Female dogs peeing blood but acting normal can be a distressing sight for any pet owner. This condition is often a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
UTIs are more common in female dogs due to their shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. In fact, one in four female dogs will experience a UTI in their lifetime.
The most common symptoms of a UTI in female dogs include blood in the urine, straining while urinating, and frequent urination. However, some dogs may only exhibit blood in the urine without any other symptoms.
If left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious complications, such as kidney damage and sepsis.
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Causes and Diagnosis
If you notice blood in your female dog's urine but she's acting normal, it's essential to investigate the cause. Blood in the urine can be a sign of a serious underlying issue.
There are many possible causes of blood in a dog's urine, including bladder or kidney infections, tumors, stones, poisoning, urinary tract infections, injury, and prostate disease. A detailed physical examination will be conducted by your veterinarian to check for any abnormalities.
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Urinalysis is a crucial diagnostic tool that will help your veterinarian determine the cause of the blood in your dog's urine. Your dog's urine will be pH tested and analyzed for mineral content, presence of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and protein and glucose levels.
Here are some potential causes of blood in a dog's urine, grouped by category:
- Bladder or Kidney Infection
- Tumors
- Stones
- Poisoning
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Injury
- Prostate Disease
- Estrus (in female dogs)
A complete blood count (CBC) and chemical blood profile will also be used to detect abnormal red and white blood cell and platelet levels, and to check levels of calcium, phosphorous, potassium, nitrogenous waste products, albumin, and liver enzymes.
Symptoms and Signs
The primary symptom of blood in a female dog's urine is the presence of blood itself, which can appear as a range of discolorations, from amber to red, orange, or brown.
Blood in the urine may or may not be accompanied by other symptoms, such as abnormally frequent urination or evident abdominal pain or discomfort.
A dog peeing blood but acting normal should be seen by a veterinarian within 24 hours.
The presence of blood in the urine may not change the color of the dog's urine enough to be noticeable, so it's often only detected during routine health examinations or testing for another health problem.
Consumption of beets can cause red-tinted urine, so if the color is the only indicator, it's essential to rule out this possibility.
If your dog is urinating blood, contact your veterinarian and make an appointment, or go to an emergency vet if your general veterinarian is closed.
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Infections and Diseases
Infections and diseases can cause blood in a female dog's urine. A bladder infection is a common cause of blood in dog urine, and it's more common in female dogs than male dogs. Female dogs with bladder infections may urinate more frequently, strain when peeing, or seem in discomfort when they go to the toilet.
Bladder infections can be caused by bacteria, and they can lead to inflammation and bleeding in the bladder. If your dog has a bladder infection, she may also exhibit other symptoms such as a strong odor to the urine and constant licking of the urinary opening.
Kidney infections can also cause blood in a dog's urine. Severe kidney infections can progress quickly and cause your dog to feel unwell with a high temperature, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Dogs with kidney infections may drink more and urinate more.
Some other possible causes of blood in a female dog's urine include urinary tract infections, kidney inflammation or vasculitis, and prostate enlargement. If you suspect that your dog has a urinary tract infection, it's essential to contact your veterinarian and make an appointment.
Here are some common symptoms of urinary tract infections in dogs:
- Blood in the urine
- Abnormally frequent urination
- Evident abdominal pain or discomfort
- Hemorrhages below the skin manifesting themselves as bruises
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it's crucial to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Kidney and Urinary Issues
If your female dog is peeing blood but acting normal, it's essential to investigate the underlying cause. Kidney infections can cause blood in your dog's urine, and severe cases can progress quickly, causing your dog to feel unwell with a high temperature, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
Dogs with kidney infections may drink more and urinate more. A urinalysis can help diagnose the issue, and your vet may collect a sample through a voluntary sample, catheterization, or cystocentesis.
Bladder infections are more common in female dogs and can cause blood in the urine. Your vet may run screening tests, such as bloodwork and a urinalysis, during annual or biannual check-ups to detect any small problems.
Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics over a period of days to weeks. Blood in the urine usually clears up within the first few days of treatment, but your vet may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication to provide comfort and reduce the irritation that's causing bleeding.
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Here are some possible causes of blood in your dog's urine:
- Bladder or Kidney Infection
- Tumors
- Stones
- Poisoning
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Injury
- Prostate issues
- Estrus (in female dogs)
If you suspect your dog has a urinary tract issue, it's crucial to consult with your vet. They may require an ejaculate sample from your male dog or a vaginoscopy or cystoscopy to examine your dog's genital health.
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Treatment
Treatment for female dogs peeing blood but acting normal will depend on the underlying cause of the issue. Your vet will likely need to stabilize your dog first, which may involve intravenous fluids to treat dehydration and/or a blood transfusion if your dog's red blood cell count is dangerously low.
Antibiotics are often the treatment of choice for bladder and urinary tract infections, which can cause blood in the urine. Your vet will prescribe specific antibiotics based on your dog's history with antibiotics and the site of the infection.
In some cases, the blood in your dog's urine may be the result of trauma, which will require a different treatment plan. This will depend on the extent and location of the internal damage found during diagnosis.
For another approach, see: Female Dog Incontinence Treatment
If your vet determines that a dietary abnormality is causing the issue, they will advise you on an appropriate diet to help your dog recover. It's essential to consult with your vet before adding any nutritional or vitamin supplements to your dog's diet.
Your vet may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to provide comfort and reduce the irritation that's causing bleeding. This is especially true for urinary tract infections, which can cause blood in the urine.
Fresh, clean water should always be available to your dog, and it's crucial to encourage her to stay hydrated to help her recover from the underlying issue.
Preventing Dog Health Issues
Providing plenty of fresh water is essential for your dog's overall health, and it can also help prevent blood in their urine.
Dogs need to urinate at least three to five times a day to stay healthy.
Annual check-ups with your vet are crucial for detecting any potential problems early on, and they can run screening tests like bloodwork and a urinalysis to identify any issues.
Your vet can detect small problems and start treatment before they become more serious.
Dogs prone to urinary tract issues can benefit from dog-specific supplements that support urinary tract health, such as those containing cranberry extract.
These supplements can be a great addition to your dog's routine, but it's always best to ask your vet for guidance on choosing the right one for your dog.
Sources
- urinalysis (merckvetmanual.com)
- Why is my dog peeing blood? (whole-dog-journal.com)
- Blood in the Urine in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis ... (wagwalking.com)
- Facebook (facebook.com)
- Blood in Dog Urine: What it Means and How to Treat It (dailypaws.com)
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