How to Collect a Dog’s Urine Sample at Home

1. Preparation

·      Have a clean container for collecting the urine; a short shallow dish or a soup ladle works well.

·      If you are collecting regular samples, a device can be purchased from Amazon:

iNenya Dog Urine Sample Catcher,Adjustable Angle Long Handled Telescopic Dog Urine Collector,Super Easy to Use Dog Pee Catcher Urine Stick for Small Large Female Dogs : Amazon.ca: Pet Supplies

·      Have plastic gloves.

·      A pen for labelling.

·      The urinalysis container given by the vet.

·      A syringe or funnel to transfer the urine from the catching tray to the urinalysis container. 

2. Guidance

·      Once everything is prepared, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried to avoid any contaminants in the sample. In the winter, prevent snow from entering the sample.

·      Check to see if the Vet has given a specific time of retrieval and try to collect the sample as close to this time as possible.

·      Put your plastic gloves on or if you do not have any, wash your hands before and afterwards.

·      Attach your dog’s leash and take them to their normal toilet spot

·      Wait until your dog starts to urinate and then quickly and calmly place the tray into the stream. 

·      Transfer the urine into the sample collection container the vet has given you.

·      Label the sample container with your name, your dog’s name, and the time and date the sample was collected. 

·      If possible, take the urine sample directly to the vet, or store it in the fridge until you can drop it off.

3. Tips 

·      Ask your Vet beforehand how much urine they need in the sample. 

·      Collect the whole sample at once; try to avoid collecting multiple small amounts each time they urinate.

·      If you are struggling to collect the sample at home, please contact us, as we can perform a different collection technique called a cystocentesis.