Why Is My Dog Peeing Blood
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Blood in dog urine (hematuria): UTI, bladder stones, cancer, and prostate issues. This always requires veterinary attention.
Understanding This Symptom
Knowing what normal looks like for your specific dog is what makes abnormal visible — and action early beats intervention late, almost every time. This page covers the most common causes, warning signs that indicate an emergency, and what you can expect at the veterinarian.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call an emergency hospital if you see laboured breathing, a hard or swollen belly, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or evidence of poisoning. These do not get safer by waiting.
Common Causes
Less Serious Causes
More Serious Causes
- Poisoning or toxic exposure
What to Watch For
- Lethargy or reluctance to move or play
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in stool
Home Care and First Steps
Veterinary Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will typically:
- Perform a thorough physical examination
Treatment Options
Prevention
While not all causes are preventable, you can reduce risk by: Pay attention to what makes your dog your dog, and the rest of the care plan tends to click into place.
Long-Term Management
When to Get a Second Opinion
Related Symptom Guides
- Why Is My Dog Not Eating?
- Why Is My Dog Shaking?
- Why Is My Dog Limping?
- Why Is My Dog Vomiting?
- Why Is My Dog Coughing?
Should I go to the emergency vet?
Blood in the urine should be seen the same day. Go now if the dog is straining and passing little or nothing, collapsing, or is an intact female drinking heavily and looking ill. A blocked male dog and a uterus full of infection are emergencies.
How much will treatment cost?
The visit includes a urine sample, often a culture, and an exam of the bladder. Films or an ultrasound are added when stones or a tumor are suspected. Ask whether the quote includes the culture, because treatment without one is a guess.
Can I treat this at home?
Collect a sample in a clean container if the dog will go before you leave, and note whether the urine is pink at the start or the end of the stream. Do not start a leftover antibiotic. Stones and tumors need the clinic's plan. A cranberry juice experiment delays that visit.