Animal lovers want their furry friends to live happily without health problems.
However, serious urinary system illnesses are common, leaving your dog tormented in persistent discomfort.
So, what should I do if my dog keeps trying to pee but nothing comes out? Don’t let this problem torture your furry friend!
My article will provide you with the most useful information on urinary obstruction in dogs, as well as the top causes and best solutions.
What Is Urinary Obstruction in Pets?
Urinary tract obstruction in pets is classified as a medical emergency because it makes it difficult for the dog to urinate.
A puppy’s urinary tract includes the ureters, urethra, bladder, and kidneys.
It can become partially or completely blocked, resulting in the dog becoming stressed and unable to urinate normally.
Although it can occur in any dog, this blockage is more common in male dogs due to their special anatomical structure.
The urethra in male dogs is longer, leading to a greater risk of obstruction than in female dogs.
Once the urinary tract is blocked, toxins accumulate rapidly inside the dog’s excretory system, leading to the risk of kidney failure and death.
My Dog Keeps Trying To Pee But Nothing Comes Out- Main Causes
Many causes of a dog’s inability to urinate include damage from external forces and problems arising within the excretory system, such as diseases and stones.
Each source of the problem is different in severity and requires further treatment.
And now, please discover the top 7 causes of a dog trying to pee but nothing coming out compiled below for better insight.
Bladder Stones, Urethral Stones
Urinary stones accumulate due to certain minerals not being processed properly within the excretory system.
They can develop in parts of the excretory system, forming kidney stones, crystal stones, etc.
The size of these harmful objects varies based on the number of mineral blockages and causes crystals to be found in the dog’s urine sample.
When large enough, these urethral stones lead to difficulty urinating or even failure to urinate in pets.
Certain breeds of dogs (such as the Miniature Schnauzer or the Shih Tzu) are more susceptible to this prostate disease due to a genetic influence.
Changing a nutritious diet will limit the blockage and help the dog clear these urinary stones independently.
Your dog will need surgical intervention to remove more severe blockages.
Tumors
The accumulation of toxic cells causes tumors in the dog’s body. Depending on the cause, these tumors are classified as benign or malignant.
Tumors inside the urinary tract can cause inflammation and swelling, leading to narrowing of the urinary tract.
If you have a female dog, you will recognize this problem because the dog keeps squatting to pee but nothing comes out.
The tumor can only disappear with surgical intervention. Your four-legged friend will need X-rays and chemotherapy if the tumor is cancerous.
Kidney Disease
Kidney problems can be classified as acute and chronic, depending on the extent of the damage.
Once chronic kidney failure, dogs tend to vomit, drink a lot of water and lose weight uncontrollably.
Renal failure consists of four stages, resulting in a different course of treatment for each hairy patient.
Acute kidney disease is reversible with improved hydration and a healthy diet.
When toxins accumulated inside the dog’s body cannot be eliminated through the urine, the stomach is easily damaged, leading to vomiting.
Your veterinarian must assess kidney damage, bladder emptying, hydration, and vomiting control.
Prostate Gland Disease In Male Dogs
The male dog’s urethra passes through the prostate gland, forming a major circulatory system.
An enlarged prostate (Prostatomegaly) is more common in older, unneutered dogs. It is less common and less severe for older dogs that have been spayed.
Prostatomegaly usually develops from prostate tumors. Once the disease becomes more severe, the urethra closes, leading to a partial urinary tract obstruction.
Painful prostate enlargement can completely block the urinary tract.
Urinary Tract Infections In Female Dogs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) result from pathogens (fungi and viruses) entering the female dog’s urinary tract, leading to an infection.
It occurs more commonly in bitches, with the typical manifestation of your dog squatting but unable to urinate. When it becomes more severe, it can lead to cystitis.
Besides the direct causes of UTI, some factors that promote disease progression include immunosuppression, poor self-hygiene, obesity, and diabetes.
Your dog will need a combination of antibiotics and pain relievers during treatment.
Spinal Cord Injuries Or Genitourinary Tract Trauma
A dog with physical trauma to the area near the genital tract also affects the functioning of the urinary tract, resulting in an inability to urinate.
You can tell by the scratches/darkness/swelling on the surface of their skin, along with other physical symptoms such as pain and limping.
When you notice your dog is not urinating after the accident, you must immediately take him to the veterinarian.
A professional veterinarian will perform x-rays and ultrasounds and decide if your furry friend needs surgical intervention.
Her Season (Oestrus)
Dog season usually lasts 6 to 8 months (or possibly longer).
During this period, your bitch will sometimes have a little blood coming out of her vulva, resulting in dripping cloudy urine or even being unable to urinate normally.
How To Treat If My Dog Tries To Pee But Nothing Comes Out?
When treating a urinary bladder obstruction, your veterinarian will perform an X-ray (or ultrasound) to check the extent of the blockage and look for stones in the urethra/bladder infection.
Blood samples will help check your four-legged friend’s kidney and electrolyte values.
In addition, the pet will have to undergo a urine test to check for cancer cells, infections, and other important indicators.
Pets need to be briefly sedated for catheterization. After about 1 to 4 days of treatment, the dog will be given antibiotics, pain relievers, and IV fluids.
Depending on the condition and cause of the blockage, your veterinarian will decide if your dog needs surgery.
For male dogs, neutering reduces the size of the prostate gland, making it easier to treat and prevent the risk of reinfection.
When caring for your dog at home, make a nutritious diet for your four-legged friend. Take good care of your dog and contact the vet as soon as the dog shows signs of abnormality.
FAQs
Why My Dog Keeps Squatting To Pee And Nothing Comes Out?
A blocked bladder and urinary tract infection are the leading causes of the inability to urinate despite great efforts.
This problem directly threatens your four-legged friend’s life, so contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has A UTI?
Dogs with UTIs often try to pee every chance they get.
However, they often exhibit painful manifestations (such as groaning, straining, screaming), frequent vulvar licking, dribbling, and even bloody urine.
How Long Will A UTI Last In A Dog?
An uncomplicated UTI will usually go away if the dog receives treatment after only 7-14 days.
Although you should see dramatic improvement within the first days of medication, continue treatment until your veterinarian concludes your dog has fully recovered.
Some Last Words
My article shares with you all the useful knowledge related to urethral obstruction in dogs and its causes and treatment.
So, how to treat it if my dog keeps trying to pee but nothing comes out?
Contact your veterinarian and describe the accompanying symptoms, then you will receive the most effective treatment plan.
But remember, regular checkups are the key to keeping your furry friend healthy and quickly dealing with potential health risks. See you in the next articles!
