Does Your Dog Have a UTI? Signs, Symptoms & Treatments

 

In This Article

• • Does Your Dog Have a UTI?
  • Symptoms of UTIs in Dogs
  • Causes of UTIs in Dogs
  • How to Prevent UTIs in Dogs
  • How UTIs Are Diagnosed in Dogs
  • UTI Treatment for Dogs
  • At-Home Dog UTI Treatment
  • Monitor Your Dog's Urinary Health

 

 

 

Does Your Dog Have a UTI? 

 

If your dog is making more frequent trips to the bathroom or seems to be whining when they go, these could be signs of a urinary tract infection. Just like humans, dogs can develop UTIs—and, like us, they need treatment to feel better.

When veterinarians diagnose a UTI in a dog, they're referring to an infection somewhere in the urinary tract, says Dr. Karen Fine, DVM, author of The Other Family Doctor: A Veterinarian Explores What Animals Can Teach Us About Love, Life, and Mortality (Vintage, March 2024). Most dog UTIs occur in the bladder, but they may also affect other parts of the urinary tract, including the urethra and kidneys.

It can be distressing to see your pup in discomfort, but rest assured that UTIs are relatively common in dogs. In fact, research shows that about 15% of dogs will experience a urinary tract infection. That said, you’ll want to address the issue quickly because UTIs are not only uncomfortable for our pets, but they can also be painful. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.

It’s also important to distinguish between a simple urinary tract infection, which is typically quickly resolved with antibiotics, and other conditions that can cause similar symptoms—some of which can become acutely life-threatening—such as a urethral blockage, says Dr. Sarah Dodd, BVSc., Ph.D., DECVCN, of Veterinary Nutritional Consultations, Inc.

Dr. Dodd also warns that, “Untreated or inadequately treated urinary tract infections can lead to persistent chronic infections that can become harder and harder to resolve with first-line antibiotics. These infections even ascend to the kidneys, causing permanent damage and loss of kidney function.”

Recognizing the signs early and seeking veterinary care can make all the difference in your dog’s health and comfort.

 

Symptoms of UTIs in Dogs 

 

Urinary tract infections in dogs often come with noticeable signs, but these symptoms aren’t always apparent right away. That’s where Pet Life Unlimited’s Health Tracker Dog Pads come in. Designed to detect changes in urine pH, these pads help you identify potential health issues before more obvious symptoms appear. With just one pad per day, you can stay ahead of urinary health concerns and catch problems early.

 

If you observe any of the following signs, it's important to consult your vet for further evaluation.

• • Blood in Urine: One of the most noticeable signs of a UTI.

  • Frequent Urination: Your dog may need to go outside more often than usual.

  • Vocalization During Urination: Whimpering, whining, or crying can indicate pain.

  • Overgrooming of the Genital Area: Dogs may lick or bite at their genitalia to alleviate discomfort.

  • Increased Thirst: Drinking more water than normal can be a sign of infection.

  • Changes in Urine Odor: UTIs can cause a strong, unpleasant smell in your dog’s urine.

  • Accidents Around the Home: Inability to control urination, even if your dog is house-trained.

  • Dribbling Urine: Leakage of urine between bathroom trips is a common symptom.

  • High Urine pH: If If your Health Tracker Dog Pad results are purple, it may indicate a potential urinary health issue.

 

 

There’s no hard and fast rule for when you should take your dog to the vet, but certain signs of urinary tract issues are more urgent and require immediate attention. Dr. Dodd advises that if your dog is straining to urinate or passing bloody urine, you should schedule a veterinary visit right away. These symptoms can point to conditions like urinary tract blockages, which can become life-threatening emergencies if not addressed promptly.

However, not all urinary changes require an immediate trip to the hospital. “If a dog has a single house accident, licks themselves a bit more than usual one night, or just pees a few more times one day, I don't recommend rushing to the hospital right away,” says Dr. Dodd. In these cases, it’s important to monitor your pup’s behavior closely. You can keep track of any changes in their urine, such as high pH levels, with Pet Life Unlimited’s Health Tracker dog pads.

When the Health Tracker pad’s color changes to purple, it signals elevated urine pH levels. This real-time indicator could point to a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or kidney stones. If you notice this change, continue monitoring your dog’s urine with the pads over the next few days, while also observing their behavior and habits.  If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s time to book an appointment with the veterinarian.

 

 

Learn more about Health Tracker pads

 

Causes of UTIs in Dogs

 

Urinary tract infections in dogs typically occur when bacteria from feces or debris enters the urethral opening and travels to the bladder, leading to infection. The most common bacterial culprit behind these infections is E. coli.

 

While any dog can develop a UTI, certain factors can increase their risk. These include:

• • Sex: Female dogs are more prone to UTIs than males due to their shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

  • Size: Small dogs are more susceptible than large dogs. 

  • Health Conditions: Certain conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, and ectopic ureters (an abnormality of the urinary system) can increase a dog’s risk of developing UTIs.

