Emergency — phone the vet now
Within hours
Male dog unable to urinate (urinary obstruction)
Straining with no urine production in a male dog is an emergency — phone the vet now; bladder blockage can be fatal within 24–48 hours.
Recognise the signs
- Repeated trips outside with no urine
- Straining and crying
- Distended, painful belly
- Vomiting, lethargy in late stages
- Blood in any urine produced
- Pale gums and collapse — late sign
First aid steps
- Phone the emergency vet immediately.
- Note the time of last confirmed urination.
- Carry the dog to the car if weak.
- Drive without delay.
Do NOT
- Do not press the abdomen.
- Do not give human painkillers.
- Do not wait overnight — toxins build rapidly.
While transporting to the vet
- Phone ahead so a catheter and fluids are prepped.
- Do not stop to feed or water.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Any straining with no urine over 12 hours
- Vomiting alongside straining
- Collapse, pale gums
- Distended painful belly
Common causes
- Urethral stones (uroliths)
- Prostate enlargement in entire males
- Tumour
- Stricture from past injury
What the vet will need to know
- Sex and neuter status
- Time of last urination
- Duration of straining
- Diet and water intake
- History of stones or UTI
Aftercare
- Catheterisation and IV fluids 24–72 hours.
- Stones may need surgical removal.
- Long-term diet management for stone prevention.
- Monitor for re-obstruction.
Prevention
- Prescription urinary diets for prone dogs.
- Adequate water intake.
- Annual urine checks in stone-forming dogs.
- Neuter entire males with prostate disease.
Breed-specific notes
- Stone-prone: Dalmatian, Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier.
Frequently asked questions
Is this as urgent in dogs as in cats?
Yes — male dogs with full obstruction face the same kidney failure timeline as cats. Treat as emergency.
Can female dogs get blocked?
Far less commonly due to wider urethra, but possible. Same urgency if it happens.
Will surgery be needed?
Often catheterisation alone resolves the immediate crisis; stones or anatomic issues usually need surgery.