How Do You Get A Dog Urine Sample

This article will help you understand how to properly collect a dog urine sample.

There are three ways to collect a dog urine sample. You can use a paper towel, cotton swab, or syringe. The most common way is to use a paper towel with urine on it.

Maintaining cleanliness is important when collecting the sample so make sure you do not touch the area where the urine was found and keep your hands as clean as possible.

How does the vet get a urine sample from a dog?

Urine is voided voluntarily by pet in the usual way and a sample is collected into a sterile container as the pet urinates. Ideally, the sample is collected mid-stream, meaning partway through urination. This type of sample is often called a “free flow” or “free catch” sample.^[1]

How fresh does a dog urine sample need to be?

A dog’s urine sample is usually good for about 6 hours when stored properly but a fresher sample is better but you should call your veterinarian to see how fresh they would like the sample. If you caught the urine in the morning and your appointment isn’t until late afternoon, run it up to the vet.^[2]

Does dog urine sample have to be first morning?

a first-morning sample is normally the best sample for testing, as it will usually show the greatest concentration in the pet’s urine. The sooner you can get the sample to us after collection, the better, but if it will be more than an hour before you drop it off, please place it in your refrigerator.^[3]

How much does dog urine test cost?

For one, although costs vary, the urine culture and sensitivity testing will add from $25 to $100 to your bill, and for some pet owners that puts the testing out of reach, no matter how advisable it might be.^[4]

How much does a dog UTI test cost?

The staff will collect a sterile urine sample from your dog and perform laboratory testing. There are three different collection methods for urine that will result in varying costs. The typical overall cost of urinalysis is between $30 and $100 depending on the collection method.^[5]

Do I need to refrigerate my dog’s urine sample?

Keeping the sample refrigerated or chilled (36° – 45° F) will help slow the deterioration. Please bring the urine in within an hour of collection. If you are unable to do so, it is critical that the sample be refrigerated or kept cool.^[6]

How can I tell if my female dog has a UTI?

Bloody and/or cloudy urine. Straining or whimpering during urination. Accidents in the house. Needing to be let outside more frequently. Licking around the urinary opening. Fever.^[7]

What are symptoms of UTI in dogs?

Dogs with UTIs generally attempt to urinate very frequently whenever they go outside. They also may strain to urinate, or cry out or whine when urinating if it is painful. Sometimes you might even see blood in their urine. Dripping urine, or frequent licking of the genitals, may also signal that a UTI is present.^[8]

How long is my dogs urine sample good for?

Use the dropper or pipette to transfer the urine into the sealable container. For the best test results, vets prefer the sample to be between two and four hours old. However, if you can’t collect the sample so close to your vet appointment, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.^[9]

Can you keep urine sample in fridge overnight?

Storing a urine sample If you can’t hand your urine sample in within 1 hour, you should put the container in a sealed plastic bag then store it in the fridge at around 4C. Do not keep it for longer than 24 hours. The bacteria in the urine sample can multiply if it is not kept in a fridge.^[10]

How long does dog urinalysis take?

Most veterinary hospitals have the equipment to perform a urinalysis although some choose to submit samples to outside laboratories. A urinalysis generally takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete.^[11]

What happens to urine when refrigerated?

Refrigeration can result in the precipitation of urates or phosphates, which may obscure other pathologic constituents in the microscopic examination of the urine sediment. According to NCCLS, If the urine is also to be cultured, it should be refrigerated during transit and held refrigerated until cultured.^[12]