It’s alarming when your dog suddenly stops peeing. Urination is how dogs flush out waste and regulate hydration, so when it slows down or stops completely, it’s often a sign something is wrong with the urinary tract or kidneys.
We outline the common causes of a dog not peeing, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Not Peeing — Why It Happens
A dog that isn’t peeing could be dehydrated, have a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or even a blockage that’s preventing urine flow. In male dogs, an enlarged prostate or urethral obstruction is common, while in females, bladder infections or inflammation may be to blame.
Sometimes, a dog’s inability to urinate stems from kidney failure or severe dehydration, where there’s simply not enough fluid to produce urine.
Because this condition can become life-threatening quickly, it’s important to identify the cause early.
Common Causes of a Dog Not Peeing
1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection is one of the most common causes of decreased or painful urination. Bacteria enter through the urethra and inflame the bladder lining, making it difficult or painful for your dog to pass urine.
You may notice your dog straining, whining, or leaking small amounts of urine. In severe infections, your dog might not produce urine at all because the swelling blocks the urethra.
UTIs are more common in female dogs, especially those that are older or have weakened immune systems.
If untreated, an infection can travel up to the kidneys and cause serious complications, so prompt veterinary care is essential.
Read more: Dog Not Pooping (Here’s what it means)
2. Bladder Stones or Crystals
Bladder stones form when minerals in the urine clump together and harden. These stones can partially or completely block the flow of urine, which is a true medical emergency.
Dogs with bladder stones often strain without success, lick their genitals, or show blood in their urine.
Some may whimper or hunch over in pain. Small breeds like Shih Tzus, Miniature Schnauzers, and Dalmatians are especially prone to developing stones.
Without treatment, the bladder can rupture due to pressure buildup — which can be fatal. Immediate veterinary attention is critical if your dog hasn’t urinated in more than 12 hours and appears distressed.
3. Urinary Blockage (Urethral Obstruction)
A urinary blockage is a total obstruction of urine flow, most often seen in male dogs because of their longer, narrower urethra. The blockage can be caused by stones, mucus plugs, or blood clots.
This is one of the most dangerous causes of a dog not peeing. Toxins that should be expelled instead build up rapidly in the bloodstream, leading to kidney damage or cardiac arrest if untreated.
If your dog is straining, restless, or crying in pain without producing urine, go to the vet immediately — this is a true emergency.
4. Dehydration
If your dog isn’t drinking enough water, they simply won’t have enough fluid to produce urine. Dehydration can result from hot weather, excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea, or certain illnesses.
A dehydrated dog will often have tacky gums, dry nose, and sunken eyes. They may seem weak or lethargic, and when you gently pinch their skin, it may not snap back quickly.
Encouraging hydration early can help, but prolonged dehydration may require intravenous fluids at the vet to restore proper kidney and bladder function.
Read more: Dog Peeing a Lot and Not Eating (Here’s why)
5. Kidney Disease or Kidney Failure
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and creating urine. When they stop functioning properly, your dog may produce very little or no urine at all.
Chronic kidney disease develops gradually in older dogs, while acute kidney failure can occur suddenly due to toxins, infections, or severe dehydration.
Dogs with kidney issues may also show signs like vomiting, loss of appetite, bad breath, or extreme thirst followed by no urination. Because kidney problems can progress rapidly, any change in your dog’s urination habits deserves prompt veterinary evaluation.
6. Enlarged Prostate (in Male Dogs)
In older male dogs, the prostate gland can enlarge due to hormonal changes, infection, or prostate disease. When this gland swells, it can press on the urethra, making it hard for your dog to urinate or causing only dribbles to pass.
You might see your dog straining frequently or licking his genital area. In some cases, there may also be constipation, since the swollen prostate presses on the rectum.
A vet can diagnose this through an exam or ultrasound and prescribe medications or other treatments depending on the cause.
Read more: Dog Excessively Drinking and Peeing (Possible causes)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Peeing
If your dog hasn’t peed in 8–12 hours, start by checking for the basics. Make sure they have access to clean water, a comfortable place to relieve themselves, and that nothing is preventing them physically (like being indoors for too long or a blocked doggy door).
Encourage water intake. Offer fresh, cool water or add low-sodium chicken broth to entice drinking. You can also mix wet food into their meals to increase moisture intake naturally.
Take your dog on a short walk. Movement can help stimulate urination, especially if mild dehydration or anxiety is involved. Sometimes, nervous or distracted dogs simply hold it in longer than usual.
Monitor for discomfort. If your dog is straining, whining, pacing, or licking the genital area without producing urine, stop home care immediately — this could mean a blockage or infection.
Do not try to treat suspected blockages or infections at home using human medications. Many over-the-counter products are toxic to dogs. Instead, seek veterinary help as soon as possible.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should call or visit your vet immediately if your dog hasn’t urinated for more than 12 hours — especially if they’re straining, crying, or appear bloated. These are signs of urinary blockage, which can become fatal within 24 hours.
Other red flags include:
Vomiting or loss of appetite
Blood in the urine or around the genitals
Swollen abdomen
Lethargy or collapse
Your vet may perform a physical exam, urine analysis, and imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound) to identify the cause. If there’s a blockage, they’ll use a catheter to relieve the pressure and may perform surgery if stones or tumors are involved.
For infections, antibiotics and pain relief are typically prescribed. In more serious kidney or prostate conditions, hospitalization might be required for fluids and monitoring.
Prompt treatment not only relieves discomfort but can save your dog’s life.
Read more: Dog peeing excessively (Should you worry?)
Key Takeaway
A dog not peeing is never something to wait on. Whether it’s dehydration, infection, or a serious urinary blockage, quick action can make all the difference.
If your dog hasn’t urinated in 8–12 hours or seems distressed when trying, treat it as an emergency. Encourage hydration and comfort at home, but don’t delay a vet visit if symptoms persist.
With timely care and the right treatment, most dogs recover well and return to their normal potty habits — keeping their kidneys and bladder healthy for the long run.