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Have you noticed that your dog’s pee smells like burnt rubber? Are you worried that your dog could be sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when you notice this type of symptom in your dog.
In this article, we’ve put together some information on the possible causes of burnt rubber-smelling urine in dogs and what you can do to help your dog. Let’s get started!
What Causes a Dog’s Pee to Smell Like Burnt Rubber?
There are several reasons your dog’s pee may smell like burnt rubber, including:
Dehydration: when your dog doesn’t have enough water, it can cause his urine to have a very strong, unpleasant smell. Dehydration causes urine to become much more concentrated than normal which gives it a strong odor.
UTI: a UTI (urinary tract infection) may also cause a dog’s urine to smell bad. UTIs are caused by bacterial infections in the dog’s urinary tract.
Diet: your dog’s diet may cause his urine to have a strong smell. This can happen if your fur baby is eating a lot of fish, asparagus, or other veggies.
Other medical conditions: in addition, other medical conditions can cause a dog’s urine to smell like burned rubber. These include metabolic disorders (such as diabetes), cancer, stones in the bladder/kidney, prostate issues (in male dogs), and more. This is because these conditions usually predispose the dog to developing UTIs.
Skunks: another common problem in dogs is that they are sometimes sprayed by skunks! Or maybe there’s been a skunk in the yard, and it sprayed the area. In that case, it may not be your dog or his urine that smells. Instead, the burnt rubber smell could have been left by a skunk! However, it is possible your canine companion has been sprayed by a skunk, and this is what is causing his urine to smell like burnt rubber. The urine doesn’t actually have that smell. Instead, it’s coming from your dog’s fur.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Issues in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog’s pee smells like burnt rubber:
- Urine is bloody or has a cloudy color
- Straining/crying when urinating
- Accidents in the house (in dogs that have previously been house trained)
- Needs to go outside more often
- Licking near the urinary opening
- Fever
- Lethargy
If you notice any of these symptoms, with or without a burnt rubber smell, then it’s best to take your dog to the vet. The vet will examine your dog and run tests to find what’s causing the problem.
It’s best to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible because some medical conditions (including a UTI) can become more serious and more difficult to treat if ignored.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
This article has been reviewed and approved by an independent Veterinarian: Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!
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