection usually consists of the controlled administration of antibiotics, as indicated by the veterinarian. In addition, palliative therapies can be established to alleviate the discomfort caused by the symptoms and provide a sense of well-being to the animal.
Cystitis
Cystitis is one of the most common urinary disorders among dogs, mainly affecting females. It is characterized by inflammation of the bladder, which usually appears as a symptom of another disease. In most diagnosed cases, cystitis is caused by an underlying urinary tract infection. Therefore, their symptoms are very similar.
Immediate treatment to control the progression of inflammation in the bladder may consist of the controlled administration of anti-inflammatories. However, it will be essential to diagnose the underlying cause of cystitis to draw up a specific and effective treatment for each animal. For this reason, we once again reaffirm the need to go to the veterinary clinic immediately when you observe that your dog urinates blood.
Calculi in the urinary tract
The formation of urinary stones is a consequence of the excessive accumulation of certain substances in the urine, such as calcium oxalate, struvite, cystine or uric acid. These formations can lodge in the kidneys, in the bladder or in the urethra, in addition to migrating through the urinary tract, causing intense pain. The movement of the stones and their friction with the tissues produces injuries and causes hematuria. In addition, the dog often strains and feels pain when urinating.
Bladder and kidney stones are reasonably common among dogs. Among its main causes are poor hydration (low water consumption), and an unbalanced diet, generally with a high content of oxalates and calcium. In addition, Dalmatians show a predisposition to the formation of urinary stones.
Treatment for this condition usually consists of changes in diet and increased hydration The veterinarian will guide the tutor to respect to offer a specific diet for a dog with urinary problems. Furthermore, if the animal has large stones, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove them and prevent further injury to the urinary tract.
Uterine infection (pyometra)
Pyometra is a uterine infection that affects a large number of unspayed female dogs and cats. The infectious picture causes the accumulation of secretions and purulous material inside the uterus. As a consequence, the female usually has a mucous discharge, usually accompanied by blood, on the her vulva. In addition, it is common to observe that the affected female shows constant tiredness, loss of appetite and dehydration.
It is very important to know how to distinguish haematuria from heat in females. For this, it will be essential to control the fertility periods of our bitches. If the female urinates blood outside of her heat period, do not hesitate to take her immediately to the veterinarian you trust. In addition, sterilization is recommended to avoid numerous problems with her reproductive system. Unneutered female dogs are more vulnerable not only to pyometra, but also to uterine tumors
The treatment of pyometra will depend on the evolution of the clinical picture and the state of he alth of each animal. Usually, the vet will be able to prescribe the administration of antibioticsIf the female is dehydrated and/or malnourished, it is likely that she will receive an intravenous therapy of serum rich in electrolytes and/or glucose. In many cases, the uterus must be removed to prevent the progression of the pathology.
Prostate infection
Just as uterine infection affects unspayed females, prostate infection is quite common in unneutered adult males. The most frequent symptoms of this condition are:
- Hematuria.
- Enlarged prostate.
- Stress and pain when urinating.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fever (may not appear in many cases).
The treatment of prostate infections in males is also very similar to that of pyometra in females. The veterinarian, when examining the animal, may prescribe antibiotics and opt for intravenous therapy in case of dehydration and/or malnutrition. The surgical intervention may become necessary in more advanced cases, provided that it is ascertained that the state of he alth of the animal is adequate to undergo surgery.
Poisoning
Many dogs arrive at the veterinary clinic with hematuria as a result of poisoning, generally due to the ingestion of rodent poisons These products contain a substance called warfarin, which interferes with the process of blood clotting
Poison consumption has a high fatality rate among pets. Therefore, if you suspect that your dog may have consumed any toxic substance, take him immediately to the veterinary clinic. The most common symptoms of poisoning are:
- Vomiting and diarrhoea, usually accompanied by blood.
- Hematuria.
- Excessive salivation.
- Cough and sneeze.
- Dilated pupils.
- Tremors and involuntary muscle spasms.
- Seizures.
- Nervousness or hyperactivity.
- Muscular stiffness.
- Disorientation.
- Partial or general paralysis.
- Lethargy.
- Collapse and unconsciousness.
