{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "Blood in the urine of a dog - what does it tell you?", "description": "Does the dog pee blood? Bloody urination is always a reason to go to the vet. Read on for the most common causes: urinary tract infection, urinary stones or prostate problems.", "datePublished": "Jan 27, 2026", }

Blood in the urine of a dog - what does it tell you?

📞 Study of urinary tract problems in Vantaa: 010 739 9130

Finding blood in a dog's urine is always a frightening experience for the owner. A red pond appears in the yard or a dog drips bloody droplets inside.

Hematuria (hematuria) is never normal. It is a symptom that always needs to be clarified by a veterinarian, even if the dog seems otherwise cheerful.

The most common causes

1. Urinary tract infection

Bacterial inflammation of the bladder is a common cause, especially in female dogs (shorter urethra). Symptoms include frequent urge to urinate, painful effort, and bloody urine.

2. Urinary stones or crystals

In the bladder, struvite or oxalate stones can form, which rub against the bladder wall, causing bleeding.

  • Danger: If the stone blocks the urethra (more common in males), the dog should not pee at all. This is a life-threatening emergency.

3. Prostate problems (Males)

In uncircumcised males, benign prostatic hyperplasia is extremely common. The enlarged prostate gland bleeds with urine or drips it from the penis even outside of urination.

What to do?

Contact Animal Hospital Sacrum.

  1. Take a sample: If possible, take a urine sample in a clean jar just before entering (preferably in the morning). However, do not delay the departure because of the sample if the dog is in pain.
  2. Investigation: We examine a urine sample in our laboratory. If necessary, we will do an ultrasound examination to see if there are stones or tumors in the bladder.

Note: If the dog tries to pee, but nothing comes, call the emergency room (010 739 9130) immediately.

With the right treatment (antibiotics, pain relief, diet or chemical castration), the ailment is often quickly restored.

Skin symptoms in dogs — hot spot, rash and patting. When to see a doctor?

Does the dog's skin redden or a strange pate appeared on it? Learn how to treat a hot spot at home and when a skin change requires veterinary sampling.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Emergency care at the veterinary hospital in Vantaa — when should you apply?

Veterinary Hospital Sacrum is on call in Vantaa (Porttisuontie 13). We treat acute cases of illness in dogs and cats. See instructions and contact information here.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Old Dog Pains — How to Recognize Them?

Is your dog slowing down? It may not just be old age, but treatable pain. Read on for 5 signs by which you can recognize the pain of a senior dog.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Heart murmur in a dog — is it dangerous?

The vet heard a murmur in the dog? Don't panic. Read what murmur means, how it is classified (1-6) and when an ultrasound examination of the heart is needed.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Back pain or lameness — how to distinguish?

Dog back pain is often confused with lameness. Identify the symptoms of intervertebral hernia and back pain: numbness, unwillingness to look up, and unwillingness to move.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Sudden diarrhea in a dog — when to go to the vet?

Dog diarrhea often surprises. When is home care enough and when is a veterinarian needed? Read the instructions for treating bloody diarrhea and diarrhea in puppies.

27.01.2026
Blog Category