Seeing blood in your dog’s urine can be startling — even more so when your dog otherwise seems completely fine.
You might notice a reddish tint when they pee, yet they’re eating, playing, and behaving normally, leaving you wondering if it’s something serious or just a harmless fluke.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may have blood in their urine but still act normal, what you can do, and why prompt veterinary attention is important.
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Dog Has Blood in Urine but Acting Normal: Why It Happens
Blood in a dog’s urine (known as hematuria) can happen for a variety of reasons, and not all are immediately life-threatening. It can be caused by mild urinary tract irritation or inflammation, while other times it can signal more serious problems like bladder stones, infections, or even early kidney disease.
When your dog is acting normal despite the bleeding, it may mean the underlying issue hasn’t yet progressed far enough to cause pain or behavior changes — but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored.
Even if the dog seems otherwise well, visible blood in urine is not normal and should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Bright red blood in dog urine: What does it mean?
Bright red blood in a dog’s urine usually indicates bleeding in the lower urinary tract, such as the bladder or urethra. Common causes include urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, trauma, inflammation, or irritation.
In some cases, blood may also come from the reproductive tract rather than the urine itself.
Dog has blood in urine but acting normal: Symptoms
When a dog has blood in the urine but is acting normal, symptoms may be subtle or easy to miss.
You may notice pink, red, or brown-tinged urine, small blood clots, or blood appearing at the start or end of urination.
Some dogs may urinate more frequently, strain slightly, or lick their genital area more than usual, even though their energy level, appetite, and behavior seem unchanged.
In mild or early cases, there may be no obvious pain.
Dog Has Blood in Urine but Acting Normal: Common Causes
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection is one of the most common reasons for blood in a dog’s urine.
Even when your dog seems comfortable, bacteria in the bladder can cause small blood vessels to rupture, leading to visible discoloration in the urine.
You might not see other symptoms right away — your dog may still eat, drink, and act normally — but early UTIs can quickly worsen. Left untreated, bacteria can move up to the kidneys and cause more severe infection and discomfort.
Look out for subtle changes like frequent attempts to urinate, licking around the genitals, or small accidents indoors.
Read more: Dog Has Bloody Diarrhea but Acting Normal (Here’s why)
Bladder or Kidney Stones
Bladder stones can form from mineral buildup in the urinary tract and rub against the bladder wall, causing small amounts of bleeding.
Some dogs can have stones for weeks or even months before showing discomfort. If the stones are small or not blocking urine flow, your dog might still seem completely normal while blood appears intermittently in their urine.
However, stones can become very painful or cause dangerous blockages if they move or grow larger. If you ever notice straining, whining, or frequent squatting with little urine output, contact your vet immediately.
Prostate Issues in Male Dogs
In male dogs, prostate inflammation (prostatitis) or enlargement can also cause blood in urine without obvious illness.
This is more common in older, unneutered males and might be the first visible sign of prostate trouble.
Your dog may not seem bothered at first, but as the prostate swells or infection develops, signs like difficulty urinating, stiff walking, or dribbling can appear.
A simple veterinary exam and urine test can help determine if the prostate is the source of the bleeding.
Trauma or Physical Injury
Sometimes, blood in the urine can be the result of mild trauma — for example, rough play, jumping, or an accidental bump that affects the abdomen or lower urinary tract.
If your dog recently played vigorously, ran into an obstacle, or was handled roughly during grooming, the bleeding might stem from bruising or a temporary irritation.
In these cases, the blood often resolves within 24–48 hours. However, persistent or worsening bleeding still warrants a vet visit to rule out internal injury or organ damage.
Kidney or Bladder Tumors
While less common, growths or tumors in the kidneys or bladder can also cause bleeding, even when your dog seems perfectly fine otherwise.
Small tumors may not cause pain or behavioral changes initially, but they can still lead to recurring blood in the urine as blood vessels inside them rupture.
If your vet rules out infection or stones but the bleeding continues, they may recommend imaging tests like an ultrasound or X-ray to check for growths.
Medications or Toxins
Certain medications — especially blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, or chemotherapy drugs — can make dogs more prone to minor internal bleeding, including in the urine.
Exposure to toxins such as rat poison (which interferes with blood clotting) can also cause blood to appear in urine, though most poisoned dogs would begin to show other signs soon after.
If your dog is on medication or has access to areas where rodent bait might be present, mention this to your vet right away.
Read more: Dog with Loose Stools but Acting Normal (Here’s what it means)
Female dog blood in urine but acting normal
A female dog may pass blood in her urine while still acting normal if the issue is mild or in its early stages.
UTIs are the most common cause, but hormonal changes, bladder inflammation, or reproductive tract issues can also be responsible.
In unspayed females, vaginal bleeding can sometimes be mistaken for blood in urine. Because infections can worsen quickly, veterinary testing is recommended even if behavior and appetite remain unchanged.
Male dog peeing blood but acting normal
When a male dog urinates blood but seems otherwise normal, common causes include UTIs, bladder or kidney stones, prostate disease, or inflammation of the urinary tract.
Intact males are especially at risk for prostate issues that can cause blood in the urine. While pain may not be obvious at first, underlying conditions can progress rapidly.
Any blood in a male dog’s urine should be investigated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Old dog blood in urine but acting normal
Blood in the urine of an older dog is particularly concerning, even if the dog appears normal. Senior dogs are more prone to chronic UTIs, bladder stones, kidney disease, prostate problems (in males), and tumors of the urinary tract.
Early stages of these conditions may cause blood without obvious discomfort. Prompt veterinary evaluation is important to rule out serious age-related disease and begin treatment early.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Blood In Their Urine but Acting Normal
If your dog seems healthy but you’ve spotted blood in their urine, it’s still important to take the symptom seriously.
First, collect a fresh urine sample if possible. Your vet will likely want to test it for infection, crystals, or other abnormalities. Keep it refrigerated and deliver it within a few hours for the most accurate results.
Encourage your dog to drink more water — hydration helps flush the urinary tract and may relieve irritation if the cause is mild. You can also offer wet food to increase fluid intake naturally.
Avoid giving any human medications or supplements without veterinary approval. Some can worsen urinary issues or mask important symptoms.
If your dog seems otherwise well, monitor them closely for changes over the next 24–48 hours — including frequency of urination, color of urine, appetite, or signs of discomfort. If the bleeding continues or worsens, make an appointment as soon as possible.
Even if your dog appears fine, only a urine test and exam can confirm the cause and prevent complications like infection or stones from getting worse.
Seeking Veterinary Care
Even if your dog is acting normal, blood in urine is never something to ignore. Some conditions can progress quickly, leading to pain or urinary blockages that require urgent treatment.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice:
Blood that increases in amount or frequency.
Straining or crying while urinating.
Difficulty passing urine or producing only drops.
Loss of appetite or vomiting.
Lethargy or sudden behavioral changes.
Signs of abdominal pain or bloating.
If your dog cannot urinate at all or appears in distress, this is an emergency — go to the nearest animal hospital right away. Urinary blockages, especially in male dogs, can be life-threatening within hours.
Read more: Dog Has Diarrhea for 3 Days but Acting Normal (What to do next)
Key Takeaway
If your dog has blood in their urine but is acting normal, don’t panic — but don’t dismiss it either. Many cases stem from mild infections or irritation, yet others may signal deeper issues like stones, prostate disease, or early kidney problems.
The best next step is to have your vet analyze a urine sample to find the cause early, before it becomes painful or dangerous.
With quick attention, most dogs recover fully and return to clear, healthy urination. Staying observant — even when your dog “seems fine” — is the key to keeping them healthy and comfortable long-term.