Care guideEmergency

Straining to pee or blood in urine

Straining with little or no pee coming out is an emergency, so go now. Blood in the pee or pain when peeing also needs a vet right away.

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Key facts

Verdict: Care guide · Emergency: get help now
Call your vet if: Straining with little or no pee coming out, red or bloody pee, crying or yelping while peeing, peeing small amounts very often and accidents in the house. All 8
First step: Call your vet now if you see any of the warning signs on this page. All steps
Sources: PDSA, VCA Urgent Care, Merck Veterinary Manual, AKC. Reviewed 9 October 2026.

What to do

Call your vet now if you see any of the warning signs on this page.
If your dog is straining but no pee comes out, go to a vet straight away. A blocked bladder is an emergency.
Your vet may ask for a fresh pee sample, so be ready to collect one.
Keep fresh, clean water available at all times.

Don't

Don't wait to see if a dog that can't pee gets better.
Don't give human medicines or remedies unless your vet tells you to.
Don't cut back your dog's water to reduce accidents.

When to call your vet

Straining with little or no pee coming out
Red or bloody pee
Crying or yelping while peeing
Peeing small amounts very often
Accidents in the house
Drinking more than usual
Vomiting or low energy with trouble peeing
Can't stand or walk

Why

Bladder infections and bladder stones irritate the bladder. A stone can block the tube that carries pee out, more often in males, and a dog that can't pee needs emergency care.

Sources

Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.

General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.