My dog is peeing less than normal. Is it kidney disease?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Lauren M. Jones, VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 29th, 2017

  Dogs can pee at inappropriate locations for a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections, crystals in the urine, bladder stones, urinary incontinence (this typically leaks out while sleeping or resting), or behavioral/anxiety issues. I do recommend taking Zoey to her vet for an exam and urinalysis (and possible abdominal x-rays or ultrasound) to determine if a medical issue is present. If medical issues have been excluded, you can try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers near Zoey's bed to see if this may help any underlying stress and anxiety (here is one example: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=33000 ). I hope that all goes well!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on August 20th, 2017

  If a dog cannot urinate for more than 12 hours, it could be an emergency. Just because they can't empty the bladder does not mean that the kidneys stop producing urine. If the urinary bladder gets too big, it can actually rupture.
  
  Thankfully, urinary blockages are not very common in female dogs, and it is possible that Zoey has a UTI and is dribbling small amounts of urine that she is licking up. I would recommend that she wear a cone to prevent licking (it spreads bacteria) so that you can monitor her for urination. If she truly can't urinate, she should go the emergency vet. If she is only urinating small amounts, she can probably wait until tomorrow to see the vet.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on August 28th, 2017

  Poor Zoe! If she urinates while she's walking, this is not a behavioral issue - it's a sign that she physically can't control her bladder. She may have a severe bladder or kidney infection, or an anatomical problem causing urinary incontinence such as ectopic ureters.
  
  I would definitely recommend taking her to the vet for a check-up as soon as you are able to. He/she can take a urine sample to check for infection or other simple problems, and may recommend additional diagnostics or referral to a specialist if needed for further work-up.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful