Seeing blood in your dog’s urine can be alarming — especially when your pup otherwise seems perfectly fine.
They might still be playful, alert, and eating well, leaving you wondering how something so serious-looking could happen to a dog that appears healthy.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may pee blood but still act normal, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Peeing Blood But Acting Normal — Why It Happens
When a dog pees blood but acts normal, it’s often a sign of a mild urinary tract issue or irritation, rather than an immediate life-threatening condition. Common causes include urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, inflammation, minor trauma, or hormone-related changes.
In some cases, medications, dehydration, or early-stage disease can also trigger blood in the urine before other symptoms develop.
Even if your dog’s behavior seems unchanged, blood in the urine (known as hematuria) should never be ignored. Dogs are excellent at masking discomfort, so visible blood can be one of the first and only early warning signs of an underlying problem.
Dog Peeing Blood But Acting Normal: Common Causes
1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection is one of the most common reasons a dog may pee blood while still appearing normal.
Bacteria enter the urinary tract, causing inflammation in the bladder and urethra. In the early stages, a UTI might not cause obvious pain — your dog may urinate normally and act fine otherwise, but microscopic or visible blood appears in their urine.
You might notice slightly more frequent urination, licking around the genitals, or a faint odor in the urine. Left untreated, UTIs can spread to the kidneys or cause more serious discomfort, so prompt veterinary testing is always recommended.
Read more: Dog Suddenly Pooping Blood (Why this happens)
2. Bladder or Kidney Stones
Bladder stones (uroliths) develop when minerals in the urine crystallize and form small, rough stones that rub against the bladder walls. This irritation often leads to bloody urine, even if your dog doesn’t seem to be in pain yet.
Dogs may still appear completely normal until stones grow large enough to cause blockage or discomfort. Certain breeds — like Dalmatians, Miniature Schnauzers, and Bulldogs — are more prone to this condition.
Without treatment, stones can obstruct urine flow, leading to serious emergencies. Early detection through a urine test and x-ray can help prevent complications.
3. Physical Trauma or Strain
If your dog recently jumped from a high surface, ran vigorously, or had an accident, minor trauma could cause internal irritation or bruising in the bladder area.
This can lead to temporary bleeding in the urine without behavioral changes. Male dogs can also develop urethral irritation if they strain to urinate due to enlarged prostate tissue or an obstruction.
In such cases, the blood might appear once or twice and then clear up. However, if it persists or increases, a vet visit is essential to rule out deeper injury or infection.
4. Hormonal or Reproductive Causes
In unspayed female dogs, spotting blood can sometimes be confused with peeing blood. Dogs in heat often pass a bloody discharge that mixes with urine, giving the appearance of hematuria.
However, older unspayed females are also at risk for a uterine infection called pyometra, which can cause bloody urine along with vaginal discharge — though in early stages, they may still seem perfectly normal.
Male dogs, especially intact ones, can develop prostate inflammation (prostatitis) that results in blood in the urine without major behavior changes.
If your dog’s reproductive status fits these profiles, a vet check is important even if they appear well.
5. Blood Clotting or Medication Effects
Some medications — particularly anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids — can occasionally cause mild urinary bleeding. Similarly, clotting disorders (though rare) can make even minor irritation lead to visible blood.
If your dog recently started a new medication and you notice blood in their urine, contact your vet immediately. While most side effects are mild and temporary, it’s better to be cautious.
Dogs on blood thinners, chemotherapy, or long-term pain medications are especially at risk for urinary bleeding.
6. Early Kidney or Bladder Disease
Sometimes, hematuria can appear before any other signs of kidney or bladder disease.
In older dogs, especially, small blood vessels in the urinary system may become fragile, or mild inflammation can occur due to early kidney dysfunction. Your dog may still eat, drink, and act normally, masking the underlying issue.
Routine bloodwork and urinalysis can help catch these early indicators before they progress into more serious illness. Early management makes a major difference in preserving kidney health and urinary comfort.
Read more: Dog Pooping a Lot but Acting Normal (What it could mean)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Peeing Blood But Acting Normal
The first thing to remember is: don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either.
If your dog is peeing blood but seems otherwise fine, collect as much information as possible before your vet visit. Note the color and frequency of their urination, whether they strain, and if they drink more or less water than usual.
You can also collect a fresh urine sample (ideally first thing in the morning) for your vet to analyze. Avoid trying home remedies — many can worsen the issue.
At home, you can help by keeping your dog hydrated. Offer clean, fresh water at all times, and encourage frequent bathroom breaks to flush the urinary system. Some pet owners add a bit of water or low-sodium broth to meals to increase fluid intake.
Feeding a balanced, wet or moisture-rich diet can also support bladder health. If your dog’s appetite and behavior remain stable, monitor for 24–48 hours — but schedule a veterinary appointment regardless, as blood in urine always requires investigation.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Even if your dog seems normal, blood in the urine is never “just a small issue.” You should call your vet promptly if:
The blood persists beyond one or two urinations
Your dog strains, dribbles, or cries when peeing
Urination becomes frequent, urgent, or reduced
There’s foul odor, cloudiness, or dark red urine
Your dog begins licking the genital area excessively
They seem tired, drink excessively, or refuse food
A vet will likely perform a urinalysis, physical exam, and possibly imaging (like x-rays or ultrasound) to pinpoint the cause. Many urinary issues are easily treated with antibiotics, diet changes, or medication — but fast action prevents escalation into kidney damage or urinary blockage.
For male dogs, especially, urinary blockage can become life-threatening within hours. If your dog can’t urinate, go to an emergency clinic immediately.
Read more: Dog not peeing (Is it behavioral or medical?)
Key Takeaway
When your dog pees blood but acts normal, it’s easy to assume it’s not serious — but blood in the urine is always a sign that something’s going on internally.
From mild infections to early-stage bladder disease, the causes can vary widely, but most respond well to early treatment.
Keep your dog hydrated, avoid giving over-the-counter remedies, and book a vet appointment as soon as possible.
Quick testing can pinpoint the cause, relieve discomfort, and prevent more serious complications — helping your pup stay happy, healthy, and back to normal in no time.