Dog Articles

Reading the 'Pee Leaves'

Did you know that the way your dog is peeing — or not — can give you some important information about their urinary, and even overall health. This article will highlight some of the signs you may notice when your dog pees that could indicate that a vet visit is needed.

Straining While Peeing

If your dog is struggling or straining while they’re peeing, it could actually be a very serious emergency condition. Both male and female dogs can have their urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the outside world) blocked by a urinary stone, scaring, inflammation, or even a tumor. Male dogs can also suffer a urethral blockage from an overly enlarged prostate (more of a problem in male dogs that haven’t been neutered, as the prostate grows under the influence of testosterone). You should always err on the side of caution if you see your dog straining to pee and bring them for immediate veterinary evaluation. Even if they’re not “blocked,” your dog will be happy that you had them checked to be sure.

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Topics: Dog Health, Urine sample, Blood in urine, Potty Training, Potty accidents

Are you noticing any concerning changes in your dog’s urinations? Are you noticing blood in his urine? Is he suddenly peeing more often? Is he now peeing in your house, or straining to pee? Or perhaps it’s not even his urinations, but rather an increase in his water drinking that you’ve recently noticed? Or maybe it’s weight loss, vomiting, or something else entirely that’s suddenly changed in your dog?

You’ve likely (hopefully) recognized that each of these situations are cause for a trip to the vet, but are you aware of the important role your dog’s urine might play in helping you and your vet figure out the underlying cause in all of these situations? Yes, that’s right… even in cases of vomiting, weight loss, and many other situations that seem to have absolutely no connection to your dog’s urinary system! Read More

Topics: Dog Health, Dog, Wellness Check-up, Vet Exam, Dog Tips, Vomitting, Veterinary visits, Urine sample, Collecting a urine sample, Blood in urine, Pee-Pad Training, Urine analysis