Why Is My Dog Pee Green: Understanding the Possible Causes

June 21, 2023

by：puaintapets

As a responsible dog owner, it can be concerning to notice any changes in your pet's urine color. While the sight of green urine may initially alarm you, it's essential to remember that various factors can contribute to this unusual hue. This article aims to shed light on the potential causes of green urine in dogs, helping you understand when it might be a cause for concern and when it might be a harmless occurrence.

Why is My Dog's Pee Green?

Green dog urine is rare, but if seen, it may indicate that your dog has a serious health condition. Green dog urine is usually the result of excess bilirubin in the blood being filtered by the kidneys into the urine. High levels of bilirubin in the blood are the result of liver and biliary disease or the body's immune system destroying red blood cells.

Dog Pee Green

Liver Disease: Liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver failure can impair the liver's ability to process bilirubin effectively, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream and subsequent excretion in the urine, leading to green pee.

1. Liver Failure

Liver diseases or issues can sometimes result in changes to urine color, including greenish hues. The liver plays a vital role in processing waste products, and when it's not functioning properly, it can affect urine color. Like advanced liver failure, also known as end-stage liver disease, can manifest with various symptoms and complications beyond green urine.

Liver Disease In Dogs

Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced by the liver.
Swelling and distention of the abdomen.
Fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Nausea and vomiting

2. Hepatitis

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, and it can be caused by various factors such as viral infections. Hepatitis can cause dark or tea-coloured urine, in addition to other symptoms.

Fatigue
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle and joint pain
Fever
Pale stools
Skin Itching

3. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a late stage of liver disease that occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impairing liver function. While green urine is not a commonly recognized symptom of cirrhosis, there are several other signs and symptoms associated with this condition. Some common symptoms of cirrhosis include:

Fatigue and weakness
Jaundice
Abdominal swelling
Edema
Weight loss and poor appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Easy bruising and bleeding

Liver Disease in Dogs

Gallbladder or biliary tract obstruction: If the flow of bile from the liver to the intestines is obstructed, it can cause bilirubin to accumulate in the bloodstream and be excreted in the urine, leading to green pee. Obstructions can be caused by gallstones, tumors, or other conditions affecting the biliary system.

1. Gallstones

Gallstones, which are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, can cause various symptoms. While green urine is not a typical symptom associated with gallstones, I can provide you with a list of common symptoms related to gallstones:

Abdominal pain
Back pain
Nausea and vomiting
Indigestion
Fever and chills
Changes in bowel movements

2. Tumors

Tumors of the biliary system in dogs can have various symptoms, and while green urine (biliverdinuria) can be one sign, it is not exclusive to biliary tumors and can occur in other conditions as well. Here are some other symptoms that may be associated with dog tumors of the biliary system:

Enlarged liver
Palpable abdominal mass
Abdominal pain
Lack of appetite and weight loss
Vomiting and diarrhea
Lethargy and weakness

Urinary Tract Infections

Certain types of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bacterial infections can lead to changes in urine color. In some cases, greenish urine may indicate the presence of a specific type of bacteria.
It is common that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is a gram-negative bacterium that can cause infections in various parts of the body, including the urinary tract. Pseudomonas UTIs are often associated with green or blue-green urine due to the production of pigments called pyocyanin and pyoverdin.

Also, Proteus mirabilis that gram-negative bacterium can cause UTIs, particularly in individuals with urinary catheters or anatomical abnormalities. In some cases, Proteus UTIs can lead to the formation of urinary stones composed of calcium and magnesium salts, resulting in greenish urine.

Dog Urine

Immune-mediated Hemolytic Anemia

One possible cause of green urine is the presence of biliverdin, a pigment that can be produced when red blood cells break down. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a condition in which the immune system of a dog attacks its own red blood cells, leading to their destruction. This can result in a variety of symptoms, including pale gums, weakness, lethargy, and dark or discolored urine.

In addition to causes other than disease, there are a number of external factors that can cause green dog urine.

Diet

Certain food dyes or ingredients in your dog's diet can sometimes cause changes in urine color, including greenish tinges. If you recently introduced a new type of food or treat to your dog's diet, it's possible that this could be the cause.

Medications

Some medications or supplements can alter the color of urine, and green urine may be a side effect. If your dog is taking any medications, it's worth consulting with your veterinarian to see if this could be the cause.

How Do You Treat Green Urine in Dogs?

Green urine in dogs can be a worrying symptom and if your dog develops green urine it is important to consult your vet for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The first step is to determine the food your dog has recently consumed. If your dog consumes certain foods that contain dyes or additives, this may temporarily affect the color of his urine. In this case, changing the diet and eliminating any potential trigger ingredients can help solve the problem.

If green urine persists, contact your vet promptly for help. Your vet will need to collect a urine sample from your dog for a urinalysis and to determine the cause of the color change.

