If you’ve noticed your dog making more frequent trips outside to urinate, having accidents indoors, or squatting to pee more often during walks, it’s definitely time to consult with your veterinarian. Changes in urination habits can signal underlying health issues that require attention.
To help you understand what’s normal and what might be cause for concern, here’s a guide to typical canine urination and the common reasons behind increased peeing in dogs.
Decoding Normal Dog Peeing Habits
What constitutes “normal” urination for a dog isn’t fixed; it varies based on factors like hydration levels and any existing medical conditions.
Urination Frequency in Adult Dogs
Generally, a healthy adult dog can comfortably hold their urine for 6 to 8 hours. In terms of volume, a normal adult dog should produce around 20 to 40 milliliters of urine per kilogram of their body weight every 24 hours. To put this into practical terms:
- A 20-pound dog (approximately 9 kg) should produce roughly 180-360 milliliters, or about 6-12 ounces, of urine daily.
- A 45-pound dog (approximately 20 kg) should produce roughly 400-800 milliliters, or about 14-28 ounces, of urine daily.
These are just averages, and individual dogs may vary. However, significant deviations from these ranges, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, warrant veterinary attention.
Peeing Patterns in Puppies
Puppies naturally urinate more frequently than adult dogs. This is due to a couple of key reasons:
- Potty Training: Puppies are in the process of learning bladder control. Frequent urination is part of this learning process.
- Hydration Needs: Puppies have higher water requirements relative to their size to prevent dehydration, and this leads to increased urination.
As a general guideline for potty training, puppies need to be taken out to urinate every 2 to 6 hours, depending on their age. A simple rule of thumb is that a puppy can typically hold their urine for the same number of hours as their age in months.
For instance, a 2-month-old puppy should ideally be taken out every 2 hours. By the time puppies are around 6 to 8 months old, their urination frequency becomes more dependent on their individual lifestyle and any underlying health issues, similar to adult dogs.
Urination in Senior Dogs
Senior dogs may also experience increased urination frequency. This can be due to:
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Age increases the risk of developing conditions that affect urination.
- Cognitive Dysfunction: Similar to dementia in humans, cognitive dysfunction in dogs can cause them to forget they’ve already urinated or even forget that they should be urinating outside. This can lead to more frequent urination and accidents.
When is Excessive Urination a Veterinary Concern?
While occasional increases in urination might be related to increased water intake on a hot day, persistent or dramatic changes should prompt a vet visit. While frequent urination or large urine volumes aren’t always emergencies, it’s best to seek veterinary advice unless there are other concerning symptoms present.
Seek immediate veterinary care if increased urination is accompanied by any of the following:
- Vomiting: This could indicate a systemic illness affecting kidney function or other organs.
- Blood in the Urine: This is a clear sign of urinary tract issues, potentially infections, stones, or more serious conditions.
- Straining to Urinate: Difficulty urinating, producing little to no urine, or only small puddles can indicate a blockage or significant urinary tract problem.
- Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy can be a sign of various underlying illnesses, including those affecting urination.
- Known Toxin Ingestion: If your dog has ingested something potentially poisonous, increased urination could be a symptom, or related to the body trying to flush out toxins.
- Loss of Appetite: Refusing to eat for more than 24 hours is a general sign of illness.
- Pus Discharge from the Vulva: In female dogs, this could indicate a uterine infection (pyometra), which can cause increased urination.
If your dog exhibits increased urination along with any of these symptoms, don’t delay in contacting your veterinarian.
Medical Reasons for Increased Dog Peeing
The first step in addressing increased urination is to rule out underlying medical conditions. Many health issues can cause a dog to pee more, and only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose the cause.
It’s important to distinguish between two terms related to increased urination:
- Polyuria: This refers to very frequent urination with large amounts of urine produced each time.
- Pollakiuria: This refers to urinating small amounts frequently.
These two patterns can indicate different types of problems.
Polyuria: Frequent Urination with Large Volumes
Polyuria, or increased production of urine, can be a symptom of several medical conditions:
1. Kidney Disease or Infections:
Kidney failure (renal failure) occurs when the kidneys are unable to efficiently filter waste products and toxins from the bloodstream. These toxins draw water along with them, leading to increased urine production, typically in large volumes. Importantly, kidney function needs to be significantly impaired (at least two-thirds lost) before it becomes evident in standard blood tests. In the very late stages of kidney failure, urine production can actually decrease as the kidneys begin to shut down completely. Bacterial infections within the kidneys themselves can also lead to polyuria.
