How to Collect a Urine Sample from a Male Dog

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Urinalysis provides your veterinarian with important information on certain conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and urinary tract infections. If your vet requests a urine sample from your dog, getting one doesn't have to be stressful and difficult. Just plan ahead and your dog won't even realize what you're doing and the sample can be collected without too much drama.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Prepare to Collect the Champion

Step 1. Gather the materials

Even if the task is quite simple, you will still need some things:

• Collar and leash.

  

• A shallow water-resistant container to collect urine.

  

• A clean glass or plastic jar.

  

• Wet wipes to clean your hands (if needed).

  

• A pair of rubber gloves to protect the hands are recommended but not necessarily necessary (the important thing is to wash your hands after the process; a little urine on the skin will not be a problem).

  

Step 2. Sterilize the container

If the urine is used to make a culture, then the sample must be collected in a sterile container to prevent any contamination with external agents. To sterilize the container, you have three alternatives:

• Use a sterilizing solution, such as the one used to sterilize baby bottles and pacifiers. In the pharmacy and supermarket you can find different suitable products. Then just follow the instructions on the package. Usually, the liquid must be diluted with a certain amount of water and then the object must be immersed for a set period of time.
• If you have a steam sterilizer available (such as the one used for baby bottles), it is perfect for foil or plastic containers that can withstand high temperatures. Again, follow the instructions for using the device; usually, you need to add water and set the steam sterilization cycle.
• Alternatively, you can also pour boiling water on the container to kill the bacteria.

Step 3. If your vet does not intend to do the culture, use a clean container

If there is no suspicion of urinary tract infection, and if it is not necessary to have the sample analyzed in the laboratory, the container does not have to be sterile, but it must still be clean and dry. The ideal container should be large, flat and not too deep, just like those used by take away restaurants, or baking trays. Make sure it is not too deep to slide under a small dog, but large enough to be able to catch urine if the splash comes out of the lens.

It is very important that the container is not contaminated with food residues or sugars because the test result may be incorrect. Clean the container with hot soapy water; then, rinse it carefully with running water and let it dry naturally or use a clean cloth

Step 4. Get an airtight bottle to transport the sample

To take your precious specimen to the vet, you'll need an airtight bottle or jar. Your vet may give you a specific tube with a screw cap, however, there are many alternatives you can find around the house.

• A glass jar with a screw-on lid, such as jam or coffee, will do just fine. Wash it carefully (as for the container) with detergent to remove any residue.
• If possible, again, sterilize the container with a chemical agent, or by immersing it in boiling water. This last step is only necessary if the sample is to be used for culture.

Step 5. Prepare to collect the sample just before taking it to the vet

The cooler the sample, the better. If possible, make sure to collect the sample when you have time to take it to the vet immediately, and in any case do not let more than twelve hours pass.

• If the vet decides to check the urine for crystals, it is important that the sample is fresh. Over time, urine crystals can change and dissolve, leading to misdiagnosis.
• The sample can be taken at any time, in the morning or in the afternoon. Most of the parameters that your veterinarian will check do not undergo particular changes throughout the day.

Part 2 of 3: Collect the Champion

Step 1. Try to collect the sample when your dog has a full bladder

Dogs tend to get suspicious when you chase them from behind and usually hold urine or run away. To fix this, collect the sample in the morning when your dog has a full bladder and urgently needs to urinate. that way, he won't pay much attention to what you are about to do.

Other times when you can collect urine are immediately after meals, or during a walk, when the dog is attracted to various smells and marks the territory

Step 2. Take your dog out to pee

Wait until his bladder is full, then put a collar and leash on him. Also wear protective gloves if you have them. Keep the container in your hand and the airtight bottle in your pocket. Your dog won't even realize it.

Let the dog sniff the grass and choose where he wants to urinate. Usually, male dogs prefer vertical surfaces, such as a tree trunk, railing, or low wall. You will see him sniff and then raise his paw

Step 3. If you prefer, ask a friend to help you

To make the process easier, get a friend to help you. Have your friend hold the leash and he will walk in front of you distracting him. If you will be waiting behind the dog, when he raises his paw, place the container under the raised leg to take the sample.

Step 4. Approach the dog from behind quietly as he raises his paw to urinate

Do not make sudden movements so as not to alarm him by making him run away. While urinating, put the container under your belly to catch part of the stream of urine.

Remember that it is enough to collect about 25 ml of urine; therefore it is not necessary to fill the whole container. When you've gotten enough, place the container on a flat surface where it can't fall and go home

Step 5. Know that you don't need to collect too much urine

Your vet won't need a large amount of urine. A spoon will be enough. In fact, some vets will be happy with just a few drops, so don't worry if you think the amount isn't enough.

Part 3 of 3: Keeping the Sample Sterile and Effective

Step 1. Transfer the urine from the container to the jar

Carefully pour the urine into the airtight jar. You will need to have a steady hand, but even if urine leaks on the ground, it will not be a problem. When the jar is full, close the lid carefully. Remove the gloves and throw them away with the container you used.

• If urine falls on your hands, use wet wipes or disinfect them with soap. Although a few drops are unlikely to contaminate you or your home, it is always better to pay attention to hygiene.

  

Step 2. Put the jar in a bag to carry it

Put the jar in a plastic bag, write down your dog's name and take him to the vet asap. Ideally, the sample should be analyzed within one hour of collection. If this is not possible, you can refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before testing.

Urine can be stored in the refrigerator if you put it in a tightly closed jar; the foods will not be contaminated and there will be no bad smell. Just remember to take him to the vet the following day

Step 3. Check for any crystals in your urine

If you see any crystals in your urine, it is best to take the sample to the vet right away as the crystals will dissolve if you store the sample in the refrigerator and, as a result, the diagnosis may be inaccurate. The cause of the crystals could be that the pH of the urine is out of balance. While the problem may not be serious, it is best for your vet to see the crystals.