What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Peeing Blood?

Finding blood in dog urine can be incredibly alarming for any pet parent. But, while blood in dog urine is a scary sight, it's often a sign of something treatable. A simple urinary tract infection or a benign prostate problem can be the cause.

Hematuria is the medical term used to describe the presence of red blood cells or explicit blood in urine for a dog. This is often due to inflammation or infection in the urinary system which could include the upper or lower urinary tract. The presence of blood in the urine or hematuria should be evaluated by your veterinarian to identify the cause and provide recommendations to help your dog.

Here are common causes of blood in dog urine, what you should do if it affects your dog and the treatments your veterinarian may recommend.

The reasons a dog may have blood in the urine typically fall into two main categories, depending on where the bleeding originates: the upper urinary tract or the lower urinary tract. Blood in the urine is often a sign of underlying urinary issues, which can affect the kidneys or bladder.

The lower urinary tract includes the bladder and the urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). When evaluating what causes blood in dog urine, lower tract issues are statistically much more frequent:

• Bladder Infections: A lower urinary tract infection (UTI) is by far the most common cause for a dog peeing blood. It can be caused by skin allergies; the anatomy of the urethra, vulva or prepuce; and hormone-related incontinence in spayed females

• Bladder Stones: These can form for a variety of reasons, including genetics, nutrition and chronic infection.

• Bladder Cancer: Tumors in the bladder that closely mimic UTI symptoms, causing frequent accidents and straining.

Prostate Problems: In unneutered male dogs, benign prostate enlargement or prostate infections frequently result in bloody discharge.

Causes for blood in dog urine that can affect both the upper and lower urinary tracts include a ruptured bladder, which can happen if they're hit by a car or attacked by another dog; coagulopathy (a scientific word that essentially means clotting problems); and vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels.

Your veterinarian may also recommend a change in food. Dietary changes to help a dog with urinary issues play a foundational role in both short-term recovery and long-term management. When a dog experiences recurring bladder stones or severe pH imbalances, tailored nutrition acts as a frontline defense.

Specialized therapeutic diets (such as wet foods) help increase overall water intake, which achieves more dilute urine. Dilution reduces the concentration of minerals, effectively lowering the risk of crystal formation. Furthermore, precisely balanced formulas (such as Hill's Prescription Diet) work to optimize urine pH, creating an environment that actively discourages specific types of bladder stones from forming or growing.

Is blood in dog urine an emergency?

While it may not always be an immediate life-or-death emergency, it is a serious clinical sign. As a general rule of safety, any dog passing blood should be evaluated by a veterinarian within 24 hours to prevent the underlying issue from escalating.

Can a UTI cause blood in a dog's urine?

Yes. A lower urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common reason a dog will experience blood in their urine. The bacteria cause severe inflammation and micro-tears in the lining of the bladder and urethra, leading to bleeding.

Can bladder stones cause bloody urine in dogs?

Yes, bladder stones are a frequent cause of hematuria. As the stones shift inside the bladder, their rough surfaces rub against the sensitive bladder wall, causing painful inflammation, irritation, and bleeding.

Can diet help prevent urinary problems in dogs?

Absolutely. Switching to a specialized urinary care diet or incorporating wet food helps dilute the urine and regulate pH levels. This dual action is highly effective at preventing the formation of crystals and stones.

What is the most common cause of blood in urine in dogs?

A bacterial bladder infection (lower urinary tract infection) is widely recognized as the primary and most frequent cause of bloody urine in domestic dogs.