2. Diabetes Mellitus (Sugar Diabetes):
Diabetes in dogs occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when the body becomes resistant to the insulin it does produce. Insulin is crucial for regulating blood sugar (glucose). In diabetes, blood glucose levels become elevated, and the body attempts to eliminate this excess sugar through the urine. Glucose draws water with it, resulting in increased urination and also increased thirst as the dog tries to compensate for fluid loss. Increased thirst and urination are often the earliest signs of diabetes noticed by dog owners.
3. Diabetes Insipidus:
Diabetes insipidus is a less common form of diabetes in dogs. While it shares the symptoms of excessive thirst and urination with diabetes mellitus, the underlying cause is different. In diabetes insipidus, the dog’s body is unable to properly regulate fluid balance due to a problem with antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This hormone normally helps the kidneys conserve water.
4. Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism):
Cushing’s disease arises from the adrenal glands overproducing cortisol, a stress hormone, and other steroids. Excess cortisol leads to a variety of symptoms, including increased thirst and urination. Other signs of Cushing’s disease can include a pot-bellied appearance, excessive panting, thinning skin, hair loss, and increased appetite.
5. Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism, while rare in dogs, is usually caused by a cancerous growth on the thyroid gland. This condition involves an overproduction of thyroid hormones. While increased urination isn’t the primary symptom, it can occur alongside other signs like vomiting, constipation, hyperactivity, and weight loss despite increased appetite.
6. Pyometra (Uterine Infection):
Pyometra is a serious, life-threatening infection of the uterus that occurs in unspayed female dogs. Bacterial toxins released during pyometra affect the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine, leading to increased urination. Dogs with pyometra often drink more water to compensate for the increased fluid loss. Pyometra is frequently accompanied by pus discharge from the vulva, fever, lethargy, changes in appetite, and vomiting.
7. Hypercalcemia (High Blood Calcium):
Elevated calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia) can disrupt kidney function and lead to increased urination. Other symptoms of hypercalcemia can include decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, lethargy, depression, and confusion.
8. Cancer:
Certain cancers can cause increased urination. Cancers of the urinary tract, such as transitional cell carcinoma, can directly affect bladder function. Additionally, some cancers, like lymphoma or anal gland adenocarcinoma, can cause hypercalcemia, which, as mentioned, can lead to polyuria.
9. Liver Infections (Especially Leptospirosis):
Bacterial infections of the liver, particularly Leptospirosis, can lead to increased urination and thirst. Leptospirosis often affects both the liver and kidneys. It’s a serious and potentially fatal infection if untreated. Leptospirosis is transmitted through contact with infected animal urine, often found in stagnant water sources. A vaccine is available to protect dogs against Leptospirosis.
10. Electrolyte Imbalances:
Imbalances in electrolytes like sodium (salt) can disrupt fluid balance and cause increased thirst and urination in dogs. Sodium plays a key role in regulating water balance in the body. Dehydration, excessive salt intake, certain toxins, and underlying medical conditions can all contribute to electrolyte imbalances.
11. Medication Side Effects:
Several medications can have increased thirst and urination as side effects. Common culprits include:
- Diuretics: Medications like furosemide or torsemide are designed to increase urination and are used to treat fluid retention.
- Anti-Seizure Medications: Phenobarbital, used for seizure control, can have increased thirst and urination as a side effect.
- Corticosteroids: Prednisone and prednisolone, used to treat inflammation and various other conditions, are well-known for causing increased thirst and urination.
12. Psychogenic Polydipsia (Excessive Water Drinking):
Psychogenic polydipsia is a behavioral condition where a dog drinks excessive amounts of water, leading to increased urination. This diagnosis is typically made after ruling out all other medical causes of increased urination. It’s considered to be a behavioral issue, sometimes related to stress or boredom.
Pollakiuria: Frequent Urination of Small Amounts
Pollakiuria, or frequent urination of small amounts, is often associated with conditions affecting the lower urinary tract. These conditions are frequently accompanied by straining to urinate and/or blood in the urine:
1. Bladder Infections (Bacterial Cystitis):
Bacterial infections in the bladder are a common cause of pollakiuria. These infections irritate the bladder lining, leading to a frequent urge to urinate. The dog may strain to urinate but only pass small, sometimes just quarter-sized, amounts of urine. Bladder infections can also result in blood in the urine, making it appear pink or red-tinged.
2. Bladder or Urethral Stones or Crystals:
Stones or crystals in the bladder or urethra (often composed of struvite or calcium oxalate) can irritate the lining of these structures. This irritation causes inflammation and a sensation of urgency, leading to frequent attempts to urinate, often producing only small amounts of urine. Straining and blood in the urine may also be present.
