BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH) SIGNS IN MALE DOGS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
In intact males, prostate enlargement is extremely common and often causes difficulty defecating, blood-tinged urine, or straining to urinate.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Age-related prostate enlargement
MEDICAL
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Early prostatitis
• Cysts within the prostate
EMERGENCY
• Prostatic abscess
• Complete urinary obstruction
RED FLAGS
• Straining to urinate
• Blood dripping from the penis
• Constipation that worsens over days
• Fever
• If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE
No safe home treatment; evaluation is needed.
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Digital rectal exam
• Prostate ultrasound
• CBC/chemistry
• Urine culture
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• BPH
• Prostatitis
• Cystic prostate
• Abscess
BREEDS/AGES AT HIGHER RISK
• Intact males over age 6
• Large-breed dogs
WHEN TO SCHEDULE A VISIT
Today: straining, blood, or constipation
1 week: mild symptoms only
EXPECTED RECOVERY TIME
• BPH improves in days to weeks with treatment or neutering
• Infection may take 2–6 weeks
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Chronic prostate disease causes pain, urinary problems, and systemic inflammation.
LONGEVITY CONSULT
Valuable for intact males or dogs with chronic urinary issues.