If you have a dog, then you are probably used to the daily potty routine. And, this routine may seem a bit off on occasion if your pup is not feeling well. When it comes to urination, there are some signs that it may be time to take your canine in the veterinarian for a check-up. Keep reading to learn about a few of them and what the issues may mean.
Excessive Urination
Typically, adult dogs need to urinate about once every four to six hours. Younger canines may need to go a bit more often, with puppies urinating the most. They may go as often as once every two hours but will release only small amounts of urine. And, if you get used to your canine's schedule and see that he is urinating two or even three times as often, this may be a sign of a medical problem.
If large volumes of urine are released at each time, then this may be a sign of an endocrine problem. This issue may involve a hormone called ADH or aldosterone. Fluctuations in both of these chemicals can force your canine's body to pull more fluid out of the body. And, this fluid is filtered through the kidneys and released as a highly dilute urine.
Also, if your canine is diabetic and has too much sugar in the bloodstream, then some of the glucose will spill out into the urine. As this happens, more and more water will follow to dilute it and your dog will pee more often.
Both blood and urine tests may be needed to diagnose the issue, so make sure to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice a problem.
Trouble Urinating
If your dog has the opposite issue and appears to be straining to urinate and you notice only small amounts of urine releasing, then your canine may also have a medical issue. Sometimes the problem is a urinary tract infection where he or she feels the urge to urinate often. Since the urge is present, but the body is not creating more urine, you may see only drops or no urine at all if your dog has recently gone outside.
Also, stones in the bladder can cause the straining issue, but this is often due to a blockage where the urine cannot escape. Specifically, a mineral stone is trapped in the urethra and the urine cannot release from the bladder. Your dog will feel as though he has to go because the bladder will continue to fill up.
A blocked urethra is often a medical emergency and the bladder can rupture.
If you want to know more about your canine and possible urinary issues, speak with your veterinarian.
Share20 November 2019
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