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 with little or no urine, or has urinary signs with vomiting, lethargy, or a painful belly. See a vet within a day for frequent urination, blood in the urine, or accidents. Increased thirst and urination in an otherwise well dog should be checked soon, since it can signal kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease.
Emergency: go now
- Straining with only drops or no urine
- Urinary signs with vomiting, lethargy, or collapse
- Heavy bleeding or clots
Within a day
- Frequent urination in small amounts
- Blood in the urine
- Accidents in a house-trained dog
- Licking the genital area with discomfort
Soon
- Drinking and urinating more than usual
- Dribbling urine while sleeping (possible incontinence)
Bring a sample
Collect a fresh urine sample in a clean container if you can, and bring it within an hour. Your vet may still need to collect a sterile sample.
More: UTI symptoms in dogs.
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: Urinary disorders in small animals
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.