Urinalysis is a simple test that assesses the physical and chemical composition of urine. Abnormal results usually indicate that there is a problem with the kidneys and or urinary system. However, a urinalysis can also provide clues about problems in other organ systems, or may indicate the presence of a metabolic disease, such as diabetes mellitus. Urinalysis is necessary for a complete assessment of the kidneys and urinary system, and should be included in any thorough evaluation of a pet’s health status. Below are a few tips, we at MVVS recommend to our clients for collecting a urine sample from their dog or cat. 

Canine Urine Collection Tips

• Use a sterile urine container provided by our clinic. Unsterile containers can cause inaccurate results.
• Before trying to gather a urine sample, observe your dog’s urination habits. Do they like to squat or lift their leg? Is there a certain spot they like to go to more often than any other place? By taking notice to their habits prior to getting a sample it may make it easier to get a sample.
• When you are going to get a sample, make sure to keep them on a non-retractable leash. If your dog isn’t used to urinating while on a leash, take a few “practice runs” before getting a sample. This will help them to get used to being on a leash and having you stand close to them while they “go”.
• Be quiet. Don’t scream or yell at them to urinate.
• It is best to get a sample first thing in the morning. This is for two reasons: 1. they will definitely be willing to “go” and 2. the urine is the most concentrated at this time (which helps the veterinarian assess how your dog’s urinary tract is working).
• When you take your dog outside to “go”, pay close attention to them so you don’t miss your chance at catching the sample.
• Use gloves so you don’t have to worry about getting urine on yourself. *Some diseases can be transmitted to people via urine.
• If your dog is too low to the ground for you to bend over to catch the urine, try taping the sterile urine cup to a stick or yardstick; or bend a metal coat hanger to hold the cup; or use a grabber/reacher; or a clean stainless steel soup ladle.
• We need at least 2 ml (or 1 inch in the sterile container) of urine to run a complete urinalysis.
• Write the date, time the sample was collected, your name, and your pet’s name on the urine container.
• If you are not going to bring in the urine sample to the clinic right away, refrigerate the sample.
• Samples more than 24 hours old will not provide an accurate result.
• Please be patient – it can take 30 minutes to an hour. This gives us appropriate time to prepare, read, and have results reviewed by a veterinarian as well as fill the proper treatment(s).
• If a sample is dropped off a half hour before we close, it will not be processed until the following business day. Urine samples dropped off at 11:30 am or later on Saturdays will not be accepted due to inadequate processing time.

Feline Urine Collection Tips

• Use non-absorbable litter provide by our clinic. These plastic pellets give your cat something to paw at in the box but don’t absorb the urine, leaving a sample behind. If your cat doesn’t like the plastic pellets, we also have a special “sand” that will allow us to get a usable sample.
• To prepare, just empty the litterbox and thoroughly clean and dry it. Sprinkle the bottom with the plastic pellets.
• If you have more than one cat, you’ll want to isolate the in a quiet room with the litterbox. 
• Put the urine and pellets into the sterile urine container provided. Other types of containers can cause false results.
• We need at least 2 ml (or 1 inch in the sterile container) of urine to run a complete urinalysis.
• Write the date, time sample was collected, your name, and your pet’s name on the urine container.
• If you are not going to bring the urine sample to the clinic right away, refrigerate the sample.
• Samples more than 24 hours old will not provide an accurate result.
• Please be patient – it can take 30 minutes to an hour. This gives us appropriate time to prepare, read, and have results reviewed by a veterinarian as well as fill the proper treatment(s).
• If a sample is dropped off a half hour before we close, it will not be processed until the following business day. Fecal samples dropped off at 11:30 am or later on Saturdays will not be accepted due to inadequate processing time.