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My dog is struggling to pee after heartworm meds. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Male | neutered | 4 years and 1 month old | 86 lbs

My dog was recently diagnosed with heartworms. My vet prescribed Doxycycline and Prednisone. It's only day 2 and my dog is struggling to urinate. He is constantly drinking water but I'm afraid his bladder will rupture if he doesn't start urinating more. Any suggestions? Thank you!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on August 29th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Zeus. I am concerned about a urinary obstruction by a urinary stone or a urinary tract infection with resultant inflammation/straining/and urge incontinence. If he cannot pass a good stream of urine when urinating you need to have him evaluated immediately to determine what the problem is. If his bladder pressure increases, the bladder to can stretch out and will lose some of it's muscle contraction. The pressure can also back up into the kidneys causing kidney damage and failure. Again if he can't urinate a good stream, is straining a lot, you need to get him evaluated right now to prevent further problems. None of the meds he is on should be causing this. He is neutered so an enlarged prostate isn't possible. Good luck with Zeus. I hope he feels better soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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