3. Bladder Cancer:
Bladder cancer can also cause pollakiuria. Tumors in the bladder can irritate the bladder lining and obstruct urine flow. In addition to frequent urination, bladder cancer can cause straining to urinate and even urinary incontinence (leaking urine).
4. Prostate Issues (Prostatitis, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Prostate Cancer):
The prostate gland is located near the bladder neck in male dogs. The urethra passes through the prostate. Infections, inflammation, or enlargement of the prostate can affect urination. Prostate problems can lead to a range of urinary changes, including increased urine frequency, straining to urinate, and sometimes blood or pus in the urine.
Non-Medical Factors Influencing Dog Urination
Beyond medical conditions, several non-medical factors can influence how much a dog pees:
- Diet: Diets that are low in protein and/or high in sodium can lead to increased urination. High-sodium diets promote water intake and excretion.
- Increased Activity: Exercise leads to water loss through panting and respiration, which naturally increases thirst. The more a dog drinks, the more they will urinate.
- Heat: Warmer weather increases water intake to regulate body temperature, which can result in increased urination.
- Age: As discussed earlier, puppies and senior dogs naturally tend to urinate more frequently.
- Bad Weather/Anxiety: Some dogs with anxiety, particularly during thunderstorms, may hold their urine for extended periods to avoid going outside during stressful situations. When they finally do urinate, it may be a larger volume. Similarly, some dogs may resist going outside in rain or snow, leading to less frequent but larger urination volumes when they finally relieve themselves.
Veterinary Evaluation of Excessive Urination in Dogs
If you bring your dog to the vet for increased urination, they will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause. This typically involves:
- Detailed History: Your vet will ask you questions about your dog’s urination habits, water intake, diet, medications, and any other symptoms you’ve observed.
- Physical Examination: A complete physical exam will help the vet assess your dog’s overall health and look for any abnormalities.
Based on the history and physical exam, your vet may recommend various diagnostic tests, including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Serum Biochemistry: Bloodwork assesses kidney and liver function, electrolytes, and blood cell counts, providing a broad picture of organ health.
- Urinalysis: This is a urine test that evaluates the concentrating ability of the kidneys and checks for protein, blood, glucose, crystals, white blood cells, and bacteria in the urine.
- Urine Culture and Sensitivity: If a urinary tract infection is suspected, a urine culture identifies the specific bacteria present and determines the most effective antibiotics to treat it.
- Abdominal X-rays: X-rays can help visualize bladder or urethral stones, tumors in or around the bladder, uterine enlargement (in pyometra), and prostate enlargement or mineralization.
- Abdominal Ultrasound: Ultrasound provides a more detailed view of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, prostate (in males), and urethra. It can also assess the uterus (in unspayed females), liver, adrenal glands, and other abdominal organs.
- Cadet BRAF Urine Test: This specialized urine test helps diagnose transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer) in dogs.
- Calcium Level Test: This blood test measures calcium levels to identify hypercalcemia.
- ACTH Stimulation Test: This test is used to diagnose Cushing’s disease by assessing adrenal gland function.
Treatment Options for Excessive Peeing in Dogs
Treatment for increased urination depends entirely on the underlying cause. Here are some common causes and their typical treatments:
- Psychogenic Polydipsia: Treatment often involves water management and behavioral modification once other medical causes are ruled out.
- Kidney Failure: Treatment varies based on the stage of kidney disease and can include fluid therapy (at home or in hospital), special low-phosphorus diets, medications to stimulate appetite and protect the stomach, and sometimes blood pressure or antibiotic medications.
- Medication Side Effects: Often, side effects subside within 1-2 weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. If excessive urination persists, your vet may adjust the medication dose.
- Kidney Infections or Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Antibiotics are the primary treatment, often along with pain medication and probiotics to support gut health.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Insulin therapy is the cornerstone of treatment. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases, such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Cushing’s Disease: Medication like trilostane is commonly used to manage Cushing’s disease by reducing cortisol production.
- Bladder Stones and Crystals: Certain types of stones (struvite) can be dissolved with prescription diets. Other stones may require surgical removal.
- Prostatitis: Antibiotics and pain relievers are typically used to treat prostate infections.
- Pyometra: Surgical removal of the infected uterus (spaying) is the preferred treatment. In some cases of open pyometra, antibiotics may be used, but recurrence is common without surgery.
- Cancer: Cancer treatment depends on the type and stage and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.
- Liver Infections (Leptospirosis): Hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and gastroprotectants is usually required. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a successful outcome.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Treatment depends on the specific imbalance and its cause. It may involve hospitalization and fluid therapy, or dietary changes.
It’s crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to diagnose the cause of your dog’s increased urination and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention can significantly improve your dog’s comfort and long-term health.
Featured image: iStock.com/bernardbodo
