Seeing your old dog peeing blood clots is alarming and can point to several serious health issues.
Blood in the urine, especially when clots are visible, signals that something is wrong in the urinary tract, kidneys, or even the blood’s ability to clot properly.
We outline the common causes of an old dog peeing blood clots, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Old Dog Peeing Blood Clots — Why It Happens
An old dog peeing blood clots usually indicates bleeding in the urinary system. This can be triggered by urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney disease, prostate problems, or even cancers affecting the urinary tract.
In some cases, trauma or clotting disorders may be responsible. Because older dogs are more prone to urinary and kidney-related illnesses, this symptom should never be ignored.
Old Dog Peeing Blood Clots: Common Causes
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common reasons for old dogs to pass blood or blood clots in their urine. The infection irritates and inflames the bladder lining, which causes bleeding.
You may notice your dog straining to urinate, frequent trips outside, or discomfort while peeing. The urine may appear pink, red, or filled with darker clots.
If untreated, UTIs can spread to the kidneys and become life-threatening, so timely veterinary care is crucial.
Read more: Old Dog Peeing Blood (What it means)
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the bladder. As they rub against the bladder wall, they cause irritation, pain, and bleeding that can result in blood clots in the urine.
Dogs with bladder stones may show signs of straining to urinate, producing only small amounts of urine, or showing pain when their abdomen is touched. Sometimes, the urethra can become blocked entirely, which is a life-threatening emergency.
Bladder stones are particularly concerning in senior dogs, as they may coexist with other underlying conditions that complicate treatment.
Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is common in older dogs, and bleeding from the kidneys can lead to visible blood or clots in urine. Diseased kidneys are unable to filter waste and blood cells properly, leading to leakage into the urine.
You may also notice increased thirst, weight loss, lethargy, or vomiting in addition to blood in the urine.
Kidney disease in old dogs is progressive and requires early diagnosis and careful management to improve quality of life.
Prostate Problems (in Male Dogs)
For older male dogs, prostate disease is a frequent culprit when blood clots are seen in the urine. An enlarged or infected prostate puts pressure on the urinary tract, causing bleeding.
Signs may include straining to urinate or defecate, difficulty walking, or pain when sitting. Sometimes, prostate cancer can also cause blood in the urine, which makes veterinary evaluation essential.
Because prostate problems in old dogs can be painful and serious, they should always be treated promptly.
Cancer of the Bladder or Urinary Tract
Sadly, one of the more serious causes of old dogs peeing blood clots is cancer. Tumors within the bladder, urethra, or kidneys can cause internal bleeding that shows up in the urine.
These tumors may also cause persistent straining, accidents in the house, and visible discomfort. Hemangiosarcoma and transitional cell carcinoma are two cancers often linked to bloody urine in dogs.
Cancer-related bleeding is typically progressive, making veterinary testing critical to determine the underlying problem.
Blood Clotting Disorders
In rare cases, the issue isn’t the urinary tract at all but the dog’s blood. If your dog has a clotting disorder, blood may escape into the urine even without an infection or stone.
This can be caused by certain toxins, medications, or diseases affecting the liver and bone marrow. Dogs may also bruise easily or bleed from the nose and gums.
These conditions are very serious and require immediate veterinary intervention, as uncontrolled bleeding can become life-threatening.
What to Do If Your Old Dog Is Peeing Blood Clots
If you notice blood clots in your dog’s urine, the first step is to stay calm and carefully monitor the situation. Take note of the frequency, color, and size of clots, as this information will help your vet.
Collect a fresh urine sample if possible, but avoid delaying veterinary care if your dog seems in distress.
Encourage your dog to drink water to keep the urinary tract flushed. Fresh, clean water should always be available. Dehydration can make urinary problems worse.
Keep your dog comfortable by allowing frequent bathroom breaks and limiting stressful activities.
Avoid giving over-the-counter human medications, as many are toxic to dogs.
Most importantly, make a veterinary appointment as soon as possible. Even if your dog seems otherwise fine, blood clots in urine are not normal and need professional evaluation.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should call your vet immediately if your dog is passing frequent or large blood clots, seems unable to urinate, or shows signs of pain. Straining without producing urine is a medical emergency that requires urgent care.
Seek veterinary help right away if your dog is lethargic, refusing food, vomiting, or showing abdominal swelling, as these may indicate advanced kidney or bladder issues.
Even if the blood clots appear only once, it’s best to have your vet run tests. In older dogs, early detection can make a major difference in treatment outcomes.
Read more: Old Dog Peeing in House (Causes to watch for)
Key Takeaway
Old dog peeing blood clots is never a symptom to ignore. While urinary tract infections and bladder stones are common causes, more serious conditions such as kidney disease, prostate problems, or cancer may also be responsible.
If your dog is showing this symptom, monitor closely, keep them comfortable, and seek veterinary care promptly. With early diagnosis and treatment, many dogs can find relief and maintain a good quality of life, even in their senior years.