The consumption of any inedible product is highly dangerous for both children and animals. From cosmetics and personal hygiene items, through cleaning products, medicines and mainly poisons. Therefore, we must be very careful with the substances that we leave within the reach of our children and our pets. Domestic accidents can be easily avoided by conscientiously adopting and organizing our home.
Pathologies transmitted by ticks
Ectoparasite infestation is very dangerous for our pets. The parasitism relationship established by ticks is highly harmful to host animals. In addition to diverting nutrients from your body, favoring the appearance of malnutrition, they can cause numerous severe pathologies, such as babeosis and ehrlichiosis Hematuria is a common symptom of these diseases associated with ticks. To avoid it, remember to respect the frequency of vaccination and internal and external deworming of your best friend, in addition to making visits to the veterinarian every 6 months.
Adenocarcinomas or tumors
An adenocarcinoma is characterized by the accumulation of cancerous cells in the tissues lining different organs and glands of the body. When this clinical picture develops in the kidneys or bladder, there is a high probability that it will cause blood in the dog's urine and other severe complications. However, urinary tract adenocarcinomas are very rare, accounting for less than 1% of canine neoplasm diagnoses.
A renal adenocarcinoma, better known as kidney cancer, behaves like an aggressive malignant tumor that spreads rapidly, with a high risk of metastasis. It mainly affects elderly dogs, causing symptoms such as accelerated weight loss, lack of appetite, tiredness and lethargy, as well as the presence of blood in the urine.
Injuries or injuries to the urinary tract
A wound or fissure in the urinary tract can lead to total or partial rupture of the blood vessels in this region. As a consequence, the blood inside these vessels will be eliminated along with the animal's urine. Generally, these injuries appear as a result of some episode of trauma, such as a blow, a fall or an accident. However, arterial blockages and aneurysms can also seriously injure the blood vessels of the urinary tract.
Surgical interventions
If your dog has had surgery on his urinary tract, he may also have blood in his urine during the first few weeks of his recovery. However, if the bleeding persists, don't hesitate to consult your trusted veterinarian immediately.
What should I do if my dog urinates blood?
When you notice that your dog urinates blood, the first thing you should do is go immediately to the veterinary clinic We must not offer medications or home remedies for a dog that urinates blood without proper medical guidance. Diagnosing the exact cause of hematuria and establishing effective treatment requires the experience and expertise of a properly trained veterinary professional.
By quickly taking your best friend to the vet, you will contribute to an early diagnosis that almost always offers a better prognosis. This means that your furry friend will be more likely to recover its quality of life and enjoy optimum longevity.
Remedies when a dog urinates blood
On many occasions, we can use natural remedies to help combat urinary problems in dogs, which cause hematuria. If the animal suffers from a serious illness, a tumor or a strong trauma, only veterinary treatment can heal it. Now, if the veterinarian you trust, after diagnosing your furry friend, considers it appropriate to use home solutions to facilitate your dog's recovery, you can opt for the following recipes for home remedies:
Reinforced hydration
The safest homemade solution both to prevent urinary problems and to favor the disappearance of its symptoms, is to provide your dog with adequate hydration. In addition, a dog that has already been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection should increase its fluid intake to promote the elimination of bacteria through urine.
Apple vinager
The antiseptic properties of vinegar are very appropriate to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms in the urinary tract and the accumulation of toxins. You can add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to your best friend's water, 3 to 4 times a week. Remember not to exaggerate the quantities, as acidic substances damage the structure of dogs' teeth.
Foods rich in vitamin C
Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) slightly lowers the pH of urine, making it somewhat more acidic. Acid media not only control the reproduction of bacteria, but also favor their elimination. Among the fruits that dogs can eat, orange, blueberry and strawberry offer an excellent supply of vitamin C. To easily incorporate them into your dog's diet, we recommend preparing a juice with the fruit of your choice and mixing it in your drinker. We must emphasize that, in large quantities, these fruits can cause diarrhea, so you should only offer your dog ½ cup of juice per day.
The importance of veterinary treatment
Although home remedies for a dog that urinates blood can help improve its condition and relieve certain symptoms, they should never be the only solution, since certain causes can only be treated by surgery or drugs such as antibiotics. A uterine infection, a bladder tumor or an advanced prostate infection, for example, can only be solved by removal if the specialist considers it appropriate, or through medication and, as a complement, natural remedies. In this way, the remedies act as a reinforcement of the veterinary treatment, they are not the definitive solution.
