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My dog has a UTI, still blood in urine after cephalexin. Normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shiba Inu | Female | spayed | 25 lbs

My dog has a uti, she has a blood in her Urine. She is given cephalexin and she has been taking it for a day but there is still blood is this normal? If so how long will blood clear up?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2020

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear Hazel isn't feeling well. The cephalexin is an antibiotic used to kill the bacteria in her bladder. Bacteria cause inflammation to the bladder wall and this can cause blood in the urine. I would expect to not be able to see the blood in the urine in 24-48 hours. However, sometimes blood is microscopic, so it may be there even if you can't see it. If it has been longer than 48 hours and you are still seeing blood I would talk to the veterinarian that gave Hazel the antibiotics about possible x-rays or an ultrasound to look for bladder stones. Bladder stones can cause constant inflammation to the bladder wall and the antibiotics alone won't help with the blood. If there are no stones, I would talk to the veterinarian about anti-inflammatory options to help decrease the inflammation of the bladder wall and stop the blood. Good luck and I hope Hazel has a quick recovery!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Poor girl. Yes it can take up to 48-72 hrs for antibiotics to start working and for the blood to start resolving as well. I would not be concerned about blood only 1 day out.
I hope that Hazel's UTI resolves soon! Best of luck and take care. : )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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