Why Does My Dog's Pee Stink? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

As dog owners, we often accompany our dogs while they do their business outside. It is not the best part of pet ownership, but it is a part of the job. Plus, it gives us a chance to check on our pups and ensure everything is coming out okay.

Usually, everything does come out fine. But then there are days when you notice something unusual, like foul-smelling urine. It hits your nostrils and catches you by surprise. It is not like dogs smell like roses, but their urine usually doesn’t smell that bad. So, what’s going on?

There are five possible reasons for this, and we’re discussing each of them in this post. Keep reading to find out more.

The 5 Possible Reasons Why Your Dog's Pee Stinks

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The most common reason a dog’s urine stinks is because of a urinary tract infection. Typically, UTIs occur when bacteria travel up the urethra and into the bladder. Once in the bladder, the bacteria reproduce and cause a UTI.

UTIs are common in dogs and cats, but they shouldn’t be left untreated. Typical signs of a UTI include:

• Frequent urination
• Blood in urine
• Pungent urine
• Crying/howling when urinating
• Dripping
• Urinating in the house
• Frequent licking of genitals

Sometimes dogs develop bladder stones before or during their UTI. This can also cause additional health concerns, including smelly urine.

2. Kidney Disease

The kidneys serve an essential role in the body. They cleanse our blood of toxins and filter those toxins out through our urine. They also regulate levels of essential minerals, like potassium and sodium.

Kidney disease is when the kidneys stop filtering these toxins properly. Many people believe that the kidneys stop producing urine, but this isn’t true. Most dogs with kidney disease produce more urine. The urine is usually more concentrated, producing a foul-smelling aroma.

3. Anal Glands

Anal glands are the two sacs located inside a dog’s rectum. They produce fluid that helps lubricate stool and a scent that allows other dogs to recognize them. Sometimes owners mistake their dog’s anal gland leakage for fishy-smelling urine.

Anal glands should express themselves, which may be why your dog smells bad. But many dogs need their anal glands expressed by a veterinary professional. Usually, dogs scoot their butts across floors when their anal glands cause itchiness. They may also lick their rears often.

4. Medication

Your dog’s urine may be pungent because of medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are pain control substances prescribed for many animals. Blood work is required or strongly encouraged when giving NSAIDs to your pet. The results of NSAIDs can pose serious side effects, especially on the kidneys, so it’s critical to monitor your pet’s health when given these kinds of drugs.

5. Diabetes

Unfortunately, diabetes is a growing problem with pets in the US. Diabetes is a condition where the body can’t use glucose, the main source of energy in the body. Dogs as young as 4 to 5 years old may start showing pre-diabetic symptoms, but they’re often not diagnosed until they’re between 7 and 10 years old. Taking your dog in for regular checkups is the best way to catch these symptoms early and start treating them as soon as possible.

Diabetic animals are more likely to develop secondary health problems, like UTIs and kidney disease. Even though diabetes may not be the primary cause of your dog’s smelly urine, it can certainly be a factor.

Signs of diabetes in dogs can include:

• Increased water intake
• Increased urination
• Lack of appetite
• Cloudy eyes
• Chronic infections

How to Clean Dog Urine from Any Floor

Your dog may be urinating more frequently if they are experiencing any of the above medical issues. If that’s the case, you’ll want to be ready for any potty accidents in the house. Here are some supplies to keep on hand just in case:

• Potty pads
• Baking soda
• Liquid dish soap
• Vinegar
• Odor remover
• Paper towels
• Mop and bucket
• Dog diapers

To cleanse your floor of stinky dog urine:

• Dab the area with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Mix a cleaning solution of 2 cups of cold water, 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Make sure you use a liquid dish soap that doesn’t contain bleach so you don’t stain your floor.
• After cleaning the stain, apply baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes. Vacuum the baking soda afterward if you’re treating carpeting. For an extra cleanse, use an enzymatic spray.

Our favorite enzyme cleaner for eliminating pet smells and stains is our very own Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray.  It makes clean-up a breeze because it permanently removes even the very worst smells and stains (urine, feces, vomit, you name it!) from basically any surface you can imagine. 

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• ADVANCED ENZYMATIC CLEANER - Penetrates the most stubborn smells and stains at the deepest molecular levels to dissolve any pet mess you encounter and lift it away at the source.
• FOR ANY MESS, ON ANY SURFACE - This pet odor eliminator cleans your carpets, floors, furniture, fabrics, and more. Whether it's urine, feces, vomit, or drool, you can erase all foul spots and smells!
• FRESH, NATURAL ODOR - Our unique formulation doesn't rely on dangerous or unpleasant chemical fragrances to get the job done. We eradicate smells and stains, not just cover them up.

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Conclusion

Now you know some of the main reasons why your dog’s urine smells funky. We understand the frustration of dealing with medical concerns with your pet. It is a lot to take in and always happens when you least expect it.

Just know that foul-smelling urine isn’t normal and justifies a visit with your veterinarian. The good news is that you caught it instead of leaving it be. All you have to do now is pick up the phone and schedule an appointment for your pooch!

Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock