Petriage Clinical Insights

IMPORTANT: This article, which is provided for educational purposes only, is based on published veterinary data and decades of work with pets and pet parents. The information provided here is not designed to be comprehensive but to help you avoid the pitfalls of online misinformation and most importantly, to frame the conversation you should have with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian’s perspective may differ from what is expressed here. Always consult with your veterinarian.

Urinary Problems

Urinary problems may occur in pets for various reasons. Do not assume it is a behavior issue.  Recommendation  

Notice any changes in your pet's drinking and urinating behavior. Note shift in the amount or frequency of drinking and urination. With cats, observe any shifts in litter box behavior, such as changes in how long they spend in the litter box, how often they go, or other unusual behaviors while in the litter box. 

Warning 

  • Urinary problems in male pets can sometimes indicate a life-threatening urinary blockage. Since this potential for emergencies exists for male pets, contact your vet ASAP. 
  • If your un-spayed female pet has blood in her urine, accompanied with a swollen vulva, it could be normal signs of being in heat. However, if she also shows signs of infection (any green, yellow, white-ish discharge) or illness, do not assume she is in heat. The blood could be a sign of a more serious health concern. Contact your vet ASAP. 

Tips

  • Attempt to prevent your dog from urinating just before your vet visit, as your vet will likely need a urine sample.
  • Do not give urine-acidifying supplements, unless instructed by your vet.