Why Is My Dog Peeing Blood? Top 10 Most Common Causes

Seeing blood in your dog’s urine can be alarming. Whether your dog is acting completely normal or showing additional signs of discomfort, it’s important to understand what might be causing it, when to worry, and what steps to take next.

This guide breaks down the most common reasons your dog may be peeing blood, including differences in male vs. female dogs, when it’s an emergency, and how tools like Maven Pet can help you track subtle health changes before they become serious.

Is Blood in a Dog’s Urine Always an Emergency?

In most cases, yes. Blood in your dog’s pee (known medically as hematuria) usually signals an underlying condition that requires veterinary attention. It may not always be a critical emergency, but it should never be ignored — especially if your dog is peeing blood but acting normal.

“Dogs often hide discomfort, so even if they seem fine, blood in the urine is always a reason to consult your veterinarian.” — Dr. Carolina Domingues, DVM, Veterinary Advisor at Maven Pet

Why Is There Blood in My Dog’s Pee?

Several conditions can cause visible blood in your dog’s urine. These can range from infections and inflammation to more serious health issues. Here’s a breakdown of common causes:

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs are a frequent cause of blood in the urine and are often accompanied by frequent urination, straining, and licking of the genital area.

• Common in: Both sexes, but more often in females.
• What to do: Your vet will perform a urinalysis and may prescribe antibiotics. Learn more about UTIs in dogs from PubMed.
• Maven tip: Maven monitors water intake, which is crucial for successful treatment. Encourage hydration by placing water bowls in different rooms, using a pet water fountain, or adding crunchy treats like carrot or apple pieces to your dog’s water.

2. Bladder Stones or Crystals

Bladder stones irritate the lining of the bladder, causing bleeding. Some dogs may strain to urinate or pass only small amounts.

• Common in: Male dogs are more prone due to their narrower urethra.
• What to do: Immediate veterinary evaluation. X-rays or ultrasounds may be needed. 
• Maven tip: Watch for interrupted sleep and reduced daytime activity, which Maven tracks and flags.

3. Trauma or Injury

Any injury to the lower urinary tract, such as from an accident or fall, may lead to blood in the urine.

• What to do: This is a medical emergency. Contact your vet immediately.
• Maven tip: A sudden drop in activity, lethargy, or signs of pain during rest could signal trauma.

4. Cystitis (Bladder Infection)

Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder, often due to bacterial infection.

• What to do: Not all cases require antibiotics. Comfort medications and increasing water intake can be effective. If a bacterial infection is confirmed, antibiotics are necessary.
• Maven tip: While Maven doesn’t track urination or licking, it can monitor water intake. Increasing hydration is key to treatment. Use multiple water bowls, freshen water frequently, or add pet-safe treats like carrots to stimulate drinking.

5. Prostate Issues (Male Dogs)

Prostate enlargement or infection can lead to blood in urine in intact male dogs.

• Common in: Middle-aged to older unneutered males.
• What to do: A vet may recommend neutering, antibiotics, or imaging. Read more about canine prostate disease on ScienceDirect.

6. Female Dog Reproductive Cycle (Females Only)

During a female dog’s heat cycle, spotting can be mistaken for blood in the urine.

• What to do: Track the timing of the cycle and consult your vet to confirm. Use Maven’s journal feature to log abnormal patterns or symptoms.

7. Pyometra (Unspayed Female Dogs)

Pyometra is a serious uterine infection in unspayed female dogs that can result in blood-tinged discharge, which may appear like bloody urine.

• What to do: This is a medical emergency. Prompt surgery is often required.

8. Platelet or Clotting Disorders

If your dog has an issue with blood clotting, bleeding from the urinary tract can occur.

• What to do: Your vet will need to run blood tests to confirm. This may relate to underlying immune or systemic disease.

9. Toxin Ingestion

Certain toxins, like rat poison or harmful plants, can cause internal bleeding and may lead to bloody urine.

• What to do: Immediate emergency care is essential. Bring any packaging or known toxins with you.

10. Kidney Disease or Infection

Infections or inflammation of the kidneys can cause hematuria, often alongside vomiting, weight loss, or changes in thirst.

• What to do: Blood work and urine tests are essential. See Frontiers’ article on canine kidney disease.
• Maven tip: Watch for ongoing fatigue, changes in sleep or water intake.

What If My Dog Is Peeing Blood But Acting Normal?

It’s possible for your dog to seem completely fine while dealing with a condition like a UTI or early-stage bladder stones. That’s why observation is key.

• Don’t wait: Even without symptoms, blood in the urine is enough reason to see a vet.
• Track behavior: Look for subtle changes. Is your dog sleeping more? Drinking less? Waking up during the night?
• Use Maven: Maven monitors patterns in rest, activity, and water intake to catch these trends early.

Male vs. Female: Does It Matter?

Male Dogs

• More prone to: Blockages from bladder stones, prostate issues.
• Warning signs: Straining to urinate, whining, only passing small amounts.
• Why it matters: A blocked urethra is life-threatening. Contact your vet immediately.

Female Dogs

• More prone to: Urinary tract infections.
• Warning signs: Licking the area, frequent peeing.
• Maven tip: Disrupted sleep and increased restlessness can signal discomfort.

When to Call Your Vet

Call your vet as soon as you notice blood in your dog’s urine. Seek emergency care if:

• Your dog is unable to pee or is only passing drops
• There is visible discomfort, shaking, or vomiting
• The blood is accompanied by lethargy or collapse

Even if the only symptom is discoloration, it’s still important to schedule an appointment.

How Maven Pet Can Help

Maven Pet helps pet parents detect early signs of illness, often before they’re visible.

It uses a collar-mounted sensor and AI to track changes in:

• Activity and rest: Lethargy and restlessness may indicate discomfort
• Water intake: Changes can flag kidney or urinary issues
• Nighttime patterns: More frequent waking could signal pain
• Behavior trends: Early clues to UTIs, bladder stones, or kidney disease

With 24/7 alerts and personalized reports, Maven empowers you to take action before problems escalate.

Explore the Maven Pet smart collar and support your dog’s pet wellness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering, “why is my dog peeing blood?” — don’t delay. From UTIs and cystitis to kidney issues and more serious health threats, blood in dog urine should never be ignored.

Stay alert, trust your instincts, and let tools like Maven help you make informed decisions early. Proactive care means less pain, fewer bills, and more time with your healthy, happy dog.

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Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.