I don’t know what’s going on with Max, but I’m really starting to worry. It’s like 2 AM and I just found chunky blood in his pee. It freaked me out because he’s never had issues like this before, but he's getting up there in age, almost 12 now. I’ve been noticing he’s been more lethargic than usual for the past week, but I thought it was just old age catching up to him. Now I’m wondering if I missed something more serious. Has anyone dealt with this before? I’m scared to lose him and don’t know if it's a UTI or something worse. I’m taking him to the vet first thing in the morning, but if anyone’s seen similar symptoms, please share.
I completely understand why you're worried about this situation with your dog. Seeing blood in your senior dog's urine can definitely be alarming. It's possible that your dog might have a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is relatively common in dogs. UTIs can often cause irritation, leading to blood in the urine. However, it’s also important to consider other potential causes like bladder stones, kidney infections, or even more serious conditions such as tumors, especially given your dog’s age.
At home, encourage your dog to drink plenty of water, as staying hydrated can help flush the urinary tract. You might want to try enticing your dog with ice cubes or diluted chicken broth if they are reluctant to drink plain water. However, monitoring is key.
Watch out for signs of increased pain, such as whining when urinating, straining, or if your dog is unable to urinate at all. Also keep an eye on your dog's energy levels, appetite, and general behavior, as changes here could indicate something more serious.
Given the presence of blood, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. I recommend booking a video consult through Dial A Vet, where we can discuss your dog's specific symptoms more thoroughly, and guide you on the appropriate tests or treatments needed.
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