If it is a urinary tract infection, your vet will prescribe antibiotics to assist with treatment. If it indicates a problem with the liver or bile ducts, your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostic tests such as blood tests or ultrasounds to assess liver function and determine appropriate treatment.

Hemolytic Anemia In Dogs

How to Collect Dog Urine?

You can follow these steps:

1. Select a clean container

Choose a clean, sterile container that is large enough to collect an adequate amount of urine. A wide-mouthed, non-absorbent container like a plastic cup or a clean glass jar with a screw-on lid works well.

Medications and green urine

2. Timing

Try to collect the urine sample when your dog needs to urinate. You can either take your dog for a walk to encourage urination or monitor them closely at home to catch the moment they need to relieve themselves.

3. Prepare the collection container

Wash and rinse the container thoroughly to ensure it is clean and free of any contaminants or odors that could affect the sample. Make sure to wear disposable gloves while handling the container to maintain cleanliness.

4. Collect the urine

As your dog begins to urinate, carefully place the container under them to catch the urine midstream. Be cautious not to touch the container to avoid contamination. It's essential to collect a midstream sample as it provides the most accurate results.

5. Transfer the urine

Once you've collected the urine, quickly transfer it from the collection container into a provided sample cup or tube if it needs to be transported to a lab for testing. Seal the container tightly to prevent leakage and ensure the sample remains uncontaminated during transportation.

6. Clean up

Thoroughly clean the area where the urine was collected to maintain hygiene and prevent odors that might attract your dog to urinate in the same spot again.

What is The Color of a Healthy Dog's Pee?

In general, a healthy dog's urine should be a pale yellow to amber color, similar to a light straw color. This indicates that the dog is adequately hydrated and their kidneys are functioning properly.

It's important to note that certain foods or medications can temporarily alter the color of a dog's urine. For example, if a dog eats beetroot, their urine may appear reddish or pinkish, which is harmless and usually temporary. However, if you notice any unusual or persistent changes in the color of your dog's urine, it's always a good idea to consult a veterinarian for a proper evaluation.

Normal Color of Dog Urine

Dog Urine Color Chart – An Overview

Color	Normal or Abnormal	What Does It Mean?	Treatment
Clear or Diluted	Abnormal	If your dog's urine appears clear or excessively diluted, it may indicate overhydration. This could be due to excessive water intake or a medical condition like diabetes insipidus.	Notice persistent clear urine/ Consult with a veterinarian
Pale Yellow to Amber	Normal	A healthy dog's urine typically falls within this color range, similar to a light straw color. It indicates proper hydration and normal kidney function. This is the ideal color you should aim for in your dog's urine.	/
Dark Yellow	Abnormal	indicate mild dehydration	Encourage your dog to drink more water and ensure they have access to fresh water at all times.
Orange	Abnormal	An orange color in your dog's urine can be a sign of concentrated urine due to dehydration. It may also be caused by certain medications or foods.	Increase your dog's water intake and monitor their urine color.
Red or Pink	Abnormal	Red or pink urine can also indicate the presence of blood, which may be a sign of urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or other urinary tract issues.	It's crucial to consult with a veterinarian if you notice persistent red or pink urine.
Brown or Dark Brown	Abnormal	It may suggest the presence of blood or a liver-related problem	Prompt veterinary attention is necessary to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Blue or Green	Abnormal	It is often due to the ingestion of specific dyes or chemicals.	If your dog has consumed something that could cause this unusual color, monitor their urine and ensure they are otherwise behaving normally.

How Long Can A Dog Go Without Peeing?

In general, adult dogs typically need to urinate every 6 to 8 hours, but this can vary.

Puppies have smaller bladders and may need to urinate more frequently. They generally cannot hold their urine for more than a couple of hours, and it is essential to provide them with frequent bathroom breaks.

Senior dogs or dogs with certain medical conditions may have a decreased ability to hold their urine for extended periods and may need to urinate more frequently.

How Many Times A Day Should A Dog Pee?

On average, adult dogs typically need to urinate three to five times a day. However, puppies and senior dogs may need to urinate six to ten times a day.

It's important to note that individual dogs may have different patterns and needs. Some dogs may require more frequent bathroom breaks, especially if they have certain health conditions or consume large amounts of water. Additionally, factors such as exercise, weather, and stress levels can also affect a dog's urinary frequency.

Conclusion

While green urine in dogs can be alarming, it is often a result of benign factors like diet or food colorants. However, it's important not to dismiss the possibility of underlying health issues, particularly if the green urine is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Consulting with a veterinarian is always recommended to determine the exact cause and provide appropriate treatment if needed. Regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining a healthy diet for your dog can also help prevent potential issues and keep your beloved companion in optimal health.

Dogs