My Dog is Peeing Blood: What Do I Do?

Blog Summary

Hematuria (blood in the urine) is a symptom that can stem from a variety of underlying medical conditions in dogs, ranging from urinary tract infections to cancer. This blog explores the potential causes behind why a dog is peeing blood and outlines the advanced diagnostic approach used by specialty veterinarians to identify the source of the issue.

Pet owners will learn about common conditions associated with hematuria, including bladder stones, kidney disease, prostatic disorders, and urinary tract tumors. The blog details how specialists at Veterinary Specialty Center utilize a combination of urinalysis, bloodwork, diagnostic imaging, and biopsy procedures to accurately evaluate these cases. It also highlights when hematuria may signal an emergency and how rapid specialty intervention can support both immediate stabilization and long-term care.

Introduction:

Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can be deeply unsettling for any dog owner to witness. Whether the discoloration is faint or clearly visible, this symptom can point to a range of medical conditions, some of which require timely and advanced intervention. While certain causes are relatively manageable, others may signal a more serious underlying issue involving the kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract.

At Veterinary Specialty Center in Bannockburn, IL, our board-certified specialists and multidisciplinary teams work closely with referring veterinarians to provide advanced diagnostics and targeted care for dogs presenting with hematuria. If your primary care veterinarian has recommended further evaluation or if your pet’s condition is rapidly evolving, our team is here to provide clarity and support through every step of the diagnostic and treatment process.

 

 

Causes to Consider When a Dog is Peeing Blood

Hematuria is a clinical sign, not a diagnosis in itself. It reflects irritation, inflammation, trauma, or disease somewhere along the urinary tract or within the kidneys. Identifying the cause requires careful investigation, as the appearance of blood in the urine may coincide with a range of possible conditions.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection is a common cause of blood in the urine, particularly in female dogs. Bacterial infiltration leads to inflammation of the bladder wall and urethra, often causing visible hematuria along with frequent urination, straining, or discomfort. While some UTIs respond to empirical antibiotic therapy, others are recurrent or resistant and warrant further evaluation by a specialist to rule out structural or functional abnormalities contributing to persistent infection.

Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones)

Bladder stones, or uroliths, can develop when minerals crystallize and form masses within the urinary tract. These stones can irritate or even abrade the bladder lining, resulting in blood in the urine. Dogs with urolithiasis may strain to urinate, show signs of abdominal discomfort, or urinate small amounts frequently. Accurate diagnosis typically involves imaging such as abdominal radiography or ultrasound, and depending on the stone type, management may involve medical dissolution, dietary modification, or surgical removal.

Kidney Disease or Renal Trauma

Hematuria may also arise from pathology within the kidneys. Infections such as pyelonephritis, immune-mediated conditions, toxin exposure, or direct trauma can disrupt normal kidney filtration and result in bleeding into the urinary stream. In these cases, dogs may show systemic signs such as vomiting, lethargy, or altered thirst and urination. Bloodwork and advanced imaging are critical to evaluating renal function and structure.

Prostatic Disease in Intact Male Dogs

In male dogs, particularly those who are intact or middle-aged and older, prostatic enlargement or inflammation may cause hematuria. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), bacterial prostatitis, cyst formation, or prostatic neoplasia can all manifest with blood in the urine. Additional clinical signs may include changes in gait, constipation, or discomfort during defecation. A thorough rectal exam and abdominal imaging are often the first steps in evaluation, with further diagnostics such as prostatic aspirates or biopsies performed as indicated.

Neoplasia of the Urinary Tract

Tumors affecting the bladder, urethra, or kidneys are an important differential diagnosis, particularly in older dogs. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), the most common bladder malignancy in dogs, can cause persistent hematuria and urinary straining. Diagnosis typically requires advanced imaging and tissue sampling, and management often involves a collaborative approach between medical oncology, surgery, and diagnostic imaging.

Diagnostic Approach at Veterinary Specialty Center

When a dog is peeing blood, the diagnostic approach must be comprehensive and carefully staged. At Veterinary Specialty Center, we utilize a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and advanced imaging to localize the source of hematuria and guide appropriate therapy.

Patient History and Physical Examination

Our team begins by reviewing the patient’s clinical history, including recent symptoms, urinary habits, known health conditions, and medication use. A complete physical examination can yield valuable clues, such as palpable bladder abnormalities, pain on abdominal palpation, or systemic signs that suggest involvement beyond the urinary tract.

Urinalysis and Culture

A complete urinalysis is a cornerstone of hematuria workup, enabling the detection of red blood cells, bacteria, crystals, and abnormal epithelial cells. If infection is suspected, a urine culture and sensitivity test can identify the causative organism and determine effective antibiotic options. In cases of recurrent or resistant infection, further evaluation for anatomic or functional abnormalities is recommended.

Bloodwork

Comprehensive blood panels assess renal function, hydration status, inflammatory markers, and other organ system involvement. Changes in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, or electrolytes may indicate renal compromise or systemic illness contributing to hematuria.

Diagnostic Imaging

Veterinary Specialty Center is equipped with advanced imaging technologies including abdominal ultrasound, digital radiography, and computed tomography (CT). These tools enable high-resolution visualization of the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and prostate. Ultrasound-guided sampling techniques such as cystocentesis or fine needle aspiration can be performed in-house with precision.

Specialized Testing and Biopsy

When imaging reveals abnormal masses, wall thickening, or lesions, additional testing such as contrast studies or tissue biopsy may be recommended. Our internal medicine, radiology, and oncology teams collaborate closely to ensure accurate diagnosis and thoughtful staging when neoplasia is suspected.

When Your Dog Needs Emergency Evaluation

Not all instances of hematuria are immediately life-threatening, but there are scenarios in which urgent care is warranted. Prompt intervention is advised if your dog exhibits:

• Straining to urinate or complete inability to void
• Vomiting, collapse, or signs of abdominal pain
• Lethargy paired with blood in the urine
• Pale gums, suggesting blood loss or internal bleeding
• A distended or firm abdomen

These signs may suggest a urinary obstruction, active bleeding, or systemic illness requiring immediate intervention. Our emergency team is available to assess and stabilize these cases, followed by referral to the appropriate specialty department for ongoing care.

How Veterinary Specialty Center Supports Dogs with Hematuria

At Veterinary Specialty Center in Bannockburn, IL, our goal is to provide clarity, precision, and comfort during a stressful time for both pets and their families. If your dog is peeing blood, our experienced teams in internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, surgery, and oncology are here to help determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.

We offer:

• Collaborative case reviews with referring veterinarians
• Advanced diagnostics and imaging performed on-site
• Minimally invasive sample collection for accurate diagnosis
• Personalized treatment plans based on specialty recommendations
• Surgical and oncologic care for complex or progressive conditions

If your primary veterinarian has recommended specialty evaluation or if your dog’s symptoms are progressing, we encourage you to contact us directly. Call (847) 459-7535 to schedule an appointment or request a referral. Your dog’s health deserves expert attention and we’re here to provide it.