Why is my puppy straining to pee? Is it a UTI, blockage, or anatomy?

Question

My puppy has been struggling to urinate occasionally but it doesn't seem to be incontinence. It's difficult for me to determine if it's urethral blockage or a UTI. We have attempted urethral massage with warm water to relieve him and even tried to manually express his bladder. We haven't been successful in the latter but the massaging seems to help. We felt a more firm object in his urethra above where his testicles are. In this a normal part of his anatomy or could that be the blockage? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 23 days old | 4 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

I'm guessing that you're feeling Bud's bulbourethral gland which is a normal part of the anatomy and sometimes appears as a bulge on both sides of the prepuce. I'm concerned that Bud is straining to urinate - this is concerning in a puppy his age. A urinary tract infection is possible but shouldn't cause an obstruction. A urinary tract infection can cause pain when urinating and increased frequency and urgency when going which can look similar to an obstruction. If he is obstructed this would be an emergency, so I would recommend taking him to an emergency veterinarian today.

Why is my puppy straining to pee? Is it a UTI, blockage, or anatomy?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?

Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?

Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?

Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?

Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?

Share