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Hematuria in Dogs

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity

Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, is the presence of red blood cells in a dog’s urine. This can be caused by various health problems and requires a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Grundlagen und mögliche Ursachen

Hematuria in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors. A common cause is a urinary tract infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. that irritates and damages the lining of the bladder or urethra, which can lead to blood in the urine. These infections are often caused by bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. and can occur in both male and female dogs.

Another common reason for blood in the urine is the formation of urinary stones. These stones can develop in the bladder or ureters and irritate the mucous membranes or even cause a blockage, leading to Bleeding. Urinary stones are often the result of dietary factors, genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases., or other metabolicMetabolic refers to metabolism, i.e. the entirety of chemical processes that take place in a living organism to enable life processes. Metabolic disorders can cause a variety of Diseases in Dogs and cats. disorders.

Neoplasms or Tumors in the urinary tract can also cause Bleeding. Although this is less common, it should be considered, especially in older dogs. Tumors can be benignBenign refers to a non-invasive, non-serious condition that is not life-threatening. In medicine, the term is often used to describe benign tumors that do not metastasize, meaning they do not form secondary tumors. or malignantMalignant means "cancerous" and is used to describe tumors or neoplasms that grow invasively and have the ability to metastasize. Malignant tumors can cause serious health problems in dogs and cats. and require a thorough examination by a veterinarian.

Traumatic injuries, such as a blow to the abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen. or back, can also cause blood in the urine. Such injuries can damage internal organs, including the kidneys or bladder, leading to hematuria.

Kidney problems, such as Inflammatory conditions of the kidneys or renal failure, are other possible causes of blood in the urine. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine, so any disruption in their function can lead to Bleeding.

Finally, systemic diseases, such as clotting disorders, can also lead to hematuria. These conditions affect the blood’s ability to clot and can lead to spontaneous Bleeding.

Typische Begleitsymptome

Increased urination: Dogs with hematuria may urinate more often than usual. This can be a sign of an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. or irritation of the urinary tract.
Difficulty urinating: Some dogs show signs of Pain or discomfort when urinating, which may indicate a blockage or infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Change in urine color: The urine may appear pink, red, or brown, indicating the presence of blood.
Lethargy: Dogs with Hematuria may be lethargic or less active, which may indicate general malaise or Pain.
Loss of appetite: An affected dog may eat less or generally be disinterested in food.
AbdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain: AbdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain or sensitivity in the abdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. area may be signs of a more serious cause of Hematuria.
Fever: An elevated body temperature may indicate an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. or inflammation.

Wann zum Tierarzt?

A veterinary visit is essential if you notice blood in your dog’s urine, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as Pain, increased thirst, loss of appetite, or lethargy. These signs may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

If the dog has difficulty urinating at all, or if it is in generally poor condition, emergency veterinary care should be sought immediately. Blockages in the urinary tract can quickly become life-threatening.

Regular check-ups are especially important for older dogs or those with a known susceptibility to urinary tract disease. A timely visit to the veterinarian can help detect and treat potentially serious problems early.

Symptomerkennung für den Tierhalter und tierärztliches diagnostisches Vorgehen

Detecting hematuria often begins with careful observation by the pet owner. Watch for changes in your dog’s urine color or urination behavior. Look out for other symptoms such as increased drinking or general lethargy.

At the veterinary clinic, the dog will be thoroughly examined. This includes a physical examination as well as a urinalysis to detect the presence of blood and possibly bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. or crystals in the urine. These tests help determine the cause of hematuria.

Blood tests may be performed to check kidney function and rule out systemic diseases. In some cases, an ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. examination or X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. may be necessary to identify urinary stones or Tumors.

A detailed medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. is also important. The veterinarian will ask questions about the dog’s symptoms, its diet, and any pre-existing conditions in order to get a complete picture of the situation.

Was kann der Tierhalter tun und professionelle Therapieoptionen

As a pet owner, there are a few steps you can take to make your dog more comfortable while you wait for the veterinary appointment. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water to flush the bladder and prevent dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse..

Keep the dog in a calm, stress-free environment to avoid unnecessary strain. Monitor its symptoms closely and note any changes so you can provide the veterinarian with accurate information.

