Blocked bladder in dogs
A blocked bladder means your dog is struggling to pee and can only manage a dribble, or nothing at all. They may even pass drops of blood. Stones and crystals are the most common cause of urinary blockages in dogs. Any age, sex or breed can be affected, but it’s most common in older male dogs and in certain breeds.
The bladder is part of the body’s waste-disposal system. If your dog can't pee, toxic waste builds up inside their body, making them very sick very quickly, and can be fatal. A dog who can't pass any urine at all will be in a lot of pain and won't survive more than a few days without treatment. The outlook is best when the problem is quickly identified and treated. So it's really important to recognise the warning signs of a blocked bladder in dogs.
What to do if your dog has a blocked bladder >What to do if your dog has a blocked bladder [What to doCommon causes of a blocked bladder in dogs >Common causes of a blocked bladder in dogs [CausesWhen should you be worried about a blocked bladder >When should you be worried about a blocked bladder [When to worryTips to reduce the risk of a blocked bladder in dogs How to tell if your dog has a blocked bladder Home remedies for blocked bladder in dogs How do vets treat a blocked bladder? Are some dogs at higher risk of a blocked bladder? >Are some dogs at higher risk of a blocked bladder? [RiskOther causes
When should you be worried about a blocked bladder >When should you be worried about a blocked bladder [When to worryTips to reduce the risk of a blocked bladder in dogs How to tell if your dog has a blocked bladder Home remedies for blocked bladder in dogs How do vets treat a blocked bladder? Are some dogs at higher risk of a blocked bladder? >Are some dogs at higher risk of a blocked bladder? [RiskOther causes
How to tell if your dog has a blocked bladder Home remedies for blocked bladder in dogs How do vets treat a blocked bladder? Are some dogs at higher risk of a blocked bladder? >Are some dogs at higher risk of a blocked bladder? [RiskOther causes
How do vets treat a blocked bladder? Are some dogs at higher risk of a blocked bladder? >Are some dogs at higher risk of a blocked bladder? [RiskOther causes
Other causes
Other possible causes for symptoms that resemble the early stages of blocked or partially blocked bladder include:
Cystitis - asking to go out more, lifting leg or squatting more frequently on walks, abnormal colour or smell to urine
Constipation - squatting more, possibly whimpering
Lower back arthritis - vocalising due to pain on squatting
Spinal injury - nerve damage makes your dog unable to pass urine but not straining, no urine produced (unless overflow), swollen abdomen
Joii can help with advice on:
Recognising signs of a blocked bladder or urinary tract disorder
Optimising your dogs water intake
Feeding the best diet for your dog’s needs
Giving medicine to dogs