Female Dog Urinating Frequently

When Your Female Dog Starts Urinating More Frequently

If your female dog begins urinating more often than usual, it could be normal for her but it could also indicate an underlying health issue or even a behavioural issue. More frequent urination  can be caused by a range of medical conditions ranging from infections and hormonal conditions to kidney disease. It can even be due to behavioural issues as a result of insufficient mental or physical stimulation.

Differences Between Female and Male Dogs

As you may have guessed, female and male dogs have very different anatomy when it comes to the urinary tract. The female dog’s urinary opening is located closer to the anus than in the male dog and this makes contamination with bacteria like E.Coli more likely. On top of this, the female urethra is both shorter and wider than the male urethra and this further reduces her natural barrier against infections. These differences make female dogs much more prone to urinary infections than male dogs.

Another difference is the hormonal changes in the entire female dog. These hormonal changes mean that some entire females change their urination patterns during and after heat. Such females will typically urinate more frequently or they may begin marking with urine.

The hormonal balance in the spayed female dog can also have an effect on her ability to control her urination. Se “Incontinence in Spayed Female Dogs” below.

Learn more about urinary tract infections in dogs.

Urinary Tract Infection vs. Urine Marking

If your dog has a UTI, she may urinate often and in smaller amounts, attempt to urinate with little or no result, or show signs of discomfort while urinating. Blood may sometimes be visible in the urine. 

A female dog that is marking will not show signs of discomfort or blood in the urine. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and a urine analysis by your vet.

Incontinence in Spayed Female Dogs

A common reason for urine leakage, particularly during rest or sleep, is hormonal incontinence that can occur after spaying. This condition often presents as small urine spots where the dog has been lying. The dog may even seem surprised by the wet patch on the bed. The condition is relatively common, especially in older spayed dogs and it is usually very easily treated.

Cystitis in Puppies

Puppies sometimes display symptoms similar to a UTI, with frequent urination without the presence of bacteria in the urine. This condition is called sterile cystitis (inflammatory bladder condition without infection). It is most common in young females, especially during house training.

The exact cause is unclear, but it may involve bladder irritation, anatomical factors, or a reaction to new environmental bacteria without a full-blown infection. The condition often resolves on its own, but it is important to rule out bacterial infection through a urine sample.

Urinary Stones (Uroliths) in Dogs

Urinary stones (uroliths) are hard mineral deposits that can form in a dog’s urinary tract, most commonly in the bladder or urethra. They can range in size from sand-like crystals to larger stones. Crystals in the urine usually do not cause symptoms in dogs, but if bigger stones develop, then the urinary tract may become partially or completely blocked. Common signs of a blocked urinary tract include frequent urination or attempts to urinate with little or no urine passing. There may also be signs of discomfort, or blood in the urine. If a stone blocks the urinary tract, it creates an acute and potentially life-threatening situation if the dog does not receive immediate treatment.

Sand like crystals or urinary stones that are not causing a blockage can be dissolved with special diets, while others need to be surgically removed. 

Other Possible Causes

• Diabetes in dogs

• Cushing’s syndrome in dogs

• Kidney failure in dogs

• Behavioural conditions that result in increased water intake. 
  
  

When Should I Contact a Veterinarian?

You should consult a vet if your female dog:

• Has urinary urgency: Needs to urinate frequently or seems to struggle to hold urine.

• Struggles to pass urine: Passing only small amount of urine with frequent attempts   

• Drinks or urinates excessively: Drinks more or pees more than usual.

• Leaks urine: Seems to be incontinent.

• Urinates indoors: Starts having accidents despite being house-trained.

• Has blood in the urine: Visible signs of blood or other discolouration of the urine.

• Shows behavioural changes or general signs of illness: Being unsettled, showing signs of pain or licking the vulva more frequently
  
  

It is a medical emergency if your dog is unable to pass urine at all and you should visit a vet without delay.