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Permalink Reply by Mike Wilson on May 2, 2009 at 10:52am

We do urine samples routinely in rescue and the girls are typically not a problem. I generally use a clean, long handled plastic or ceramic spoon or ladle, but you can also use a clean plastic container typically used for sauces (they have snap-on lids). Confine your girl for a while and then take her outdoors on-lead to keep her close to you. When she squats, just put the ladle under to catch a urine sample. Most girls are not bothered at all, especially if they are facing away from you. The vet can also get a urine sample in the office if the girl is not cooperative for you. If you raid the kitchen for a spoon/ladle, just wash it and you can soak it in a 1:10 solution of bleach & water to sterilize it afterward. Do not use metal utensils to collect the urine sample.

I'd spay her whether in heat or not, if your vet is experienced. Living with a bitch in heat with an intact male in the house is NOT any fun. A girl who is cycling will electrify every dog around her, neutered or not. You'll see boys lose their manners and mark indoors, aggressive interactions will escalate, dogs will stop eating, etc.

Bravo for you for spaying early. Spaying early cuts the risks of mammary cancer to nearly zero. With each successive heat, her chances increase for mammary tumors later in life. Similar benefits occur in the boys, and neutering avoids later life issues with testicular cancers and with prostate problems, which can be very painful for them.

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Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on May 2, 2009 at 11:41am

I second Mike's suggestion. My male Aussie had a UTI once (which is apparently rare in male dogs, go figure) and I used a ladle to catch his urine and then dumped it into one of those Ziploc brand cups with the lid that screws on. I took him out first thing in the morning when I knew he would urinate and was ready to catch. Check with your vet though, as some vets will want a fresh sample and others might still be able to test one that has been sitting out for a couple of hours. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Alicia & Ferris on May 3, 2009 at 3:09am

I was actually going to post the same question. I need a sample to monitor my girl's acidity levels, she had a nasty case of bladder stones last Spring. The responses you received are perfect. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Lou Ann Lemaster on May 3, 2009 at 9:38am

I've had no experience with girls dogs getting samples. But, with Duncan, I needed a sample and came up with this. I used a small baby food jar and a wire coat hanger. I took the hanger, stretched it out and made a loop at the end, big enough to hold the baby food jar. Then, I followed him around the yard, waiting for him to do his business. As soon as he lifted his leg, I slipped the jar under him and caught some; enough for his tests. Good luck with you little girl and getting her sample.

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca on May 3, 2009 at 6:48pm

Its almost impossible to get a sterile urine sample collecting it free flow. The vet would have to do a cystocentesis-a procedure where a needle is placed into the bladder through the abdomen to collect a urine sample. This is the most sterile method. In most cases a free flow urine sample collected for a UTIs is acceptable. Even if you try to catch a free flow sample as sterile as possible, there can still be bacteria found in the agents they use to run the urinalysis (ex-dyes, containers). Most of the time bacteria is only considered when presented with white/red blood cells (White blood cells meaning inflammation...from possible infection). Saying that, I would just try your best to get a urine sample and not worry to much how sterile it is. The best way I find to collect a urine sample is using a lid from a margarine container due to corgis and their short legs..lol. I've also try the ladle and that works great as well.

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