Diet: Some foods, especially those high in protein, can cause a dog's urine to become more concentrated and have a stronger ammonia odor.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A UTI can cause changes in the pH level of a dog's urine, leading to an ammonia-like smell.
Dehydration: If a dog is not drinking enough water, their urine becomes more concentrated, which can result in a stronger ammonia odor.
Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can affect the kidneys' ability to filter out waste products, leading to an ammonia build-up in the urine.
Bladder Stones: Bladder stones can obstruct the flow of urine, causing urine to become stagnant and develop an ammonia odor.
Diabetes: Diabetes can lead to an increased production of urine and a higher concentration of glucose in the urine, which can contribute to an ammonia-like smell.
Liver Disease: Liver disease can affect the body's ability to process waste products, potentially leading to an ammonia build-up in the urine.
Old Age: In senior dogs, the kidneys and liver may become less efficient at filtering waste products, resulting in an increased ammonia odor in the urine.
If your dog's urine consistently smells strongly of ammonia, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment of any underlying medical conditions that may be the cause.