Why is my dog not peeing?
Is your dog not peeing normally? Abnormal bathroom habits may mean something’s wrong with their health.
Key Takeaways
- A dog that’s not peeing or is straining to urinate could have a urinary obstruction, which may become life-threatening without immediate care.
- Common causes include bladder stones, tumors, infections, inflammation, or stress-related retention.
- Diagnosis often involves imaging tests, bloodwork, and possibly manual bladder drainage or catheterization.
- Treatment may require medications, special diets, or surgery, like cystotomy or scrotal urethrostomy, depending on the cause.
- Pet insurance can help reduce the cost of diagnostics and emergency care—Pawlicy Advisor makes it easy to compare plans and find one that fits your needs and budget.
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Let’s explore reasons why your dog might not be peeing regularly, potential treatments, the benefits of pet insurance, and more.
✔️ Reviewed by multiple licensed veterinarians
✔️ Updated with the latest medical data
✔️ Compiled from veterinary research
When is it a problem if my dog can’t pee?
A dog peeing in small amounts outside or posing to pee but not releasing anything may indicate a potential urinary issue.
If your dog can't pee at all, you need to take them to the vet immediately. Urinary obstructions (blockages that form along the urinary tract) can be life-threatening without prompt care.
Kidney stones (urinary stones) are the most common cause of a blocked urethra (the flexible tube that connects the bladder to the outside world).
Other potential reasons why your dog can’t pee normally (urinary retention) include:
- Tumors
- Trauma
- Inflammation
- Prostate enlargement
- Vesicourethral reflex dyssynergia (VURD)
- Hormonal imbalances
Stress can also cause dogs to hold their urine. If you’ve recently moved with your dog or adopted a new pup, they may be anxious and uncomfortable in their new surroundings. If you notice your dog not peeing but otherwise acting normal, stress may be the cause.
How to tell if your dog has a medical problem and should visit the vet
If your pup has a partial urethral obstruction, they may show signs and symptoms such as:
- Taking a long time or straining to pee
- Blood in the urine
- Frequently peeing in small amounts outside
- Urinating in unusual places, like the carpet or bed—even if they are potty trained
While a partial obstruction is not life-threatening, you should still take your dog to the vet as soon as you can to alleviate their discomfort and avoid further problems.
A complete urinary blockage is considered a veterinary emergency, as the bladder can rupture, allowing urine to leak into your dog’s abdomen. Symptoms include abdominal pain, lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting. If your dog can’t pee and is acting sick or uncomfortable, seek veterinary care immediately.
How is a urinary obstruction diagnosed?
Depending on why your dog is having trouble peeing, your veterinarian may need to empty the bladder manually using gentle pressure or use a urinary catheter to flush out stones or other blockages.
Your vet will likely take a blood sample to check for azotemia, a condition that develops when waste products normally eliminated in the urine build up in the blood.
X-rays can help find mineralized urinary blockages (stones and similar debris), while an ultrasound can spot things like tumors or blood clots that might not show up on X-rays.
The vet will also check your dog’s bladder, kidneys, and the prostate in male dogs.
Treatment for urinary obstructions in dogs
Some of the procedures and treatments your vet may recommend to relieve your dog’s blockage include:
- Cystotomy: A surgical procedure can be performed under general anesthesia to remove stones from the bladder.
- Scrotal urethrostomy: This is a surgical procedure performed in male dogs to create a new, wider urethral opening. This allows small stones to pass and prevents future blockages.
- Ultrasound treatment: In some dogs, sound waves can be used to break up larger stones, allowing them to pass without surgery.
- Medications: Antibiotics and muscle relaxants can treat infections and alleviate discomfort.
- Ongoing care: For recurring issues, your vet may recommend specialized diets or regular catheterization.
If your dog is very sick, your vet may delay surgery and begin hospitalized treatment. This may include placing a urinary catheter to drain the bladder for a day or two until your dog is stable enough for surgery.
Recovery from urinary obstruction
While some dogs fully recover after a single episode of urinary blockage or retention, others may need lifelong care and monitoring.
Dogs who undergo cystotomy surgery (with or without scrotal urethrostomy) generally have a good outcome, as long as there’s no kidney damage.
After a cystotomy, your dog may need to pee more frequently. They also might feel a strong urge to pee and may have accidents while they recover. It is normal for your dog’s urine to be a bit bloody after surgery. However, you should call your veterinarian if you see bright red blood.
Your dog will need to wear a cone or E-collar for 10 to 14 days to prevent them from licking or chewing their incision. You’ll also need to limit your dog’s activity and give them any medications prescribed by their vet for pain, inflammation, or infection.
How can I help with my dog’s peeing problem?
When you bring your dog home after surgery, you may need to manually empty their bladder or use a catheter, which your vet can teach you to do.
Other ways to support your dog’s urinary health include allowing them multiple opportunities to relieve themselves. Many new dog and puppy parents ask, “How long can dogs hold their pee?” The answer will vary depending on your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Young and older dogs need to relieve themselves more frequently throughout the day, while adult dogs should urinate at least three times a day.
Finally, hydration is a great way to promote urinary health. Encourage your dog to pee more frequently by feeding them wet food or soaking their dry food in water.
The benefits of pet insurance
When your dog can’t pee, it is a cause for concern. Changes in your pup’s urinary habits could have a behavioral or medical cause, and getting to the bottom of it may require more than one vet visit.
While it can be scary not knowing what’s going on with your furry family member, the scarier thought is how expensive your vet bill could be by the end of the ordeal. Vet bills for this pet health problem often range from $100 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of care.
Pet insurance provides peace of mind by helping to cover unexpected medical expenses and vet visit costs, such as diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications. Investing in pet insurance ensures you can focus on your dog’s health and comfort without worrying about your budget.
Final thoughts
If your dog is having trouble peeing or can’t pee at all, they may have a serious health problem that needs urgent veterinary attention. Early treatment can improve your dog’s outcome, relieve their pain, and help them recover.
Protect your dog’s health today and for years to come by making pet insurance a priority. Pet insurance helps cover unexpected vet bills and gives you peace of mind, knowing your dog can get the care they need without delay or stress. Consider it an investment in your dog’s health—we think you’ll agree they’re worth it!
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DVM, FFCP
Dr. Angela Beal has worked in private practice and taught veterinary technicians for 15 years. Angela is a veterinarian who loves using her writing to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Since 2020, she has worked full-time within the veterinary education writing and editing industry. Angela lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, two sons, and their spoiled Chihuahua mix, Yogi.
