If your dog is not eating and peeing blood, it can be a distressing experience for any pet owner.
These symptoms often signal an underlying health issue that requires immediate attention.
We outline why your dog might not be eating and peeing blood, what the potential causes are, and what steps you should take to help your furry friend recover.
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Here’s why your dog might not be eating and peeing blood
If your dog is not eating and peeing blood, it likely signals a serious health issue such as a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, kidney disease, trauma, or even cancer. These conditions often cause pain, inflammation, or internal bleeding, which can lead to appetite loss and blood in the urine.
Infections and kidney problems can make your dog feel unwell and nauseous, while bladder issues may cause discomfort during urination, further reducing their desire to eat.
This combination of symptoms should never be ignored.
Common causes of dog not eating and peeing blood
1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections are one of the most frequent causes of blood in a dog’s urine and can also lead to loss of appetite.
The infection causes inflammation and irritation in the urinary tract lining, which results in bleeding and discomfort.
Dogs with a UTI often exhibit signs such as straining to urinate, frequent urination of small amounts, and licking their genital area excessively due to irritation.
The pain and general malaise associated with infections make dogs feel unwell and suppress their desire to eat.
If left untreated, UTIs can ascend to the kidneys causing even more severe symptoms including fever, vomiting, and severe lethargy, making it critical to seek veterinary care early when your dog is not eating and peeing blood.
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2. Bladder Stones or Crystals
Bladder stones or urinary crystals form when minerals in the urine crystallize and accumulate in the bladder.
These hard stones can scratch or irritate the bladder lining, causing blood to appear in your dog’s urine.
In addition to peeing blood, bladder stones cause frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and sometimes painful urination.
The discomfort from these stones often leads to loss of appetite, as your dog associates discomfort with their body’s functions.
Certain breeds are more prone to bladder stones, and diet plays a key role in their development.
A sudden change in diet, dehydration, or consuming inappropriate food can contribute to crystal formation.
If your dog is not eating and peeing blood, bladder stones should be ruled out by a vet using imaging like X-rays or ultrasound.
3. Trauma or Injury
Physical trauma to your dog’s abdomen or urinary tract from falls, car accidents, or rough play can cause bleeding in the urine.
Even small injuries that cause internal bruising or bladder rupture can lead to blood in the urine.
Trauma often results in significant pain and stress, which can cause your dog to refuse food and become withdrawn.
Bruising, swelling, or sensitivity in the abdomen or lower back may also be noticeable.
If your dog has had a recent injury and is not eating and peeing blood, urgent veterinary evaluation is critical to assess the extent of internal damage and provide pain relief.
4. Kidney Disease or Injury
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste and balancing fluids and electrolytes in your dog’s body.
Kidney infections, stones, trauma, or chronic kidney disease can cause blood to leak into the urine and often lead to other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, increased thirst, and loss of appetite.
In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function, resulting in toxin buildup that makes your dog feel sick and less inclined to eat.
This illness often progresses slowly, so early signs like peeing blood and appetite loss are important to catch early.
Kidney infections or pyelonephritis are bacterial infections of the kidneys and cause more acute symptoms including fever, severe pain, and decreased appetite alongside bloody urine.
5. Prostate Problems (in male dogs)
Male dogs, especially those who are intact, are susceptible to prostate gland issues such as prostatitis (infection), benign enlargement, or tumors.
These conditions can cause inflammation and bleeding in the urinary tract, leading to blood in the urine.
Prostate problems also cause discomfort or pain during urination, which may cause a dog to avoid food because they feel generally unwell.
Other signs include difficulty urinating, straining, and sometimes fever.
Veterinarians diagnose prostate disease by physical examination, ultrasound, and urine tests.
Early detection and treatment improve outcomes for affected dogs.
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6. Cancer
Although less common than infections or stones, cancers affecting the bladder, kidneys, or urinary tract can cause blood in urine and systemic illness signs such as loss of appetite and lethargy.
Bladder cancer, for example, can cause bleeding from ulcerated tumors inside the bladder wall.
Cancer often causes a slow, progressive decline in health, and your dog may show chronic appetite loss, weight loss, and behavioral changes alongside peeing blood.
Because cancer is serious and often requires specialized treatments, it’s crucial to get a timely diagnosis if your dog is not eating and peeing blood for prolonged periods.
7. Blood Clotting Disorders
Certain blood clotting disorders, such as Von Willebrand disease or anticoagulant poisoning (from rat bait ingestion), can cause spontaneous bleeding, including blood appearing in the urine.
