My dog's urine is thick. Can sweets cause this? What should I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to a urinary tract infection for example. I recommend you check in with your veterinarian so that they can check the urine for the possibility of an infection. They may start antibiotics if they are concerned about an infection. Good luck and have a great day!

Drinking a lot more means that he is also urinating a lot more. This is called Polydipsia and polyuria or PU PD. There are various reasons for PU PD and they need to be investigated by a veterinarian, especially in an old dog. Blood work can rule out any of those. 1) diabetes---a urinalysis and blood test will be able to rule it in or out. Diabetes is usually treated with diet and insulin. 2) Cushing's disease: This is an overproduction of cortisone, either signaled by a pituitary tumor in the brain or by a malfunction or tumor of the adrenal glands. Medication can inhibit cortisone production. A potbelly and thinning or haircoat and excessive panting are common signs as well. 3) Kidney disease, treated with diet and supportive treatment 4) A urinary tract infection, urinary crystals or stones: treatment varies according to the cause. 5) diabetes insipidus, usually tested with a water deprivation test and treated with a medication called Minirin. You will need to make an appointment with your vet for an exam and blood tests. I am sure your vet will find the cause of the PU PD.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ella. I recommend that she has a fresh urine sample tested by her veterinarian. You are correct that her urine does not appear normal. She could have crystals present. This occurs when the urine pH is too high or too low. Crystals can predispose a dog to bladder stones. If this is not the case, you could be seeing mucus in the urine. This tends to go along with a urinary tract infection or inflammation. Is she having any urinary signs at home? This can include straining to urinate, having accidents in the house, urinating more frequently or drinking more water. These symptoms can indicate disease and guide her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

These signs might be compatible with a urinary tract infection/inflammation. Stress related (idiopathic type of inflammation) infection and presence of crystals are the most common causes of it. These signs must be checked as soon as possible as urinary tract infection can be dangerous in male (especially neutered) cats as it can develop into a urinary tract obstruction/blockage. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

These signs might be compatible with a urinary tract infection/inflammation. Stress related (idiopathic type of inflammation), infection and presence of crystals are the most common causes of it. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I would have your dog checked for a urinary tract infection. These types of infection can cause a change in the color and consistency of the urine. It is normal for male, intact dogs to have some discharge from the prepuce but if the urine itself is abnormal he needs to be evaluated by your vet and have his urine checked.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The urinary tract symptoms you describe could be due to a urinary tract infection, urinary stones, a tumor, among other possibilities. Keep in mind that this may be unrelated to the crystals and can even be something like urinary incontinence. I would continue monitoring for signs of painful urination or bloody urine. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further diagnostics would include abdominal imaging and lab work. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night!