Urine Samples & How to Get Them From Your Pup

cartoon-dog-pee

Getting urine samples isn’t the best table talk. However, many people don’t know how or why. I recently had to get a urine sample from Oreo for the first time. I thought “Oh no, this is going to be a big issue, with lots of training needed.” Luckily, my fearful dog was perfectly fine with it. The first thing I did when I realized Oreo had to get a urine sample was to explore advice on the internet.

Here is what I’ve found about different types of containers:

-Try using a container like a cleaned plastic container (such as a margarine container).

-Use a soup ladle and put the urine in a plastic bag.

-Use a small cup

-Ask your vet if they provide a container

-Use a saucer or small plate

-Use a coffee can

-Attach a long stick to a cup or container

-Use a jam jar

-Aluminum pie pan with a yard stick attached

There is an endless amount of creative examples. I went with the soup ladle and she didn’t seem to mind at all. I recommend getting the urine sample in the morning when the dog has lots of urine to get rid of! I also recommend wearing gloves.

soupladle

There are many reasons your dog might need a urine sample. Most often dogs will tend to urinate often or will have trouble urinating and you will be asked to getthe urine sample. Urine samples can tell your vet lots of information about bladder issues, kidney problems, liver, pancreas, and other organs. In my case, we were checking the urine after getting over a UTI. We wanted to make sure it was gone. Vets check the color, cloudiness, and specific gravity of the sample. Additionally, they perform a chemical analysis. Sometimes they will do this at the vet office, while other times it will be sent away for further analysis. They will also sometimes examine heavier pieces of urine under the microscope. Never hesitate to get your dog the help he or she needs!

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Urinary Tract Infections

Dogs get UTI’s just like people do. There are many reasons for UTI’s.

Some include:

  • prostate disease
  • stress
  • trauma
  • cancer
  • bladder inflammation or infection
  • stones, crystals or debris accumulation in the bladder or urethra
  • weak bladder/hormonal issue

How do you know if your dog has a UTI?

  • fever
  • inability to urinate
  • increased frequency of urination
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • increased water consumption
  • vomiting
  • soiling in inappropriate places
  • lethargy
  • changes in appetite

There are many different treatments including supplements, powders, and antibiotics for your dog. The most important thing to do is to take your dog to the vet asap. An untreated UTI could lead to kidney and other more serious problems.

Why talk about UTI’s? Well, a week after bringing Oreo to the vet for her lumps, I noticed increased urination, then noticed blood in her urine at the park. She is on antibiotics for a UTI. We are going to send a urine sample in a week after she finishes antibiotics to make sure it is gone and there aren’t any crystals or anything else in her urine.

As for her bumps…the large bump on her leg has gone away completely. The red lump on her leg has disappeared. She seems to have large bumps…more like swelling in a few areas, but she seems happy and content.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving everyone!!!!