Avoid giving your dog medication without veterinary advice. Some substances can worsen the situation or mask symptoms, making diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. more difficult.

Make sure the dog can go outside regularly to relieve itself, as holding urine can make symptoms worse. Be sure to check the urine for changes or the appearance of new symptoms.

Ausblick auf aktuelle Forschung

In recent years, research into hematuria in dogs has made significant progress, particularly in identifying biomarkers that can help determine the causes of blood in the urine more precisely. A large number of studies focus on developing non-invasive diagnostic methods that allow veterinarians to quickly distinguish between different causes, such as urinary tract infections, Bladder stones (uroliths), or Tumors.

One area of intensive research is the genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. of certain dog breeds to hematuria. Researchers are investigating specific genetic markers that could indicate an increased susceptibility to certain conditions that cause blood in the urine. In the future, these genetic insights could lead to more targeted preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. measures and personalized treatment approaches.

The development of new imaging techniques is another key focus. Advances in ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. technology as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is used in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, and other organs. allow for more detailed visualization of the urinary tract and bladder. These technologies help veterinarians identify potential causes of hematuria without invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. procedures, reducing stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. for the animals and shortening the time to diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..

Another important aspect of research looks at the role of nutrition in the preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. and treatment of hematuria. Specific diets aimed at regulating the urine’s pH valueThe pH value is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH value of 7 being considered neutral, values below 7 acidic, and values above 7 alkaline. or preventing the formation of Bladder stones (uroliths) are being studied as potential treatment approaches. These dietary measures, in combination with other therapies, could help reduce the frequency and severity of hematuria.

In addition, the effectiveness of various drug treatments continues to be researched. The development of medications that specifically reduce Inflammatory conditions in the urinary tract or promote healing of injuries to the bladder lining could play an important role in treating hematuria. Clinical studies are currently also examining the potential benefits of newer medications compared with traditional treatment approaches.

Research into improving the quality of life of dogs with chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. hematuria is also very important. The focus is on developing management strategies aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the affected animals’ quality of life. Behavioral interventions and environmental adjustments could be useful in minimizing the stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. and discomfort associated with this condition.

Overall, research into hematuria in dogs is a dynamic and promising field that aims to develop better diagnostic tools, preventive measures, and effective treatment options. Advances in this area have the potential to significantly improve the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. for affected dogs and reduce the burden on their owners.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What is Hematuria in dogs? Hematuria is the presence of blood in a dog’s urine. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, stones, injuries, or Tumors in the urinary tract.
How can I tell if my dog has blood in his urine? Hematuria often shows up as a reddish or brownish discoloration of the urine. In some cases, however, the blood may be microscopic and only detected through a urinalysis.
Is blood in the urine in dogs always a sign of a serious illness? Not always, but it should not be ignored. While some causes can be relatively harmless, such as temporary bladder irritation, others can be more serious and require immediate veterinary evaluation.
What tests can be performed to determine the cause of Hematuria? Veterinarians can perform a urinalysis, blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. examinations to determine the cause of hematuria. In some cases, cystoscopyCystoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a cystoscope, a thin tubular instrument with a camera, to directly view the bladder and urethra. It allows for the diagnosis of lower urinary tract conditions in dogs and cats, including Tumors, stones, and infections. may be required.
Can my dog’s diet affect Hematuria? Yes, certain diets can affect the risk of Bladder stones (uroliths) or urinary tract infections, which can cause hematuria. Veterinary nutrition advice can be helpful.
What treatment options are available for dogs with Hematuria? The treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may include antibiotics for infections, diets for preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of stones, surgical procedures, or medications to support bladder health.
How can I prevent Hematuria in my dog? Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate fluid intake can reduce the risk of hematuria. If there are known pre-existing conditions, preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. measures should be taken.
Is Hematuria more common in certain dog breeds? Yes, some breeds have a genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. to conditions that can cause hematuria, such as Bladder stones (uroliths). Examples include Dalmatians and bulldogs, which are more prone to certain types of stones.
Can Hematuria go away on its own? In some cases, hematuria can go away on its own, especially if it is caused by temporary irritation. Nevertheless, a veterinarian should always be consulted to rule out serious causes.
What should I do if I notice blood in my dog’s urine? See a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment are crucial to protect your dog’s health and avoid serious complications.