Excessively Frequent Urination (Pollakiuria) in Dogs

Characterized by frequent posturing to urinate (squatting) with small volumes of urine voided
Pollakiuria is a serious symptom and warrants prompt veterinary attention
A complete inability to urinate is a life-threatening emergency
Common causes of pollakiuria include bacterial bladder infection or partial obstruction by stones of the urinary tract
Additional causes include toxin exposure, cancer, and injury
Certain breeds may be predisposed to pollakiuria, and whether the animal is sexually altered (spay/neuter) is factor
Pollakiuria may vary in severity, not necessarily in correlation with the seriousness of the underlying condition
Diagnosis includes physical exam, urinalysis, bloodwork, and imaging
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and in some cases, surgery to remove stones or tumors
Prognosis depends on the underlying cause

Are you concerned?

Connect with a vet to get more information about your pet’s health.

Book an online vet

A closer look: Excessively Frequent Urination (Pollakiuria) in Dogs

Pollakiuria may vary in severity, not necessarily in correlation with the severity of the underlying condition. There is a range of frequency and volume voided. Pet parents should observe their dogs’ urination regularly to note changes.

Possible causes

Potential causes of pollakiuria include

Lower Urinary Tract Infection (Bacterial Cystitis) in Dogs Kidney and Bladder Stones (Uroliths) in Dogs Chocolate Toxicosis (Methylxanthine Toxicosis) in Dogs Antifreeze Poisoning (Ethylene Glycol Toxicosis) in Dogs Lower Urinary Tract Cancers in Dogs

Injuries

Prostate Gland Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) in Dogs Prostate Inflammation (Prostatitis) in Dogs

Prostate cancer

Ectopic Ureter in Dogs

Pyometra

Testicular cancer

Risk factors

Pollakiuria is a serious symptom that warrants urgent veterinary attention. Pollakiuria is fairly common, often signaling infection of the urinary tract. Pollakiuria, even when accompanied by bloody urine, is rarely indicative of a life-threatening emergency.

If a dog is unable to urinate at all, this is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Testing and diagnosis

Veterinarians presented with a dog exhibiting pollakiuria start with a full physical exam and history, including any toxin exposure or prescribed medications. Urinalysis is performed, along with blood work. Diagnosis may also include urine culture to characterize infection, and imaging of the abdomen and urinary tract (x-rays, ultrasound). Breed and whether or not a dog is spayed or neutered will also offer clues to suggest a diagnosis.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, hospitalization with symptomatic treatment, or surgery.

Similar symptoms

Polyuria (increased volume of urine), incontinence (inability to hold urine), and not urinating at all (unproductive straining) may be mistaken for pollakiuria. Pollakiuria is characterized by frequent small volumes, voided intentionally. A complete inability to urinate is also usually accompanied by frequent attempts to urinate, and this may be mistaken for frequent productive urinations. This is an important distinction to make because frequent unproductive straining is associated with a urinary obstruction, which is an emergency. A physical examination and diagnostic imaging are often necessary to tell the difference.