The urine specific gravity of a healthy, hydrated Labrador is closest to which value?

The urine specific gravity of a healthy, hydrated Labrador is closest to which value?

• A. 1.000
• B. 1.005
• C. 1.010
• D. 1.040

Answer: (D)

Urine specific gravity shows how concentrated the urine is, which depends on how well the kidneys concentrate water and on hydration status. In a healthy, well-hydrated dog, the kidneys can concentrate urine to a relatively high level, but not extreme. The typical range for dogs is about 1.020 to 1.040. Values near 1.000 would indicate very dilute urine, which isn’t expected in a normal hydrated dog, while values around 1.005 or 1.010 are even more dilute and fall outside the usual range for a healthy adult. Therefore, the value closest to what you’d expect in a healthy, hydrated Labrador is around 1.040, reflecting normal concentration capability without dehydration.

Urine specific gravity shows how concentrated the urine is, which depends on how well the kidneys concentrate water and on hydration status. In a healthy, well-hydrated dog, the kidneys can concentrate urine to a relatively high level, but not extreme. The typical range for dogs is about 1.020 to 1.040. Values near 1.000 would indicate very dilute urine, which isn’t expected in a normal hydrated dog, while values around 1.005 or 1.010 are even more dilute and fall outside the usual range for a healthy adult. Therefore, the value closest to what you’d expect in a healthy, hydrated Labrador is around 1.040, reflecting normal concentration capability without dehydration.