Urinary Emergencies in Pets: Recognize the Warning Signs
A pet that is straining to urinate, crying out in pain, or producing no urine at all may be experiencing a life-threatening blockage. At Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital in New Market, TN, our team provides immediate care for urgent urinary conditions — with urgency, skill, and compassion.
Experienced emergency professionals available when it matters most
Equipped to diagnose and treat urinary obstructions and bladder conditions
Clear guidance to help you act fast and with confidence
Focused on both medical outcomes and family support
Urgent Diagnostics
Fecal testing, bloodwork, and imaging to find the cause
Rapid Supportive Care
Stabilize your pet with fluids, pain relief, and supportive care
Targeted Treatment
Medications, antibiotics, or dietary changes based on diagnosis
Signs Your Pet May Have a Urinary Emergency
Urinary emergencies, especially complete obstructions, can become fatal within 24–48 hours if untreated. Recognizing the warning signs early can save your pet’s life. If your dog or cat is showing any of the following signs, please call us immediately at (423) 581-9492.
Straining to Urinate (The “Plugged” Cat)
A urinary blockage — most common in male cats — occurs when a plug of crystals, mucus, or inflammation blocks urine from passing through the urethra. This is a true medical emergency. Without treatment, a complete blockage is fatal within 24–48 hours.
Signs to watch for immediately:
- Frequent trips to the litter box with little or no urine produced
- Crying or vocalizing while attempting to urinate
- Licking excessively at the genital area
- Lethargy, vomiting, or hiding
The Risk: A blocked bladder can lead to kidney failure and cardiac arrest. Never wait on a cat that cannot urinate.
Urethritis (Blood in Urine)
Blood in the urine is always a reason to contact your veterinarian. While it can indicate a simple infection or irritation, it may also signal bladder stones, tumors, or a partial obstruction.
When it’s an emergency:
- Blood in urine accompanied by straining or crying
- Inability to pass more than small drops of urine
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting alongside urinary symptoms
Hematuria (Blood in Urine)
Hematuria — visible blood in the urine — can result from infection, bladder stones, trauma, or other causes. While mild hematuria without other symptoms may not be immediately life-threatening, it requires prompt veterinary evaluation to rule out serious underlying conditions.
Signs to evaluate promptly:
- Pink, red, or brown-tinged urine
- Frequent, small-volume urination
- Excessive licking of the urinary area
Uroperineum (Ruptured Bladder)
A ruptured bladder, while rare, occurs when extreme pressure inside the bladder — typically from an unrelieved obstruction — causes it to tear. This requires immediate emergency surgery. Signs include sudden relief of apparent straining, followed by rapid deterioration.
Signs to watch for:
- History of recent straining or known blockage
- Sudden collapse or extreme weakness
- Distended abdomen, pale gums, or “systemic” gut-punching sensation
The Risk: Uroperineum is immediately life-threatening and requires emergency surgical intervention.
Get Help Now
If your pet is showing signs of urinary distress (e.g., straining, crying, or producing no urine), do not wait. Contact our team immediately.
- Emergency-focused medical care
- Calm, experienced professionals
- Support for both pets and their families
Lasting more than 24 hours
Blood in stool or vomiting
Signs of dehydration or severe lethargy
Dedicated Teams Trained for Urinary Emergencies
Urinary emergencies demand quick action. Our team at Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital is trained to rapidly assess and stabilize pets experiencing urinary obstructions and related conditions. We understand how frightening it can be to watch your pet suffer — and we move with urgency to provide relief.
When you call ahead, our team can guide you on the severity of your pet’s symptoms and prepare for your arrival. Once you arrive, we quickly assess your pet’s urinary function, pain level, and overall stability to begin appropriate treatment.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed at every step — because you deserve to know what’s happening with your pet.
Got Questions?
How do I know if my cat has a urinary blockage?
A blocked cat will typically make repeated trips to the litter box, straining and producing little to no urine. They may cry out, lick excessively at their genitals, or become lethargic. If your male cat has not urinated within the last 12–24 hours and is showing any of these signs, treat it as an emergency and contact us immediately.
Can female cats get urinary blockages?
Complete urinary blockages are much less common in female cats due to their wider, shorter urethra, but they can still develop urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation (cystitis), and other conditions that require prompt treatment. Female cats with urinary symptoms should still be evaluated promptly.
What causes urinary blockages in dogs?
In dogs, urinary blockages are most often caused by bladder or urethral stones (uroliths), masses, or in some cases severe inflammation. Male dogs are more commonly affected than females. Signs include straining to urinate, frequent attempts with little output, blood in urine, and abdominal pain.
Is blood in my pet's urine always an emergency?
Not always, but it should always be evaluated. Blood in the urine can range from a mild infection to a bladder stone or tumor. If blood in the urine is accompanied by straining, vomiting, lethargy, or crying, seek emergency care immediately. If your pet is otherwise acting normally, contact us for guidance.
Do you treat urinary emergencies in both dogs and cats?
Yes. We treat dogs, cats, and other companion animals for urinary emergencies at our facility in New Market, TN. We serve pet owners throughout Jefferson County, Hamblen County, Grainger County, Knox County, and surrounding areas of East Tennessee.
Don't Wait. Get Help Now.
If your dog or cat is experiencing diarrhea and you’re concerned, don’t wait. Our emergency team is ready to diagnose and treat your pet promptly.
