Symptoms of an Infection With Leaking Urine in Dogs

If your dog is leaking urine, he could be suffering from one of several health problems including urinary incontinence, kidney disease or urinary stones. However, this also could be caused by a very common condition: a urinary tract infection. A variety of symptoms can indicate if your dog has such an infection and needs to be seen by a veterinarian.

  1. Discomfort During Urination

    • One common symptom of an infection is discomfort when urinating. When you take your dog out, notice if he is reluctant to urinate or whimpers when urinating; this means he is experiencing pain. If your dog is experiencing painful urination he also may have trouble releasing urine: he may appear to urinate, but little to no urine actually is released.

    Blood Mixed With Urine

    • Another common symptom of an infection in dogs is blood in the urine. Look for even the smallest amount of blood after your dog has urinated. You may see just a drop or a small puddle of blood. If this is the case, your dog may have a urinary tract infection or something more serious, such as a urinary stone.

    Foul-Smelling Urine

    • Foul- or strong-smelling urine is another indicator that your dog could have an infection. This symptom can be difficult to spot if you haven't previously noted the smell of your dog's urine. However, if you do recognize that the smell is stronger than usual, an infection could be the cause.

    Lethargy

    • The way your dog acts often reveals things about their health. If your dog is more lethargic than usual, that's a clue something could be wrong. This can include sleeping more than usual, or moving much more slowly than usual. Lethargy, in tandem with some other common symptoms, can indicate a urinary tract infection.

    Tender Bladder

    • Physically examining your dog for abnormalities is a good way to find out if your dog has a problem. Your dog's bladder is located below his belly near his hind legs. Feel the bladder and attempt to determine if it is more tender than usual. A tender bladder can be a strong indication of a urinary tract infection.