My dog is afraid to pee. How do I get a urine sample for the vet?

Yes, that is correct. You remove the litter, and place the material in the box. Mitzi will use the box when she has to pee, as the material will be appealing to her to urinate in. This is a non-invasive way to get a urine sample from the cat. I hope this helps!

Your vet might be worried about a urinary tract infection and may want to get a sterile sample to send out for a culture through a procedure called a cystocentesis. In this procedure a very small needle is advanced into the bladder, sometimes using ultrasound guidance. It is a very common procedure in veterinary medicine. Diabetic animals often have 'quiet' urinary tract infections that are not obvious on a typical urinalysis and a urine culture to look for bacteria is often more helpful. A urine culture also helps determine what antibiotic the bacteria are susceptible to. Performing a culture on a 'free catch' sample that you would bring in might not be helpful since contaminant bacteria from the lower urinary tract can be in the sample.

If Dutch has blood in her urine, seems painful, or is straining to urinate without producing urine I would recommend seeing an emergency veterinarian before your appointment. To catch a urine sample you can take a clean, shallow plastic container and scoop it underneath her once she postures to urinate. It can help to have two people - one to hold a leash and the other to catch the sample. Place it in the refrigerator until you go to your appointment.

Poor Lillian. Make every effort to get her outside to potty. Also work on making her more comfortable. It's a big change for her. Once she is comfortable in the house, you can begin trying to get her comfortable outside. It's possible something has scared her in the past and now she has developed a negative association. You may try to counteract this by creating a positive association. Begin by having a high value treat or toy. Start playing/a training session inside the house by the door way. Do this for a few days. Once Lillian seems comfortable playing by the door way, toss the toy or treat outside and allow her to retrieve it and come back inside. Do this until Lillian is comfortable. Then move outside by the doorway way. Gradually move further and further away from the door way. Then begin gradually decreasing the play time and just hanging outside with her. Try not to leave her outside unattended until she seems comfortable. I hope this helps.

Poor Wookie! To obtain a sample directly from the bladder a long fine needle is typically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the bladder. Another method of collection which is used less commonly is passing a catheter up the urethra and into the bladder. It certainly is possible that the sampling process caused some irritation to Wookie's bladder. I anticipate that this will pass fairly quickly. If Wookie has a urinary tract infection this would exacerbate the irritation. If you feel that Wookie is continuing to act strangely and not wanting to walk I would call your vet, they may want to see Wookie back to check everything is ok.

I'm wondering if sling walking or propping him up using towels might be an option depending on the type of surgery that he had - if he's able to posture in a semi-normal position he might be more willing to urinate. Ask your vet if this might be an option before trying at home. https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/how-to-make-a-supportive-dog-sling/

Cultures need to go through a sterile procedure because a free catch urine will grow bacteria since bacteria naturally live at the end of the urethra. I recommend to discuss your concerns with your vet who may be able to put you at ease. Please feel free to post any additional questions.