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.