Pet Poisoning & Urinary Blockage: What to Do

Help! My Pet Can’t Urinate—What Should I Do?

Urinary issues in pets can sometimes signal an emergency medical situation, which means:

1. These situations must be handled in a veterinary hospital—don’t attempt “home remedies,” as your home lacks the necessary tools to deal with such emergencies.
2. If you notice a problem, rush your pet to the hospital immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to serious consequences.

Today, we’ll discuss a critical condition related to urination—urinary blockage.

Why Can’t My Pet Urinate?

Urinary blockage refers to difficulty or inability to urinate. When a pet cannot urinate at all, the blockage can cause acute kidney failure and may result in death within 24-48 hours. If you observe signs of urinary blockage in your pet, rush them to the hospital for immediate catheterization.

Pet Owner’s Story:

A two-year-old neutered male pet made odd sounds before and after using the litter box one evening. The following day, the pet became lethargic and refused to move much, although they still ate and drank water—yet they hadn’t urinated.

That night, the owner rushed their pet to the veterinary emergency room. After examination, it was found that the pet was diagnosed with urinary blockage caused by sloughed bladder epithelium obstructing the urethral opening.

This pet owner caught the issue early. Most owners discover urinary blockage only after two to three days, by which time kidney damage or acute kidney failure may have already occurred.

What Are the Symptoms of Urinary Blockage in Pets?

At first, your pet’s urethra might not be completely blocked, so you might see abnormal urination behaviors:

• Your pet may repeatedly enter and exit the bathroom or litter box but produce very little or no urine at all.
• You may notice the urine clumps in the litter box are much smaller.
• Some pets may cry out in pain while trying to urinate or refuse to use the litter box altogether.

If your pet urinates in inappropriate places, don’t rush to scold them—first check for signs of urinary difficulty.

Due to the pain, pets might lick their genital area excessively and may avoid being touched. Some may also hide.

As the condition progresses, if the urinary tract becomes completely blocked, toxins like urea, creatinine, and potassium build up in the bloodstream, causing symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, and extreme lethargy. This indicates that the urinary blockage has severely affected the body’s functions.

How Can You Self-Diagnose a Pet’s Urinary Blockage?

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, you can reasonably suspect urinary blockage. Here’s how to check:

• Gently place your pet on a table and locate their bladder (near the abdomen, close to the rear).
• Apply gentle pressure to the area. A normal bladder should feel like the size of an orange, soft and squishy, like a water-filled balloon.
• If the bladder feels firm, like a peach, your pet may have urinary blockage. This will likely cause them pain.

A healthy bladder is small and nearly undetectable when empty. If the bladder feels firm and painful to touch, it’s time to seek immediate veterinary care to relieve the blockage!

What Should You Do After Your Pet Ingests Poison or Foreign Objects?

1. Prevent Scavenging: If your pet is scavenging, immediately stop them from eating. Never try to pry something out of their mouth with your hands—it could lead to injury and may make them swallow the item faster.
2. Don’t Try to Induce Vomiting on Your Own: Whether your pet is acting normal or showing signs of illness after ingestion, never attempt to induce vomiting on your own. Immediately contact a nearby pet hospital. Describe your pet’s symptoms and the time frame in which the poisoning occurred. The doctor will guide you on what to do and may prepare for emergency treatment.
3. Look for Clues: While heading to the vet, contact friends or other pet owners nearby to search for suspicious food or powder that could have been ingested. Taking photos and collecting evidence will help identify the poison and assist the doctor in making the right diagnosis.
4. Report Suspected Poisoning: If you suspect intentional poisoning, contact the police immediately.

How to Better Protect Your Pet?

1. Leash Your Pet: Always keep your pet on a leash, preferably no longer than 2 meters, to maintain control and ensure your pet stays within your sight.
2. Use a Muzzle: For pets that tend to scavenge, consider using a muzzle when walking outside.
3. Stick to Regular Routes: Avoid walking your pet in hidden or isolated areas where poison might be left unnoticed.
4. Clean Up After Walks: After your walk, use pet-friendly wipes to clean your pet’s fur and paws. This helps remove any toxins they may have come into contact with.

Final Thoughts

When accidents happen, don’t hesitate to contact a veterinary hospital immediately. As a pet parent, taking preventative measures, such as using a leash and keeping an eye on your pet’s activities, will help ensure their safety and well-being.

We hope you never have to use this emergency advice, but it’s important to know what to do in case of an emergency. Always act quickly, and stay calm to give your pet the best chance for a speedy recovery.

Related to the article

Cat Urinary Blockage: Symptoms, Causes, and Immediate Action

Foods Dogs Can’t Eat and How to React, According to Vets

15 Best Dogs for Seniors

What the Heck is Kitten Season Anyway?

My Dog is Aggressive Around Strangers

For more pet-related services or products, please click here

Read more of our blog articles, please click here