Urinary Retention Dangers: What's Harmful for Dogs?

Attention, fellow pet lovers! There are two prevailing opinions in the international veterinary field regarding the definition of "holding urine" in dogs. One perspective suggests that the frequency of a dog's urination daily is related to factors such as breed, gender, size, and overall health. However, another viewpoint posits that the frequency is entirely individual and cannot be generalized. A dog's urination habits can be influenced by diet, activity levels, water intake, and age, with the latter being a significant determinant.

Despite the ongoing debate, it is a wellknown fact that puppies tend to urinate more frequently than adult dogs.

Cesare Milan, in his website, notes that a healthy dog produces between 10 to 20 milliliters of urine per pound of body weight daily. An adult dog needs to urinate at least 3 to 5 times outside to meet its physiological needs, while puppies require even more frequent trips.

We all know that trained dogs can hold their urine until they are taken out to go, but this does not mean they are in the clear. Dogs that frequently hold their urine are proven to be more susceptible to urinary tract infections and other urinary diseases.

Longterm holding of urine can lead to the contact between stored urine and the urinary tract, potentially causing infections and even leading to conditions like urinary stones. Studies have shown that prolonged holding of urine can result in a prolonged contact between a carcinogenic substance called DipABVP in the urine and urinary tract cells, making dogs more prone to certain types of urinary cancer.

While there is no definitive evidence to set a maximum limit for how long dogs should hold their urine, virtually all international canine behaviorists, scientists, and breeders recommend not holding urine for more than 8 hours.

Urinary tract diseases caused by holding urine include:

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Bacterial UTI is most common in female dogs, often leading to bladder infections. If the infection involves the kidneys, it can become quite serious. Please follow your veterinarian's advice.

Bladder Stones

Stones can appear anywhere in the dog's urinary tract, but they are most commonly found in the bladder. Larger stones can be seen on Xrays, while smaller ones require ultrasound for detection. Bladder stones are composed of various substances, including calcium oxalate and uric acid. Sometimes, stones can get stuck in the urethra, causing the dog to have difficulty urinating. If this occurs, seek immediate veterinary care!

Bladder Cancer

This is an aggressive and malignant cancer that requires treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Although there are medications to alleviate pain caused by bladder cancer in dogs, there is no perfect treatment for this disease to date.

Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is one of the most challenging kidney diseases to cure in dogs. While it may be curable in the early stages, it often comes with complications.

Urinary Incontinence

This condition is often seen in spayed female dogs, usually caused by a lack of hormones, leading to the loss of control over the urethral sphincter. It may also involve neurological issues.

Prostate Diseases

Male dogs are more prone to prostate diseases, with common conditions including prostate infections, prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer. Dogs with prostate diseases often exhibit symptoms such as blood in the urine during urination.