Why does my pet need a urine test and what health issues does it find?

Question

Why does my pet need a urine test? How often does he need a urinalysis and what does it test for?

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

A urine test, or [urinalysis](https://www.petcoach.co/article/urinalysis-testing-a-urine-sample/), analyzes a urine sample and may be performed as a part of a wellness screening panel or due to illness. A urinalysis is useful in aiding in the diagnosis of a range of medical conditions, including [urinary tract infection](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/utis-in-dogs), crystals in the urine, [diabetes](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/feline-diabetes) and kidney disease, among many others. Many different parameters are evaluated, including the concentration, pH, glucose, protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, bilirubin, ketones, bacteria, crystals and casts present in the urine. Annual wellness lab tests, including a urinalysis, are typically recommended for most senior pets. However, routine urinalyses are not typically performed on other healthy adult animals. If your pet begins to display changes in their urinary habits, such as urinating more frequently, straining to urinate, having accidents in the house, blood in the urine or is drinking more water, it is likely that your veterinarian will recommend performing a urinalysis.

Why does my pet need a urine test and what health issues does it find?

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