Are you familiar with the look of your dog’s pee and their urinary habits?
Observe your dog’s pee while they’re healthy. Only then can you notice any changes that are a reflection of changes in your dog’s health.
To a dog, urine isn’t just waste; it is a precious commodity. I’ve always been fascinated by how carefully our dogs pick just the right spot for their deposit.
I’m sure that you have noticed your dog’s fascination with urine markings. It is imperative that every tree, every pole, and every hydrant be carefully examined. You might think that dogs can’t read, but they can! Only their required reading isn’t written in words.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
There is information in the dog’s pee that even a human can detect
If reading scents is, for dogs, the equivalent of reading a written message, then the canine equivalent of ink is urine.
Stanley Coren, How to Speak Dog
Leaving urine markings, to dogs, is like sending out a resume. If dogs get so much information from urine, could we?
Learn what your dog’s pee can tell you about their health
Observing Your Dog’s Urine and Urinary Habits
What can you tell from your dog’s pee by yourself? Think like a dog and learn to read the pee!
Veterinary Urinalysis
A urinalysis is inexpensive, noninvasive, and provides a wealth of information about a dog’s well-being. Learn how to collect a sample and what the laboratory results mean.
Look and smell of urine
Brown Urine
Normal urine should be shades of yellow. If your dog’s pee is brown in color, seek veterinary care immediately.
Urinary behavior and habits
Changes in Urination/Urinary Accidents
Urinary accidents in housetrained dogs are signs of medical or behavioral problems. In either case, punishment is cruel and ineffective.
Potty Accidents in Dogs: Incontinence vs UTIs
Always pay attention to your dog and make sure that a new problem doesn’t hide behind an existing one.
Breed-specific urinary issues
Certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to forming urinary crystals or stones, which can show up in the urine, such as:
- blood in urine
- cloudy/stinky urine (infections)
- dribbling (blockages)
- stinky urine ( infections)
Affected breeds
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Dalmatians
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Shih Tzus
- Bulldogs
- Labrador retrievers
If you have one of these breeds, keep a closer eye on their pee.
Further reading: Urine Crystals in Dogs: Causes and Treatment
My Dog’s Pee: What Can You Learn from Your Dog’s Urine Infographic
Further reading: Discolored urine: What does it mean?
Dog Urine Color Chart: What Specific Shades Mean
Real-life Stories
Brown Urine in a Dog: What Would You Do If It Was Your Dog? Jasmine’s Story
Pre-Anesthetic Blood Tests: Jack’s Test Reveals Kidney Failure
Chronic UTI in Dogs: Tara’s Increased Thirst and Urinary Accidents