When it comes to your pet’s health, one of the simplest but most revealing things you can observe every day is their urine.
Changes in your dog’s or cat’s pee colour, smell, or behaviour can be early indicators of urinary tract problems, kidney stress, or even dehydration. Learning what to look for — and acting quickly — can make all the difference in keeping your furry friend comfortable and healthy.
Why Urine Matters
Your pet’s kidneys and urinary system work hard to remove toxins, regulate hydration, and maintain mineral balance. When something goes wrong in these systems, the first clues often show up in their urine.
Because pets can’t tell us when they feel discomfort, their pee becomes their language — a silent but powerful signal about what’s happening inside.
Common Warning Signs in Urine
Both dogs and cats may show subtle changes that owners can easily overlook. Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs:
🐶 In Dogs
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Peeing more or less frequently than usual
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Straining or taking longer to urinate
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Small amounts of urine at a time
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Strong, cloudy, or unusually dark urine
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A fishy or metallic smell
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Licking the genital area repeatedly
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Restlessness, whining, or discomfort during urination
🐱 In Cats
Cats are especially good at hiding discomfort, so subtle changes are important to notice:
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Peeing outside the litter tray — not bad behaviour, but often a sign of pain or infection
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Visiting the litter box repeatedly but producing little urine
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Licking the genital area excessively
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Meowing or hiding more than usual
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Urine that looks pink, red, or very dark
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Strong or unusual odour
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Sudden changes in drinking habits — either too much or too little
What These Signs Might Mean
Urinary and kidney issues can have several causes, including infection, crystals, inflammation, dehydration, or underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Some common possibilities include:
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – frequent, painful urination and cloudy urine
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Crystals or stones – straining, blood in urine, or blockage (especially dangerous in male cats)
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Kidney stress or disease – increased thirst, tiredness, and changes in urination volume
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Dehydration – dark, concentrated urine and dry gums
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately, especially if your pet is struggling to urinate — this can become a medical emergency within hours.
At-Home Monitoring Made Easy
One of the best ways to catch changes early is to observe your pet’s urine regularly. At Indar Pet, we make this process stress-free with our Urine Collection Kits for dogs and cats — clean, simple, and designed to make sample collection quick and comfortable for both pets and owners.
These kits allow you to share accurate samples with your vet without the stress of in-clinic collection, helping with early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.
Natural Support for Urinary and Kidney Health
Alongside veterinary care, natural supplements and nutrition can provide ongoing support for the kidneys and urinary tract.
At Indar Pet, we carefully select vet-approved, natural formulas that promote hydration, detoxification, and balance:
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AniForte® Algae Oil – plant-based Omega-3 source supporting kidney circulation and reducing inflammation.
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Proflax Kidney & Urinary Support Oil – herbal and flaxseed blend promoting renal detox and urinary comfort.
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Dorwest Milk Thistle Tablets – protect liver cells and reduce toxin burden, indirectly supporting kidney function.
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AniForte® Pumpkin Powder – rich in fibre, helps digestion and hydration, reducing strain on the kidneys.
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Natural calming aids – for pets whose urinary issues are linked to stress and anxiety.
By combining these natural products with proper hydration and regular vet checks, you can support your pet’s urinary system and overall wellbeing — naturally and effectively.
Everyday Tips for Families
Small changes at home can make a big difference:
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Offer fresh water daily — several bowls or a pet fountain encourage drinking.
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Mix wet food or broth into meals to boost hydration.
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Keep litter trays clean and accessible — stress can trigger urinary problems.
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Observe changes in pee colour, smell, or frequency — and note them for your vet.
Remember: early action prevents long-term complications.
You’re Not Alone
Caring for a pet with urinary or kidney issues can feel worrying, but you’re not on this journey alone.
Our goal at Indar Pet is to make urinary and kidney care simple, natural, and stress-free for every pet family.
Explore our full range of supplements, hydration aids, and urine collection kits at indarpet.co.uk, and visit our blog for more vet-approved tips, guides, and real-life stories from pet owners like you.
Final Thought
Your pet’s urine isn’t just a daily routine — it’s a health message.
By paying attention, acting early, and using gentle natural support, you can help your dog or cat enjoy a longer, healthier, and happier life.
Have you noticed any changes in your pet’s pee? Tell us about it in the comments — your experience could help other pet owners stay alert!