  • Anatomy: Female dogs with a recessed, tucked, or hooded vulva are more likely to develop skin infections around the vulva, which can lead to bacteria entering the urinary tract.

  • Bladder Stones: Dogs with bladder stones are more prone to recurrent—or frequent—UTIs, since the stones can irritate the bladder and provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

  • Breed: Certain breeds are more predisposed to urinary issues. For example, miniature schnauzers have a genetic predisposition to calcium oxalate urinary stones, which can lead to recurrent UTIs. Being aware of breed-specific risks can help dog parents stay vigilant.

 

 

How to Prevent UTIs in Dogs

 

While dog parents can never have a 100% guarantee that they’ll be able to prevent a urinary tract infection, there are steps they can take to reduce the instance that their dog might get a UTI.

• • Maintain Good Hygiene: For long-haired dogs, it’s important to keep the area around the external genitalia clean and well-groomed. Dr. Dodd recommends additional grooming to help prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract.

  • Encourage Hydration: One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of UTIs—and other urinary tract issues like urinary stones—is ensuring your dog stays well-hydrated. Dr. Dodd explains, “The more fluid a dog consumes, whether through food moisture or free water, the larger the volume of urine they produce. This leads to more frequent urination, helping to flush out potential pathogens from the bladder and urethra.” Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water throughout the day.

  • Manage Chronic Health Conditions: If your dog has underlying health conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism, managing these effectively is key to reducing their risk of developing UTIs. Dr. Dodd emphasizes that addressing predisposing factors through diet or medication can significantly decrease the likelihood of infection.

  • Consider Nutraceuticals: Some pet owners choose to add concentrated cranberry extract or other nutraceuticals to their dog's diet. These may help fight bacterial colonization in the urinary tract. However, Dr. Dodd cautions that while these supplements can be beneficial, there are no specific foods that can entirely prevent UTIs.

By combining proper hygiene, hydration, and careful management of any health conditions, you can greatly reduce your dog's risk of developing a UTI and promote their overall urinary health.

 

 

How UTIs Are Diagnosed in Dogs

 

If you suspect your dog has a UTI, it’s important to take them to their veterinarian for a complete evaluation. A proper diagnosis and prompt treatment will help relieve their discomfort and prevent complications.

To begin, the vet will collect a urine sample and perform a urinalysis to check for signs of infection, including bacteria and white blood cells, both of which indicate an active infection. “We also look for crystals, cells, and protein in the urine, and we check the concentration and the pH (whether it's too acidic or too alkaline), since abnormal pH levels can lead to crystal formation,” says Dr. Fine. A lot of information can be gleaned from a urine sample, which helps the vet tailor the best treatment plan for your dog.

If it’s discovered there are crystals in the urine, the veterinarian might suggest further testing, like an ultrasound or X-rays to see if the cause could be bladder stones.

 

 

UTI Treatment for Dogs 

 

UTIs in dogs are most commonly treated with antibiotics, which target the bacterial infection causing the problem. If this is your dog’s first UTI, the treatment is typically a short course of antibiotics, usually lasting several days, to clear the infection.

However, if your dog experiences recurrent UTIs or has underlying health conditions that complicate the infection, the veterinarian may recommend a longer course of antibiotics, often lasting several weeks. In these cases, additional treatments may be necessary to address the root causes of the recurrent infections, such as bladder stones or other urinary tract conditions.

To help alleviate discomfort, your vet may also prescribe pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage any pain or irritation your dog may be experiencing while urinating. These medications can provide much-needed relief during the recovery process.

As always, follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance or other complications.

 

 

At-Home Dog UTI Treatment

 

You might be wondering if you can treat a dog’s UTI at home using natural remedies or over-the-counter treatments. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of home remedies or over-the-counter products for treating urinary tract infections in dogs without the use of proper antimicrobial medications, explains Dr. Dodd. “A true infection means there is an abundance of active pathogenic bacteria, and these bacteria must be eliminated from the bladder for the infection to resolve.”

The only way to effectively treat a UTI is through prescribed antibiotics that target the specific bacteria causing the infection. Without proper treatment, the infection could worsen, lead to complications, or even become chronic.

While at-home treatments aren’t recommended, you can monitor your dog’s health throughout the recovery process. With Pet Life Unlimited’s Health Tracker dog pads, you can track changes in your dog’s urine, such as pH levels, to ensure that the veterinarian’s treatment is working and that the infection is being properly addressed.

 Learn more about Health Tracker pads

 

 

Monitor Your Dog’s Urinary Health with Pet Life Unlimited

 

Worried that your dog might have a urinary health issue? Their pee could hold the answer—and now, you have the tools to find it. Pet Life Unlimited’s Health Tracker dog pads are designed to give pet parents the insights they need to take early action.

These innovative pads make it simple to monitor your dog’s urine pH, helping you track the impact of their diet, lifestyle, and medications, while detecting changes that could indicate a UTI or other urinary health concern. Putting down one pad a day is an easy, proactive way to stay on top of your dog’s health and address potential issues before symptoms even start.

 

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