Dog peeing blood: Causes & treatment

Seeing your dog peeing blood shocks most pet owners, and it should. Even if your dog acts normal, blood in the urine always signals a problem that requires attention.

This symptom develops from different conditions, including                            urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or more serious issues like            kidney failure in dogs. You may also notice straining, frequent trips outside, or changes in energy.

In this article, you’ll learn what blood in dog urine means, common causes, how vets diagnose it, and the treatments available. Knowing these details helps you act quickly and get your dog the care they need.

What is blood in dog urine? Understanding hematuria in dogs

The technical term for blood in urine is hematuria. This occurs when red blood cells leak into the urine somewhere along the urinary tract. 

Blood in the urine is sometimes obvious, especially if your dog urinates on a light-colored surface like snow or carpet. The discoloration can range from pink or amber to deep red or brown, and in some cases, you may see clots. Other times, the urine may look completely normal, and you may only learn there’s blood through laboratory testing.

Causes of blood in your dog’s pee

Blood in your dog’s urine can come from several different problems within the urinary tract. Some causes are relatively simple, like infections, while others involve more serious conditions such as stones, cancer, or clotting disorders. Understanding these possibilities helps you know why quick veterinary attention is so important.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection is one of the most common causes of a dog peeing blood. Bacteria such as E. coli or Staphylococcus often enter through the urethra and inflame the bladder, leading to pain, straining, frequent urination, and sometimes visible blood.

If left untreated, UTIs can spread to the kidneys and cause serious complications, including kidney failure. Because of these risks, a UTI always needs prompt veterinary attention and proper treatment with antibiotics.

Kidney or bladder stones

A dog peeing blood, having accidents, or struggling to urinate may be showing classic signs of bladder stones.

Bladder stones are hard clumps of minerals that build up in a dog’s bladder. They can make it painful for your dog to pee and might cause blood to show up in their urine. Small stones can sometimes pass out on their own, but big ones can block urine completely. If that happens, your dog needs emergency care from a vet right away.

Some stones can dissolve with a special veterinary diet, while others require surgery to remove. Since stones often develop after urinary tract infections or other medical conditions, dogs with a history of kidney disease or repeated infections are at higher risk for kidney or bladder stones. Prompt veterinary care is essential to confirm the diagnosis and choose the safest treatment plan.

Trauma

Injuries to the urinary tract, such as falling or experiencing a hard blow to the abdomen, can cause a dog to pee blood. Trauma may damage the kidneys, bladder, or urethra, leading to internal bleeding and visible red urine. These types of cases often involve other serious injuries,so it’s critical to seek  immediate veterinary care.

Cancer

Bladder cancer can cause a dog to pee blood, along with straining, frequent urination, and accidents. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common form and often spreads quickly, especially in breeds such as Scottish Terriers, Beagles, and Shetland Sheepdogs. 

Veterinarians diagnose bladder cancer through tests like ultrasound, urinalysis, and sometimes biopsy, since symptoms resemble infections or stones. While bladder cancer is rarely curable, treatments such as NSAIDs, chemotherapy, or surgery can slow progression, relieve symptoms, and improve a dog’s quality of life.

Prostate issues

Unneutered male dogs often develop prostate issues that lead to peeing blood. Prostatitis, an infection of the prostate, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occur most commonly in older males. These conditions cause straining to urinate or defecate, bloody urine, and sometimes discharge from the penis. 

Blood clotting disorders

Clotting disorders prevent a dog’s blood from clotting normally, which can lead to widespread bleeding, including a dog peeing blood. These conditions may be inherited, such as von Willebrand disease in Dobermans, or acquired from toxins, infections, or severe liver and kidney disease. 

Along with bloody urine, dogs with blood-clotting disorders may have frequent nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or bruises under the skin. Vets diagnose clotting problems with blood tests, genetic testing, and platelet counts, and treatment often involves transfusions or targeted therapies depending on the cause.

Toxins

Certain toxins can damage the urinary tract or interfere with normal clotting, which may result in a dog peeing blood. Household chemicals, some human medications, and toxic plants all have the potential to harm the kidneys or bladder. Among the most common and dangerous are       rodenticides, or rat poisons, which can trigger severe internal bleeding or organ damage. 

Since signs often develop hours to days after ingestion, and treatment depends on the type of poison involved, any exposure requires immediate veterinary care.

Inflammation of the blood vessels

Inflammation of the blood vessels, known as vasculitis, can cause bleeding into the urinary tract and result in a dog peeing blood. This condition may develop as a reaction to infections, immune system disorders, or exposure to certain medications. 

Dogs with vasculitis often show bleeding in other areas too, such as the skin or gums, making prompt veterinary evaluation important to identify the underlying cause and prevent complications.

What to do and when to call your vet about your dog peeing blood

Finding blood in your dog’s urine can be alarming, but acting quickly makes a big difference. Here’s what to do and when to call your vet if you notice this symptom.

1. Monitor your dog’s behavior: Track signs such as straining, frequent urination, or sleepiness, since these details help your vet assess the problem.
2. Collect a fresh urine sample: Use a clean container to catch urine and refrigerate it, so your vet can test it accurately.

3. Call your vet: Reach out immediately for guidance, since blood in urine always signals a medical issue that requires professional care. With Dutch, you can connect with a licensed vet the same day, have prescriptions delivered right to your home, and avoid the stress and cost of repeated clinic visits.

Diagnosing the cause of blood in your dog’s pee

When a dog is peeing blood, veterinarians run specific tests to find the cause. They use a combination of urine testing, blood work, and imaging to narrow down the problem.

