Urinary Problems in Pets: When to Head to the ER

When Urinary Issues Become Emergencies

Blood in the urine, frequent straining, or sudden accidents can signal infection, stones, or even blockage. If your pet is unable to urinate, seek emergency care immediately- these conditions can progress to kidney damage or death within hours.

At Mission Veterinary Clinic in Granada Hills, our AAHA-accredited hospital provides walk-in emergency and urgent care for dogs and cats experiencing urinary distress. Our team uses advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, and compassionate triage-based care to stabilize patients and prevent life-threatening complications.

Why Urinary Health Requires Immediate Attention

The urinary tract filters waste, balances electrolytes, and maintains hydration. When it fails, toxins build up quickly, causing severe pain, organ damage, and potentially fatal complications. What begins as mild discomfort can become a crisis within hours.

A simple bladder infection might respond to antibiotics, but a blocked male cat can experience kidney failure and die within 24 to 48 hours without treatment. Recognizing early warning signs gives your pet the best chance at recovery.

Common Causes of Urinary Problems in Pets

Urinary issues can stem from infections, stones, metabolic disorders, or anatomical abnormalities. Each requires specific diagnostics and treatment.

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)occur when bacteria invade the bladder. Female dogs and senior pets are most at risk.
• Bladder stonesform when minerals crystallize in the urine. These stones can irritate the bladder or block the urethra, especially in male pets.
• Diabetes mellitusincreases thirst and urination, which can predispose pets to UTIs.
• Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)causes inflammation, crystal formation, and pain, often triggered by stress.
• Recessed vulva in dogscan cause chronic infections by trapping moisture and bacteria.

Recognizing When It’s an Emergency

Some symptoms require immediate veterinary attention. Delaying care can result in kidney failure, bladder rupture, or death.

Seek emergency care if your pet shows:

• Straining to urinate with little or no urine
• Frequent, unsuccessful attempts to urinate
• Blood in urine or on bedding
• Painful, firm, or bloated abdomen
• Vomiting or lethargy
• Crying, collapse, or hiding

Male cats are especially vulnerable. Their narrow urethra can easily become blocked by crystals or mucus. Urinary obstruction in male cats quickly leads to toxicity as waste products build up in the bloodstream.

At Mission Veterinary Clinic, we prioritize patients based on medical urgency. Call before arriving to ensure we can provide immediate, life-saving treatment when minutes matter most.

How Urinary Conditions Progress Without Treatment

Untreated urinary issues can worsen rapidly:

• Bladder infections can reach the kidneys, causing fever, pain, blockages, and permanent damage.
• Small stones may grow, leading to complete obstruction.
• Blocked pets risk bladder rupture and toxic buildup that disrupts heart rhythm.

Early intervention can prevent these serious outcomes. What may start as a simple infection can require surgery if care is delayed.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit

Our veterinary team begins by assessing your pet’s stability. Critical patients receive oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and pain relief before diagnostics begin.

Typical evaluation includes:

• Physical exam to assess bladder size and discomfort
• Urinalysisto detect blood, bacteria, and crystals
• Bloodwork to evaluate kidney function and electrolyte balance
• X-rays or ultrasound to locate stones or structural issues

If stones cannot dissolve or pass naturally, cystotomy surgery is performed to remove them safely. For pets that have urinary blockages, a perineal urethrostomy may be necessary for them to be able to urinate normally. Our surgical team is equipped for emergency procedures and intensive postoperative care.

Treatment Options and Supportive Care

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Infections respond to antibiotics and hydration.
• Bladder stones may dissolve with prescription diets or require surgery.
• Urethral blockages demand immediate catheterization to restore urine flow.
• Severe cases may require overnight hospitalization, IV fluids, and continuous monitoring.

Our facility offers advanced pain management, oxygen therapy, and extended care for pets recovering from obstruction or surgery. We’re equipped to handle even the most critical urinary emergencies.

Helping Your Pet Recover at Home

After hospital care, recovery continues at home. Your attention is vital to a smooth healing process.

• Feed prescription urinary diets exactly as directed- these diets reduce stone recurrence by adjusting urine pH.
• Encourage hydration by adding water to food, using fountains, or offering multiple water sources.
• Minimize stress, especially for cats with FLUTD, by providing enrichment and stable routines.
• Monitor urination frequency, volume, and comfort, and report changes at follow-up visits.

These simple habits can prevent relapse and support long-term urinary health.

Prevention and Long-Term Management

Most urinary issues are preventable with vigilance and consistent care.

• Keep fresh water available at all times and clean bowls daily.
• Follow dietary recommendations for pets with past urinary problems.
• Provide multiple, clean litter boxes for cats (one per cat, plus one extra).
• Watch for subtle changes in urination- catching them early can prevent emergencies.
• Include urinalysis screening at routine wellness exams for early detection.

Proactive management helps avoid repeat episodes and ensures your pet’s comfort and safety.

Common Owner Questions

How do I know if my cat is blocked or constipated?

Blocked cats strain frequently but produce no urine, often vocalizing in pain. Constipated cats strain less and pass small, hard stools. When in doubt, seek immediate veterinary care- urinary blockages are true emergencies.

Are male pets more at risk?

Yes. Male cats are prone to urethral blockages, while female dogs experience UTIs more often due to anatomy.

Can stress cause urinary issues in cats?

Absolutely. Stress is a major trigger for FLUTD, even without infection or stones. Stability and enrichment can significantly reduce recurrence.

Will my pet need a special diet forever?

Pets with a history of stones or chronic urinary disease often need lifelong prescription diets. Others may not. Your veterinarian will guide you based on diagnosis and risk.

Preparing for Your Visit

Collect a fresh urine sample if possible (within 4–6 hours). Bring a list of all medications and note any recent diet changes. Video evidence of straining or unusual bathroom behavior is also helpful.

Before visiting, call ahead using the number on our contact page. Because we operate on a triage-based system and may reach capacity, calling ensures we can accommodate your pet’s urgent needs.

Taking Action Quickly Saves Lives

Urinary problems can escalate within hours, particularly in male cats and dogs. Immediate veterinary attention is essential to prevent kidney damage and bladder rupture.

At Mission Veterinary Clinic, we deliver life-saving emergency and urgent care with compassion and precision. Our AAHA-accredited hospital offers advanced diagnostics, surgery, and intensive monitoring for pets in distress. We accept Care Credit, Cherry, and recommend Trupanion for ongoing coverage.

If your pet shows signs of urinary blockage or pain, call us immediately at (747) 800-5706 or visit our Granada Hills emergency care team.

When every minute counts, you can always turn to Mission.