A Great Dane peeing blood is not normal and it is a sign of an underlying problem. It is quite alarming to see blood from your dog especially if you have never seen it before.
So, why does a Great Dane pee blood?
Let’s delve into the reasons behind a Great Dane peeing blood.
Here’s Why Great Dane Peeing Blood Happens
Great Dane peeing blood can be caused by a variety of conditions including urinary tract infection, kidney or bladder infection, poisoning, bladder stones, injury, female Great Dane heat cycle, prostate cancer, and cancer of the kidney or bladder.
Possible Causes of Bloody Pee in Great Danes
Blood in urine, also known as hematuria, can appear at any age of a Great Dane. Often it is a sign of an underlying problem.
Common causes of a Great Dane peeing blood include:
Urinary tract infection
Infection of the upper or lower urinary tract system causes inflammation and bleeding which results in blood in the urine.
The upper urinary tract system consists of the kidneys and ureter while the lower urinary tract system consists of the bladder and the urethra.
Therefore if there is a urinary tract infection, a Great Dane will pee blood.
Related: Great Dane pooping blood: Everything you need to know
Poisoning
Ingestion of toxins can also lead a Great Dane to pee blood. Potential poisons include plants, frogs, spiders, or household products, that can be accidentally ingested.
A Great Dane peeing blood is one of the symptoms of poisoning which is also accompanied by other symptoms including vomiting, weakness, swollen stomach, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite, nausea, and coughing.
The poison causes internal bleeding and results in a Great Dane peeing blood.
Bladder and Kidney stones
The presence of stones in the bladder or kidney results in blood in the urine.
Stones in these organs are formed by liver disease, high calcium blood levels, nutrient imbalance, and other conditions.
A diet with high protein and minerals increases the likelihood of formation of the stones.
The stones cause strain in these organs which bleed and result in a Great Dane peeing blood.
Injury
Trauma or injury to the abdominal area can lead to internal bleeding which leads to blood in the urine.
Therefore if your Great Dane has any injury caused by being hit or falling, this can lead to bleeding and bloody urine.
Female Great Dane heat cycle
During its heat cycle, a female Great Dane goes through various behavioral and physical changes.
This includes bleeding, swelling of her reproductive area, frequent urination, and sheer determination in looking for a mate.
Further reading: How often do Great Danes go in heat?
Cancer
Peeing of blood can also be a symptom of cancer. Cancer of the kidney, bladder, or in any area of your dog’s body can cause internal bleeding and blood in the urine.
Other symptoms of cancer include a change in appetite, abdominal swelling, sudden weight loss, abnormal discharge from the mouth, eyes, nose, or rectum, odor, lumps on the skin difficulty in breathing, and pain.
Complications
The underlying cause of blood in urine can be serious and life-threatening if left untreated.
Cancer, infections, poisoning, and internal bleeding due to injury are all serious conditions that severely affect a dog’s health and can lead to fatal outcomes.
Therefore life-threatening complications can arise from a Great Dane peeing blood.
When To Seek Help for A Great Dane Peeing Blood
If notice your Great Dane peeing blood, seek medical help within 24 hours. Any kind of bleeding from your dog should be treated as an emergency.
This allows for immediate care and the veterinarian will be able to determine the underlying cause.
In addition to the blood in urine, always seek medical help when your Great Dane is:
- Showing other signs of illness such as fever, weakness, diarrhea
- Loss in appetite
- Producing bloody stool
- Seems in pain
- Under medication
See Also: Great Dane throwing up: Why and when to worry
Provide your veterinarian with all the information regarding your dog’s symptoms. This information will help the veterinarian in reaching a diagnosis together with the diagnostic tests that will be conducted.
Treatment
Treatment of a Great Dane peeing blood greatly varies on the underlying cause. The diagnostic tests conducted also provide insights into the problem.
The treatment options include:
- Change of diet for a Great Dane with bladder stones or urinary crystals
- Antibiotics for treatment of infection
- Neutering of dogs with enlarged prostate
- Surgery to remove bladder stones or cancer
- Treatment for poisoning
- Treatment for the specific injury
Conclusion
A Great Dane peeing blood can be caused by various underlying causes some of which are not serious while some could be serious.
Immediately consult your veterinarian when you notice your Great Dane peeing blood for a diagnosis and treatment.