Straining to wee is one of the most serious symptoms you can ever see in a dog or cat. In this video, Dr Ebeneze from Takurua Vets explains what a blocked bladder is, why it happens most often in male pets, and how something that looks minor can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.
Blocked bladders cause toxins and electrolytes - especially potassium - to build up in the bloodstream, placing dangerous strain on the heart. The good news is that with fast treatment, most pets recover very well.
00:00 Why straining to wee matters
00:06 What a blocked bladder is
00:11 Why male pets are at higher risk
00:17 How infections, stones, and crystals cause blockages
00:31 What happens when urine can’t leave the body
00:35 Potassium buildup and electrolyte imbalance
00:54 Effects on the heart
01:04 Why this becomes an emergency quickly
01:14 The good news — treatment and prognosis
01:20 How vets manage blocked bladders
01:32 Straining to wee vs straining to poo
01:43 When to contact your vet
I’m Dr Ebeneze from Takurua Vets, and I want you to take this really seriously — if your pet is straining to wee.
Blocked bladders are especially common in male dogs and cats because their urinary tracts are much smaller than females. If they have a urinary tract infection, a mucus plug, a bladder stone, or in cats even tiny crystals, these can become lodged in the urinary tract and stop urine from passing out of the body.
When urine can’t leave the body, toxins start to build up. One of the most important of these is potassium. Potassium is very tightly regulated, and the kidneys normally control this balance. But if urine can’t clear excess potassium, it builds up in the bloodstream.
High potassium has serious effects on the heart muscles. So what might look like mild discomfort — a cat straining to pee — can become a life-threatening emergency very, very quickly.
The good news is that blocked bladders are very treatable. If we intervene early, the prognosis is often excellent. Our role as vets is to manage pain, correct electrolyte imbalances, clear toxins from the body, and relieve the blockage so urine can flow normally again.
If your pet looks like they’re straining to poo, especially if nothing is coming out, it’s often actually straining to wee. If you notice this, it’s really important to contact your vet as soon as possible.
Talk to us if your pet is straining to urinate
If your pet is straining to wee, producing only small drops, crying, or unable to pass urine normally, this may be an emergency and our team can help you act quickly.
Use this for the broader urinary guide around straining, blood, accidents, testing and kidney monitoring.
Read the companion article about why straining to wee can be an emergency.
Use this if your pet is straining, painful, vomiting or unable to pass urine.
Helpful if your pet needs to be assessed and you want to know how visits work.
Imaging may help when stones or bladder problems are suspected.
