Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Go to an emergency vet if your dog is straining to urinate with little or no urine, which can mean a blockage, or has urinary signs along with vomiting, lethargy, fever, back pain, or collapse. A blocked urethra can become life-threatening within a day or two, and kidney infections can make dogs very sick.
Emergency signs
- Straining with only drops or no urine
- Crying or restlessness while trying to urinate
- Vomiting, lethargy, or not eating with urinary signs
- Fever or back pain
- Large amounts of blood or clots in the urine
- Swollen, painful belly
Common causes
- Bladder stones lodged in the urethra, more common in male dogs
- Bladder or urethral tumors
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- Prostate abscess in male dogs
- Trauma
What to do
- Go to a vet right away. Don’t wait until morning
- Don’t give pain relievers or leftover antibiotics
Sources
- Weese JS, et al. ISCAID guidelines for the diagnosis and management of bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs and cats. Vet J. 2019
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Bacterial cystitis in small animals
- Lulich JP, et al. ACVIM small animal consensus recommendations on the treatment and prevention of uroliths in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2016
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.