Dysuria In Dogs – Causes & Treatments

Dysuria is defined as pain or discomfort or burning sensation when the dogs urinate. The characteristic features are frequent attempts at urination, straining to urinate, and distress/painful urination. Distress may be confirmed by vocalization such as barking or whining during urination, excessive turning, and looking or licking at the urogenital region.

There are several causes for this condition such as viral/ bacterial/fungal infection, Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), bladder conditions (such as prostatitis, interstitial cystitis) masses in the bladder or urethra, hyperplasia, tumors, and Stricture (narrowing of a region within the urogenital tract) may also lead to canine Dysuria. As Dysuria can be a clinical sign of underlying problems or external irritating factors, head to the vet as soon as possible to not make the matters worse.

Most dogs experience Dysuria at least once over their lifetime as it is a very common urinary condition. Typically Dysuria sensation is felt when urine comes in contact with the irritated or inflamed urethral mucosal lining. Moreover, this is aggravated and connected with urethral peristalsis and detrusor muscle contraction, which then fuels the submucosal pain receptors causing a burning or painful sensation during urination.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common causes of dysuria. UTIs are much more common in females than males due to anatomical considerations. Most urinary tract infections are not so complicated and comparatively easier to treat.

• Frequent attempts at urination
• Straining to urinate
• Hematuria - Blood in the urine
• Excessive licking at the urogenital area
• Vocalization when attempting to urinate
• Improper urinating (inside the house by house-broken dogs)
• Unproductive urination

• The treatment of dysuria will vary depending on its underlying cause.
• Bladder stones:
  • Surgical removal: Laser Lithotripsy and cystotomy
  • Non-surgical removal – Lithotripsy or voiding Uro hydro propulsion
  • Dietary dissolution
• Bladder cancer: Debuling and surgical removal
• Antibiotics, Antivirals, anthelmintics, and/or antifungal medications
• Ovarian remnant syndrome: Exploratory laparotomy surgery, milbolerone or Ovaban or Megace ( to prevent dogs from going into heat)
• Vaginal tumors: IM/IGRTradiation therapy, Sublumbar lymphadenopathy, and Palliative radiotherapy
• Pain medication: NSAIDs (Meloxicam, Carprofen, Galliprant, Firocoxib)

• When the dysuria is occasional or if the symptoms don’t trouble the dogs so much, pet owners may simply continue to adopt the ‘wait and watch’ procedure
• Regular cleaning of the dog's vagina with unscented baby wipes avoids inflammation
• Doggy diapers or Belly bands can be used for the dogs to prevent dogs suffering from dribbling urination
• Broad spectrum non-dairy probiotic (for example, Nom nom probiotics) in your dog's meals is good for their gut health

There is no real way to prevent dysuria. Most of dogs experience the condition once in their lifetime.

• There is no breed disposition
• Spayed female dogs
• Middle-aged to senior dogs and Medium to large-breed dogs

1. Causes:

• Age: pre-puberty and older dogs
• Infections- bacterial, fungal, viral, and yeast infections
• Urinary tract infection
• Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
• Bladder stones
• Masses (tumors) in the bladder or urethra
• Urinary tract infection
• Stricture (narrowing of an area within the urogenital tract)
• Uterine stump pyometra (residual tissue is present after ovariohysterectomy)
• Ovarian remnant syndrome

2. Mortality:

There is no documented mortality connected with Dysuria.

3. Diagnosis:

• A complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile
• Abdominal radiographs
• Tissue biopsy

4. Prognosis:

There is no need for vigorous treatments. When there is no underlying cause, dysuria will resolve on its own. However, it is better to consult your vet when you observe your pet has symptoms of dysuria.

Emergency — Immediate Veterinary Assistance Needed

• Frequent attempts at urination
• Straining to urinate
• Hematuria - Blood in the urine
• Excessive licking at the urogenital area
• Vocalization when attempting to urinate

• Low-carb, Organic, high-protein, and cruciferous foods
• Protein, such as lean beef, chicken, fish, turkey
• Boiled chicken and rice, Peanut butter/cheese, and Beef balls/beef stew
• Fresh vegetables/fruit (boiled sweet potato, watermelon, banana, carrots, mango, green beans, apple, orange)
• Omega 3 fatty acid foods (avocados, flaxseeds, Sardines, salmon, Mackerel, Herring, etc)
• Antioxidant berries such as blueberries, Strawberries

Dysuria in dogs is highly scratchy for the dogs and owners so they should mull over the diagnosis with the proper symptoms. Most of them confuse the symptoms with other inflammatory conditions and infections. In spite of proper treatment, relapse is possible so owners must have little patience to complete the treatment.