Dogs with clotting issues may show signs like bruising, bleeding gums, or blood in other bodily fluids, accompanied by weakness and poor appetite.
If you suspect your dog has ingested toxins or is bleeding excessively, immediate veterinary care is necessary to stabilize and treat the clotting problem.
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8. Infections Beyond UTI
Some infections, like leptospirosis (a bacterial disease spread by contaminated water) or pyelonephritis (kidney infection), can cause blood in the urine and systemic signs including fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Leptospirosis can be serious and even life-threatening, requiring aggressive antibiotic therapy and supportive care.
It’s important to mention any possible exposure to standing water, wildlife, or contaminated areas to your vet.
What to look for if your dog is not eating and peeing blood
Alongside blood in urine and refusal to eat, other signs can help pinpoint the cause:
Frequent urination or difficulty urinating: Your dog might strain or only pass small drops of urine, indicating discomfort or blockage.
Lethargy and weakness: A sick dog may sleep more, seem depressed, or be unwilling to move.
Pain signs: Vocalizing when urinating, licking the genital area, or guarding their abdomen.
Vomiting or diarrhea: Often accompany systemic infections or poisoning.
Fever: Elevated body temperature signals infection or inflammation.
Changes in drinking: Either excessive thirst or reduced water intake can indicate underlying illness.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: Suggests infection.
Visible swelling or lumps: May indicate tumors or trauma.
If you observe any of these along with peeing blood and your dog not eating, seek veterinary care promptly.
Why dogs lose appetite when peeing blood
Loss of appetite in dogs peeing blood happens for several reasons:
Pain and discomfort: Urinary tract problems are often painful, making your dog reluctant to eat.
Systemic illness: Infections or kidney problems cause malaise and nausea, which reduce hunger.
Dehydration: Blood loss and frequent urination cause dehydration that suppresses appetite.
Stress: Being ill or in pain can cause stress, leading to appetite changes.
Medication side effects: Some drugs given to treat urinary issues can cause nausea or dry mouth, reducing food intake.
Understanding these reasons helps in managing your dog’s symptoms more effectively.
What to do if your dog is not eating and peeing blood
Seek veterinary care immediately
If your dog is peeing blood and refusing food, immediate veterinary evaluation is essential.
Delaying care can lead to worsening illness, dehydration, pain, or life-threatening complications.
What to expect at the vet
Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical exam, focusing on the urinary tract, abdomen, and overall health. Diagnostic tests will include:
Urinalysis: To detect infection, crystals, blood, or abnormal cells.
Blood work: To check kidney function, detect infection or anemia.
Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound to identify stones, tumors, or trauma.
Urine culture: To identify specific bacteria causing infections and guide antibiotic therapy.
Treatment depends on diagnosis
Antibiotics for bacterial infections like UTIs or kidney infections.
Surgical removal or dietary management for bladder stones.
Pain management and supportive care for trauma.
Medication or surgery for prostate problems or cancer.
Hospitalization and IV fluids for severe dehydration or systemic illness.
Your vet will guide you through the treatment plan tailored to your dog’s specific condition.
Home care and monitoring
After treatment begins, monitor your dog’s appetite, urination, and general behavior closely.
Ensure they have constant access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.
Follow all medication instructions and schedule follow-ups as advised.
When to seek emergency help
If your dog shows any of the following alongside peeing blood and loss of appetite, visit an emergency vet immediately:
Collapsing or extreme weakness
Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty or inability to urinate
Heavy bleeding or large amounts of blood in urine
Difficulty breathing
Severe abdominal pain or swelling
Preventing urinary problems and appetite loss
To minimize the risk of your dog developing conditions that cause blood in urine and appetite loss:
Provide fresh water at all times to encourage hydration.
Feed a high-quality diet appropriate to your dog’s health.
Maintain routine veterinary check-ups, especially for aging dogs.
Avoid exposure to toxins, contaminated water, or dangerous substances.
Promptly address urinary symptoms or infections before they worsen.
Promote regular exercise to support overall health.
Key takeaway
A dog not eating and peeing blood is a serious symptom that often points to infection, stones, injury, or systemic disease.
Early veterinary intervention is crucial for diagnosing and treating the cause.
If your dog suddenly stops eating and you notice blood in their urine, do not wait.
Contact your veterinarian immediately to ensure your dog receives the best care and the chance for a full recovery