Why does my vet need a urine sample?
Urine samples are usually requested by vets as part of a routine health screening process, to check on the health of the kidneys and urinary tract, or to help diagnose illnesses such as diabetes or cystitis.
They are an important testing method, helping to both detect and treat diseases at an early stage, and to evaluate the most appropriate course of treatment.
How much urine do I need to collect?
Your vet will advise as to how much urine you need to collect. The quantity can range from a few teaspoons to a tablespoon, depending on the tests that are being carried out.
You may not need to fill the whole sample pot.
Can I collect urine from the floor?
If your dog urinates on a clean, non-absorbent surface at home, you may be able to use a syringe to draw this into a sterile container. Dirty or porous surfaces may result in contamination to the sample, which can affect test results.
For the most accurate sample collection, it’s best to catch the stream of urine using a clean receptacle. Proper collection techniques will help ensure the most accurate health assessment can be carried out by your veterinarian.
What equipment will I need?
A flat, shallow tray or bowl is often the easiest to use. If you don't have one of these available, you can make a tray out of foil.
You will also need:
- A sample tube or pot
- A pen to label the sample once collected
- A dog lead
- Plastic gloves
How to collect dog urine samples: Step by step
When it comes to collecting dog urine samples, there are certain steps you'll need to follow:
- Check whether your vet needs the sample to be collected at a specific time of day, such as when your dog first goes out.
- Wash the collection tray with soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Any contamination, including water, can affect the quality of the sample.
- Put your gloves on, to avoid touching the urine as you collect it.
- Put your dog on a short lead. If they have a favourite toilet spot, be sure to take them straight there.
- As your dog begins to pee, calmly place the tray underneath the stream. You may decide to leave it there until your pup has finished, depending on how comfortable they are with the process.
- Transfer the urine to a clean sample pot. Label it with your dog's name, the date and the time of collection.
- Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards!
Tips and techniques to remember
- Keep an eye on your dog's routine, and wait to take them outside when you think they have a full bladder.
- If your dog won't pee on-lead, you may need to give them more freedom. Just stay close to them at all times.
- Be sure to collect the sample in one go. This will help avoid any bacteria contaminating the collection tray.
- You may want to work with somebody. Ask them to hold the lead, so you have your hands free for the collection.
- Keep your dog relaxed. Allow them some time to sniff and explore, and avoid rushing the process.
What to do once you have the sample
Once you have the sample, you should take it directly to the veterinary clinic if possible. It should be with your vet within an hour from collection.
If you aren't able to go straight away, you can refrigerate the sample for up to 12 hours. Leaving it longer than this may mean the urine cannot be used for urinalysis.
What happens if I can't collect a sample?
If you’re unable to collect a urine sample from your pet, don’t worry—there are other avenues available to owners and their pets in the event that a home collection isn't possible.
Contact your veterinary clinic to explain the situation. They have trained professionals who can safely collect a sample, using either a catheter or cystocentesis. Both procedures are fairly straightforward, but you will need to make an appointment before you arrive.
Once at the vet, leave your dog in the car while you inform them you're there. They will most likely ask you to carry your dog inside, to avoid the risk of them toileting on the way.
