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.
Dogs usually have their own distinctive scent. When you notice a change in your dog’s scent, then it’s time to pay attention. Has your dog’s pee begun to smell like poop? If so, then there may be an underlying medical condition behind this issue.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what can cause a dog’s pee to smell like poop and what you need to do to help your dog. Let’s get started!
What Causes a Dog’s Pee to Smell Like Poop?
A dog’s urine can become smelly for many reasons. This may include anything from a UTI to a change in diet to not drinking enough water.
What’s more, if a dog has smelly urine that comes with other symptoms, then they need to be evaluated by the vet.
Urine that smells like poop could be caused by any of those issues but can also be caused by a fistula between the rectum and the bladder/urethra. The medical name for this condition is a urethrorectal fistula.
What is a Urethrorectal Fistula in Dogs?
Keep in mind this is a rare condition; however, it is caused by a genetic birth defect. It causes an incomplete separation of the urethra and the rectum. This means that bacteria and other things from the dog’s digestive tract may get into the urethra, causing an infection and more.
While the condition is usually congenital, it can also be caused by trauma.
This condition is found in male dogs and is most common in English bulldogs. It’s also interesting to note that this condition can also be found in humans, horses, and cats.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowWhat are Urovaginal Fistulas in Dogs?
This is the version of the condition found in female dogs.
Symptoms of Urethrorectal Fistula in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has a urethrorectal fistula:
- Persistent UTIs
- Urine comes from the anus
- Urine smells like poop
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, then call the vet right away. This is a problem that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.
Treatment of Urethrorectal & Urovaginal Fistulas in Dogs
If the vet suspects your dog has this condition, then they will run lab work and different tests to find the specifics of the condition in your dog. The vet may choose to use a cystography or retrograde urethrography under a fluoroscope. These are the best tests for this condition.
If your dog is diagnosed with a urethrorectal or urovaginal fistula, then your fur baby will require surgery. The surgery is done to correct these issues with your dog’s bladder and anus.
In most cases, this is a successful surgery. It allows a dog to feel and smell better!
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.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now