The most common causes of urinary obstructions in male and female dogs are bladder stones, urethral stones and cancer. Additionally, disease of the prostate gland can cause urinary obstruction in males only, as females do not have a prostate gland. Also, spinal cord injuries can render a pet unable to urinate.
In summary, although an adult dog can go for a maximum of ten to fifteen hours without urinating, it's preferable that you allow them to relieve themselves every six to eight hours. This applies to most dogs, excluding young pups (who need more bathroom breaks) and your senior dog who needs a bit more TLC in this area.
If the issue is a urinary tract infection, specifically, it may cause other symptoms like blood in the urine. If you notice that your dog has not peed once in a 24-hour period or that it is struggling or straining to urinate during bathroom breaks, you should call your vet and make an appointment right away.
Overview. Being unable to pass urine is a life threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Left untreated, a blockage in the urinary tract can lead to severe pain, kidney problems, a dangerously slow heartbeat, a burst bladder and even death.
Obstructions in your dog's bladder or urethra can lead to urinary retention. These obstructions can be the result of bladder stones, urethral plugs, blood clots, a narrowing of the urethra (called stricture), or even cancerous tumors. Also, if minerals accumulate in the urinary tract, it can also cause an obstruction.
Symptoms and Identification
Tummy pain, weakness, bad breath, throwing up and loose stool, drooling, and/or seizures can be seen. Many dogs will drink and urinate a lot at first. If acute renal failure worsens, the kidneys may stop working altogether and the dogs will not urinate at all.
If your dog is not peeing, he must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. An examination may lead the vet to recommend a few diagnostic tests to help find the cause, such as a complete blood count, urinalysis, urine culture, abdominal ultrasound, abdominal x-rays and a CT scan.
If an obstruction occurs, the bladder cannot be emptied fully; if the obstruction is complete, the dog will not be able to urinate at all. If the obstruction is not relieved, the bladder may rupture. A complete obstruction is potentially life threatening and requires immediate emergency treatment.
As dehydration progresses, you may notice that your dog is urinating less often or producing smaller amounts of urine. This is because the body is trying to conserve water.
If you believe that your dog is experiencing a health issue that is curbing his interest in water, then get him to the vet. Your vet will start by doing a urinalysis and blood work to rule out diabetes, kidney disease, or a urinary tract infection.
No dog of any age should be made to wait longer than 8 hours! Different breeds have different social needs: hounds are extremely social, but some “working” breeds and guard dogs are fine for 10-12 hours. Dogs can go for 8 to 10 hours without urinating overnight, while sleeping.
Holding their urine in for too long can lead to physical discomfort, bladder and urinary tract infections, crystals, and stones. Ideally, dogs should not go more than six hours without an opportunity to relieve themselves.
Signs to Watch Out For
One of the early signs of urinary retention in dogs is the inability to urinate. You might notice an interrupted or weak urine stream. Other signs include your dog straining to urinate. There are other symptoms of urinary retention, such as feeling discomfort or pain when peeing.
The clinical signs of more advanced kidney failure include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and very bad breath. Occasionally, ulcers will be found in the mouth.
Typically, green urine indicates late-stage kidney failure, cancer of the kidneys, or extremely severe urinary tract infection.
Overview. The early stages of chronic kidney disease may not have symptoms, but kidney failure symptoms may include feeling sick, confusion, swelling and peeing a lot.
Signs: anuria/hematuria, frequent unsuccessful attempts to urinate, stranguria, abdominal distension (later), vomiting. Diagnosis: clinical signs, contrast radiography, serum biochemistry abnormalities, sometimes presence of uroabdomen. Treatment: surgery. Prognosis: favorable if early treatment and no renal damage.
Diagnosis of Rupture of the Bladder in Dogs
If you start to notice him having difficulty voiding himself, the inability to void, or blood in his urine call your veterinary office immediately.
The most common causes of urinary obstructions in male and female dogs are bladder stones, urethral stones and cancer. Additionally, disease of the prostate gland can cause urinary obstruction in males only, as females do not have a prostate gland. Also, spinal cord injuries can render a pet unable to urinate.
Some adult dogs can hold their pee for up to 10 hours but this shortens as they reach their senior years. Very old dogs start to lose muscle control and may only be able to hold it for three hours or less.
Adult dogs can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours if needed, but that doesn't mean that they should. The average adult dog should be allowed to relieve themselves at least 3-5 times per day. That's at least once every 8 hours.