As in humans, a dog's upper urinary tract contains two kidneys. Blood in urine originating in this part of the urinary tract tends to affect the kidneys. Some causes for bleeding in the upper urinary tract include:

• Idiopathic renal hematuria: This is blood in the urine that results from the kidney for an unknown reason. It could be due to medicine, an infection or an issue with the immune system. This is generally considered a benign condition with a hereditary element.
• Kidney infection: If your dog is peeing blood, one or both of your dog's kidneys could possibly be infected.
• Kidney stones: While uncommon, kidney stones can affect one or both kidneys resulting in the presence of blood in the urine.
• Kidney cancer: While uncommon, kidney cancer can affect dogs and cause blood in dog urine. The cancer can remain in the kidney or spread to other parts of the body.
• Renal telangiectasia: Some dogs, such as Welsh corgis, have a genetic predisposition to this spontaneous widening of blood vessels in the kidney, which can lead to blood in their urine.
  

If you see your dog peeing blood, contact your veterinarian to make an appointment as soon as possible. As a general rule, any dog peeing blood for the first time should be seen by a veterinarian within 24 hours.

At the visit, the veterinarian will try to diagnose the underlying cause of the blood by analyzing your dog's urine. A urine culture may be recommended to see if bacteria might be causing the issue. They may also conduct a blood test or take an X-ray or an ultrasound.

Treatment depends on the specific cause of the blood. The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics if the issue is related to bacteria. In cases of benign prostate enlargement and prostate neoplasia, they are likely to recommend neutering. Sometimes bloody urine may be caused by bladder stones, of which there are several types. Veterinarians commonly prescribe anti-inflammatory or pain medicine to ease dogs' discomfort.

Your veterinarian may also recommend a change in food. Nutrition is an important component in managing urinary tract problems in dogs. Wet foods can help achieve more dilute urine, and certain foods can reduce stone formation and optimize urine pH.

Taking your dog for regular veterinary checkups is the best way to prevent blood in their urine and other urinary problems. Your veterinarian can tell you if your dog is predisposed to urinary issues. If they are, the veterinarian can routinely test your dog's urine to make sure they're in tip-top health.

Also, while it may be easy to just let your dog in the backyard to do their business alone, monitoring your dog's urinary habits occasionally is a necessary part of being a dog parent. Letting an issue like blood in the urine persist can lead to more serious consequences. You are your dog's first line of defense to their health, so careful monitoring and discussions with your veterinarian are pertinent. With love and attention, you can help keep your dog happy and healthy.