What should I do if my dog or cat has blood in their urine?

Blood in the urine can be caused by infection, stones, or other conditions. Bring a fresh urine sample and any available records to your vet as soon as possible. The vet will arrange urinalysis, imaging, or a culture to identify the cause and advise on next steps.

How do I collect a urine sample at home?

For cats, replace the litter with unscented crystal litter or collect urine directly into a clean container. For dogs, hold a clean container near the urination area to catch a fresh sample. Avoid contamination, refrigerate the sample, and bring it to the clinic as soon as possible.

What does it mean if my pet urinates frequently but only small amounts each time?

This may indicate bladder irritation or lower urinary tract disease. Have a vet examine the urine and perform imaging as soon as possible to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

What follow-up tests are needed after treatment?

Typical follow-up includes regular urinalysis, urine culture and blood tests if indicated, and continued monitoring of water intake, weight, and urination. Return to the vet if symptoms recur.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Urinary Conditions in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Home Care [2025]

Blood in the urine can occur due to urinary tract infections, stones, tumours, or clotting disorders. Diagnosis requires urinalysis and imaging to identify the underlying cause.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2025/12/16

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Unable to urinate or repeatedly straining without passing any urine
•Large amounts of fresh blood or blood clots present in the urine
•Persistent lethargy accompanied by severe abdominal pain or discomfort

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (Within 24–72 Hours)

•Frequent trips to the litter box or urinating multiple times in a short period
•Crying out or straining noticeably while urinating
•Noticeably reduced urine output or complete absence of urine

01What symptoms indicate a urinary problem?

Urinary conditions in dogs and cats typically present as discomfort during urination, frequent attempts to urinate, or changes in urine appearance. Pay close attention when these signs are accompanied by changes in energy levels or appetite.

Crying, straining, or visible distress when trying to urinate
Frequent trips to the litter box or outside with only small amounts of urine each time
Noticeably increased, decreased, or absent urine output
Cloudy, blood-tinged, or foul-smelling urine
Sensitivity or discomfort when the abdomen or bladder area is touched

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Unable to urinate or repeatedly straining with no urine produced
⚠️ Significant fresh blood or blood clots in the urine
⚠️ Persistent lethargy combined with severe abdominal discomfort

02How to assess the situation at home: key observations and emergency criteria

Observing and noting details at home before your vet visit helps the vet assess and manage the situation more quickly.

Note when symptoms began, how often they occur, and when you first noticed them
Estimate daily water intake and any changes in urine volume
Take photos or videos of urination, the litter box, or urine pad for reference
Weigh your pet daily for several days and track any weight changes
Monitor and record changes in appetite, alertness, and activity level
If possible, collect a small fresh urine sample and bring it to the clinic

03How does the vet make a diagnosis? Common tests and examinations

At the clinic, the vet will use a physical examination along with laboratory and imaging tests to evaluate the cause and severity of the condition.

Physical examination

palpation of the abdomen and bladder, and assessment of pain response

Blood tests

evaluation of kidney function and overall metabolic status

X-rays

to detect urinary stones or structural changes in the urinary tract

Ultrasound

assessment of the bladder, kidneys, and urethra

Urinalysis and bacterial culture

to confirm infection and guide antibiotic selection

CT scan or tissue biopsy if needed to evaluate complex lesions

Seek a clinic with imaging and culture capabilities for thorough evaluation

04How is the condition treated and managed? Medications, diet, and care guide

Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause; urine output and overall condition should be closely monitored throughout the course of treatment.

Select or adjust antibiotic therapy based on test results, guided by culture findings
Fluid support for dehydration or severe metabolic disturbances
Dietary changes or prescription food to help dissolve or prevent crystal formation
Monitor and record urination frequency, urine colour, and changes in alertness and appetite at home
Return for regular check-ups including urinalysis and blood tests as needed
For complex or recurrent cases, specialist referral or advanced imaging follow-up is recommended

05What to prepare before your vet visit: key information to help the vet identify the cause quickly

Compile a record of when symptoms started, how often they occur, and how they have changed

Note recent water intake, urination, and bowel movement patterns

Prepare a list of current medications and supplements

If you can collect a urine sample, bring it in a clean container to the clinic

Bring any photos, videos, or previous imaging reports if available

Call ahead to book an appointment at a clinic that can perform urinalysis and imaging

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.