Vets start with a urinalysis, spinning the urine in a tube and checking it under a microscope for red blood cells. They may also send the urine for culture to detect bacteria and test which antibiotics can treat it. This process quickly confirms or rules out infection.

Blood tests check kidney function, platelet levels, and clotting ability, while imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound, show stones, tumors, or other blockages. These tools give vets a clear view of the urinary tract and help them decide on the right treatment.

Your input also guides diagnosis. When you describe how long your dog has been peeing blood, any changes in thirst or appetite, or possible toxin exposure, your vet uses this information to make the most accurate assessment.

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How to treat a dog peeing blood 

Vets treat blood in dog urine based on the underlying cause:

• Vets may prescribe antibiotics when the cause is an infection.
• Crystals or stones in the urine may require a prescription diet, or surgery may remove larger stones.
• Inflammation in the prostate or other organs is usually managed with anti-inflammatory medication.

• Bladder cancer can involve treatment with drugs like piroxicam, chemotherapy, or surgery to slow tumor growth and relieve symptoms.

With Dutch, you can connect with a licensed vet the same day, receive prescriptions like antibiotics for urinary infections, and get medications shipped directly to your home. Membership also gives you unlimited follow-ups, so your vet can adjust your dog’s treatment quickly if symptoms don’t improve.

Talk to a Dutch vet today and start treatment for your dog peeing blood. 

What to expect from blood in dog urine treatment and recovery

Dogs with a simple urinary tract infection often improve quickly once they start antibiotics, with bloody urine clearing in just a few days. Many dogs become more comfortable almost immediately after treatment begins.

Crystals or bladder stones take longer to resolve, and recovery often depends on diet management. Dogs that undergo surgery for stones also need strict diet control afterward to reduce the risk of recurrence. Following your vet’s instructions closely gives your dog the best chance for long-term urinary health.

How to prevent blood in your dog’s urine

You can reduce the chances of your dog peeing blood by supporting their urinary health through hydration, diet, and routine care. Dogs that drink plenty of water flush bacteria and minerals from their system more effectively, lowering the risk of infections and crystal formation.

Diet management also plays an important role. Dogs that have had urinary crystals or stones need to remain on a prescription diet recommended by their veterinarian to prevent recurrence. Feeding a balanced veterinary diet helps keep urine at the right pH, which makes it harder for crystals and stones to form again.

Ongoing veterinary support ensures small urinary issues don’t become larger problems. Dutch makes this easier with online urinary health consultations, where licensed vets can diagnose infections, prescribe treatment, and provide follow-up care without clinic visits. 

And for dogs prone to chronic urinary problems, supplements such as   VetriScience Urinary Tract Strength Pro Canine can strengthen bladder health and help protect against repeat infections.

Talk to a Dutch vet today to learn why your dog is peeing blood

Blood in your dog’s urine is never something to ignore, since it almost always points to infection, stones, or another medical issue that requires treatment. Even if your dog seems comfortable, the problem can worsen quickly without proper care. Getting a timely diagnosis from a veterinarian helps your dog recover sooner and prevents serious complications.

With Dutch, you don’t have to wait days for an appointment or stress about taking your dog to the clinic. Licensed vets are available the same day to evaluate symptoms, order diagnostic tests when needed, and prescribe medications such as antibiotics for urinary infections. Prescriptions ship directly to your home, and membership includes unlimited follow-ups, so vets with Dutch actively monitor your dog’s recovery and adjust treatment as needed.

Dutch also offers long-term support for chronic urinary issues. Our vets can create dog urinary health plans that recommend diet changes, supplements, and customized care to reduce the risk of repeat problems. This combination of same-day access, ongoing monitoring, and convenient prescription delivery makes Dutch a practical way to keep your dog’s urinary health on track.

Talk to a Dutch vet today to learn why your dog is peeing blood and get your pet the care they need from home.

Dog peeing blood FAQs

Is blood in dog pee an emergency?

Yes, blood in a dog’s urine is always considered an emergency. Even if your dog seems to feel fine, bloody urine can signal infection, stones, trauma, or even cancer. These problems worsen quickly without treatment, so you should contact a veterinarian as soon as you notice this symptom. 

With Dutch, licensed vets are available the same day to assess your dog and prescribe medication when appropriate, helping you act fast without waiting for a clinic visit.

Can blood in dog pee go away on its own?

Blood in a dog’s urine does not go away on its own. Even if the bleeding seems to improve, the underlying cause remains and can become more serious over time. Veterinarians need to run tests to identify the source and provide the right treatment. 

Are there home remedies for dog peeing blood?

You should not try to treat blood in your dog’s urine at home. Causes like urinary infections, stones, or clotting problems need proper diagnosis and veterinary care, and delaying treatment risks more serious complications.

Simple steps such as offering fresh water may support urinary health, but only a veterinarian can prescribe the medications or diets that resolve the underlying condition. 

Why is my dog peeing blood but acting normally?

Some dogs with blood in their urine may not show pain or behavioral changes, but the problem is still serious. You should still contact a veterinarian, because waiting for your dog to act sick can allow the condition to get worse.

Is blood in dog urine a sign of cancer?

Yes, cancer in the urinary tract can cause blood in a dog’s urine, though it’s not the most common reason. Bladder cancer, especially transitional cell carcinoma, often appears with symptoms similar to infections or stones, which makes diagnosis challenging without testing. Only a veterinarian can tell the difference, so you should seek care if your dog develops bloody urine.