Unable to urinate / straining · Health & symptoms

Veterinary help in your selected country

Phone your usual vet; their recorded message should explain out-of-hours arrangements. If unavailable, contact a local emergency veterinary hospital. Confirm that it can receive your dog before travelling if possible; do not delay urgent care. Human emergency numbers are not veterinary helplines.

Open country-specific veterinary contacts

Observe whether any urine actually passes. Straining without urine requires immediate help; passing only small amounts still needs prompt advice. Do not squeeze the bladder or try a home remedy.

Safe observations and immediate action

Keep the surroundings safe and quiet. Observe without forcing handling or painful checks. Note when it began, changes, medicines and possible exposures for the vet. Follow their advice about safe transport and first aid.

What to avoid

Do not give human medicines, leftover prescriptions or another animal’s treatment. Do not change prescribed treatment without veterinary advice. Do not force food or water into a distressed dog.

Heat guidance · Check My Dog’s Symptoms

Sources and review

Editorial review: 20 September 2026. Sources checked for the stated guidance; no veterinary certification of this tool.