What it is
The tumour grows from the lining of the bladder, the layer that urine touches. As it thickens the wall it irritates the bladder, so the dog feels full and keeps asking to go out. A tumour near the neck of the bladder, where urine leaves it, can narrow or block that way out.
It tends to appear in older dogs, and the signs build up gradually. Because they look so much like a urinary infection, it is worth watching whether they settle or keep coming back.
At home, your dog will be helped by more chances to go out and a calm place to urinate. Watch how much urine comes out, how hard the dog strains and whether the urine looks pink or red. Accidents indoors are part of the illness, not bad behaviour.
Signs you may notice
- Squats to urinate again and again
- Passes only a few drops
- Strains to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Accidents indoors
You may notice the dog squatting to urinate again and again but passing only a few drops, straining, or passing blood in the urine. If the dog strains but passes no urine at all, contact a vet right away.
When to see a vet
If straining or blood in the urine lasts more than a day or keeps coming back, book a visit. A dog that strains but passes no urine at all needs a vet immediately.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.