Here at
Baker House, the veterinarians will frequently request a urine specimen
on your dog. Urine is a painless, non invasive way to test for many
problems. From a free catch urine, we can test for diabetes, check for
blood or crystals in the urine which can indicate infection or bladder
stones, and check the specific gravity. Dilute urine can be an
indication of kidney or liver disease. If your pet has an infection and a
urine culture is necessary, the urine will have to be collected by
sterile means at the hospital.
Collecting
urine at home is simple and easy. The best time to collect urine at home
is first thing in the morning. This gives us the most accurate urine
sample, and when your dog is anxious to urinate it is easier to collect.
Take your dog out on leash and use either a ladle or a flat pan, such
as a pie plate. Slip the collection container under the dog as he/she
urinates. If your dog evades your attempt at collection, we can collect
the urine for you. For the most success it is important that your dog
has not urinated for several hours prior to our attempt. The urine can
be transferred to a sealed jar for transport to Baker House. We have
free containers available for transport. Fresher urine provides more
accurate tests.