How to Store Dog Urine Samples Correctly and Safely

Storing dog urine samples correctly is crucial for accurate test results.

Freeze the sample immediately to prevent bacterial growth and contamination.

Use a sterile container to collect the sample, as bacteria can multiply rapidly on non-sterile surfaces.

Label the container clearly with the dog's name, date, and time of collection.

Keep the sample frozen at a temperature of 0°C or below.

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To collect your dog's urine sample, you'll want to have something to catch it. A urine specimen container provided by your veterinarian is a great option, or you can use a cleaned pill vial or a small plastic storage container.

It's best to use a container that's separate from the one you'll be transporting the sample in, as you don't want dog pee all over your car. A soup ladle or a cookie sheet can be useful for catching the sample, especially if your dog squats.

If you have a male dog, be ready to catch the sample when they lift their leg. You can use a ladle or a plastic container to catch the urine.

For female dogs or male dogs that squat, a soup ladle or small cookie sheet can be a good choice. You can slide it under them when they squat to catch the sample.

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Storing Your Sample is a crucial step in getting an accurate diagnosis. Store your dog's urine sample in a plastic container like a clean Tupperware bowl or a clean pill bottle.

Make sure the lid is on tight to prevent spills and store it in the refrigerator. A dog's urine sample is usually good for about 6 hours when stored properly.

Collect the sample as close to your appointment as possible to ensure it's as fresh as possible.

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To collect a dog urine sample, you'll need a flat and shallow container, such as a takeaway tray or a wide, shallow bowl. If you don't have one, you can create a shallow tray using tin foil.

It's essential to wash the collection tray with soapy water, then rinse and dry it thoroughly to prevent contamination. This step can affect the sample, so make sure to do it carefully.

Check with your vet if they have a specific time for collecting the sample, and try to collect it as close to that time as possible for accurate results.

Put on some plastic gloves to keep your hands clean and avoid contaminating the sample. If you don't have gloves, wash your hands before and after handling the sample.

Take your dog to their normal toilet spot on a lead, and wait for them to start urinating. Then, quickly place the collection tray into their stream of urine.

Transfer the urine sample into a urine sample collection pot and label it with your name, your dog's name, and the time and date it was collected.

Ideally, take the sample straight to your vet, but if this isn't possible, store it in the fridge until you're able to drop it off or it's time for your appointment.

To make things easier, ask your vet how much urine they need in the sample, as you might not need to fill the whole pot. Collect the whole sample in one go to avoid collecting small amounts each time your dog pees.

If your dog won't pee while on the lead, consider allowing them to be off lead as usual, but stay close to them so you don't miss the sample.

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