A Vet’s Guide to Frequent Urination in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis & Home Care (2025) 🐾💧 

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hi—I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Seeing your dog pee more than usual can be worrying—from bladder infections and stones, to systemic diseases like diabetes or Cushing’s. This **vet‑approved guide** dives deep into all possible causes, explains the essential diagnostics, outlines treatment options, and shares how tools like Ask A Vet telehealth. 🩺🐾

1. Normal vs Concerning Urination

Dogs may naturally drink and urinate more due to heat, exercise, diet, or age (puppies, seniors). However, consistent increases—especially with blood, straining, or behavior changes—warrant veterinary attention.

2. Medical Causes of Frequent Urination

💧 Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) / Cystitis

• Symptoms: frequent attempts, small volumes, straining, blood, and accidents.
• Diagnosed via urinalysis and culture; treated with antibiotics.

💎 Bladder Stones / Crystals

• Irritation causes pollakiuria—frequent small urinations, sometimes hematuria.
• Identified via X-rays/ultrasound; managed with diet or surgery.

📈 Diabetes Mellitus / Diabetes Insipidus

• Dogs with diabetes drink and pee heavily due to glucose diuresis; weight loss and increased appetite too.
• Diagnosed via blood glucose, fructosamine, and urinalysis; managed with insulin and diet.

🩺 Kidney / Liver Disease

• Kidney failure impairs concentration—leading to dilute urine and increased volume.
• Liver disease or Cushing’s may produce similar polydipsia/polyuria symptoms.

🎗️ Hormonal Disorders: Cushing’s & Addison’s

• Cushing’s often causes increased thirst and urination (+ pot-belly, hair loss).
• Addison’s less commonly but may present with PUPD plus GI signs.

🦠 Prostate or Pyometra (Intact Adults)

• Prostatitis or benign enlargement causes frequent urination, blood, straining.
• Pyometra in intact females leads to PUPD and vaginal discharge.

📉 Bladder Cancer

• Transitional cell carcinoma leads to urgency, blood, straining.

🧠 Behavioral or Incontinence Issues

• Senior dogs may forget house training or leak due to cognitive decline/incontinence.
• Submissive or excitement urination differs—often thin, small puddles, triggered by emotions.

3. Diagnostic Steps Your Vet Will Take

• History & Physical Exam—evaluate patterns, volume, concurrent signs.
• Bloodwork & Biochem—assess kidney, liver, glucose, and adrenal function.
• Urinalysis—evaluates concentration, infection, blood, glucose, and crystals.
• Culture & Sensitivity for UTIs.
• Imaging (X‑ray/ultrasound) to detect stones, tumours, pyometra, prostate issues.

4. Treatment Strategies

• UTI / Cystitis: Tailored antibiotics after culture.
• Bladder stones: Diet change or surgical removal.
• Diabetes: Insulin therapy + diet adjustment.
• Kidney/liver disease: Supportive care, diet, medications.
• Cushing’s/Addison’s: Hormonal therapy under specialist guidance.
• Prostate/Pyometra: Antibiotics, neutering, or emergency surgery.
• Bladder cancer: Chemotherapy, NSAIDs, or surgery if possible.
• Behavioral incontinence: Training, medication, confidence building.

5. Home & Telehealth Support Tools

• Ask A Vet App: Record urination/drinking behaviors, share urine photos, and intake logs to receive remote vet recommendations.
• Environmental management: Ensure frequent, scheduled potty breaks; monitor water intake and urine output.

6. Real Vet Case Study

Case: “Bella”, 8‑year‑old spayed Labrador
Bella started dribbling and peeing frequently indoors. Urinalysis showed bacteria and blood; culture confirmed E. coli. Ultrasound ruled out stones. She received a 10-day antibiotic course and decreased sodium in her diet. Ask A Vet follow-up tracked her water intake; Within two weeks, Bella’s house incidents ceased, and her urination returned to normal.

7. FAQs

• My dog drinks more but pees normally—should I worry? Possibly—could indicate early kidney or endocrine issues; a vet check is advisable.
• No other symptoms, should I still test? Yes—urinalysis is simple and can catch silent issues like crystals or low-grade infections.
• Is it safe to let older dogs pee less for convenience? No—urinary retention can lead to infections or kidney damage.

📌 Final Thoughts from a Vet

Frequent urination in dogs has many possible causes—from infection and stones to serious diseases. Early testing, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment preserve your dog’s health and comfort. Tools like Ask A Vet telehealth. Stay observant—timely action makes all the difference. 🐶❤️