Urinary Problems in Pets

While urinary tract problems are most common in dogs and cats, other animals—such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets—can also experience stones, infections, or difficulty passing urine. These conditions are less frequent but can become serious quickly. Small animals have different urinary anatomy, which can make blockages or infections even more dangerous if not addressed promptly.

At UrgentPaws, we provide care for a variety of small animals, ensuring every pet gets the timely attention they need. Our team is trained to handle the unique challenges of these pets, from tiny bladders to delicate urinary tracts, and we take extra care to reduce stress during examinations and treatment.

If your rabbit, guinea pig, or ferret is showing signs of urinary trouble, don’t wait—early care helps prevent serious complications.

Urinary problems can stem from many causes, ranging from mild infections to dangerous blockages. Dogs and cats often show similar signs, but the underlying reasons can vary. Understanding possible causes helps you recognize when a problem is urgent.

Common causes include:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Often caused by bacteria, UTIs can affect the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. They may develop due to poor hygiene, underlying illnesses, or even stress.

Bladder or kidney stones: Minerals in the urine can form stones, which may block the urinary tract or cause pain. Stones can form due to diet, genetics, or infections.

Crystals in the urine: These small mineral formations can irritate the bladder and urethra. Left untreated, they can grow into stones.

Urethral blockages (especially in male cats): Male cats are more prone to blockages because of their narrow urethra. A blockage can be life-threatening within hours.

Incontinence in older pets: Aging pets may have weakened bladder control, sometimes due to underlying hormone imbalances.

Bladder tumors or growths: Rare but serious, tumors can cause blood in the urine and discomfort.

Underlying conditions such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease: Hormonal or metabolic disorders can increase the risk of urinary problems.

Some issues are uncomfortable but not immediately dangerous, while others can quickly become life-threatening—especially in male cats who can’t pass urine at all.

Because urinary problems can have many causes, the safest step is to have your pet examined promptly so treatment can begin right away. Quick intervention can prevent pain, kidney damage, or other serious complications.

Not every bathroom accident means an emergency, but certain signs require quick action. Early detection is key to preventing complications.

Bring your pet in promptly if you notice:

Straining or difficulty urinating

Frequent attempts with little or no output

Blood in the urine

Crying, whining, or obvious pain

Accidents despite being house-trained or litter-trained

Excessive licking of the urinary area

Vomiting, lethargy, or refusing to eat

Other subtle signs may include restlessness, hiding, or changes in behavior, which can indicate discomfort or illness. Even mild changes in urination habits can be early indicators of urinary problems, so monitoring your pet’s normal routine is important.

If your pet is showing any of these warning signs, don’t wait—urgent evaluation can relieve pain and prevent complications.

Most urinary tract issues aren’t contagious. Problems like stones, crystals, or stress-related bladder inflammation are caused by diet, environment, or health conditions—not by direct transmission between pets.

Still, if you live in a multi-pet household, it’s smart to:

Keep litter boxes clean

Provide separate boxes for each cat to reduce stress

Ensure pets have easy access to water

Minimize competition or anxiety during feeding or bathroom time

These steps help prevent flare-ups and make your pets more comfortable during recovery.

While you don’t need to worry about spread between pets, a clean, low-stress environment helps reduce the chance of recurrence. Prevention is always easier than treatment.

While waiting for a vet visit, you can help by:

Providing constant access to fresh water

Offering frequent potty breaks for dogs

Keeping litter boxes clean and easy to reach for cats

Reducing stress, especially in multi-cat homes

Avoid home remedies, especially if your cat can’t urinate at all. Blockages can become fatal within hours, and some over-the-counter treatments or diets can worsen the problem.

Simple supportive measures, like encouraging hydration, can make a noticeable difference in comfort and recovery. Wet food or water fountains can increase water intake, diluting the urine and reducing irritation.

At-home care can support your pet’s comfort, but veterinary treatment is the only way to safely resolve most urinary problems. Prompt professional care can prevent pain, kidney damage, or more severe complications.

At UrgentPaws, diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam and may include:

Urinalysis and urine culture: Detects infection, crystals, blood, and other abnormalities

Blood tests: Evaluates kidney function and checks for underlying diseases

X-rays or ultrasound: Helps detect stones, blockages, or tumors

Catheterization in blocked cats: Relieves pressure and allows urine collection for testing

These diagnostic tools allow us to pinpoint the cause quickly so treatment can begin. Early diagnosis also reduces stress and discomfort for your pet, and it often prevents more invasive treatments later.

The right diagnosis is the first step toward relief—bringing your pet in ensures we can find the cause and treat it effectively.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis but always focuses on restoring comfort and preventing complications. Options may include:

Antibiotics for infections: Effective against bacterial UTIs

Pain relief and anti-inflammatories: Helps pets feel comfortable while recovering

Special diets: Dissolves crystals or prevents stones in the future

Catheterization and fluids: Relieves blockages and supports kidney function

Surgery: Necessary for stones, tumors, or severe obstructions

Some pets may require a combination of these treatments, along with follow-up visits to monitor recovery. Education on diet, hydration, and stress management is also an important part of preventing recurrence.

Most urinary issues can be successfully treated—getting care quickly helps your pet recover faster and feel better.

Urinary problems often worsen suddenly, especially overnight. If your pet is straining without success, crying out, or producing only blood, treat it as urgent and come in right away. Even mild symptoms, like frequent urination or small amounts of blood, should be checked promptly to prevent escalation.

Some pets may appear calm at home but are quietly in pain. Don’t wait until morning—urgent care is designed to provide relief when it’s needed most.

If symptoms appear after-hours, UrgentPaws is here evenings and weekends to provide timely care when your pet needs it most. You don’t have to wait for a scheduled appointment to ensure your pet gets the help they need.