Understanding Urinary Health in Dogs

 

In This Article

    • What is Urinary Health for Dogs
    • How to Tell if a Dog Has a Urinary Tract Infection
    • What Causes UTIs and Recurrent UTis in Dogs?
    • What Can Urinalysis Detect in Dogs?
    • Healthy Urinary Tract Diet for Dogs
    • Why Hydration is Important for a Dog's Urinary Health

 

 


What Is Urinary Health for Dogs? 

 

We all want our dogs to lead happy, healthy lives, and while we're often diligent about prioritizing exercise and overall well-being, urinary health is an area that can easily be overlooked. However, it’s something every pet owner should be aware of. 

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common yet can develop quietly, leading to discomfort and potentially serious complications if left untreated. Although UTIs most commonly affect the bladder, they can occur anywhere along the urinary tract, including the kidneys and urethra, as noted, according to Cornell Medicine.

Understanding your dog’s urinary health is key. Read on to learn how to recognize the signs of UTIs, what causes these infections, and how your vet can diagnose and address urinary health issues before they become more serious.

 

How to Tell if a Dog Has a Urinary Tract Infection

 

Wondering if your dog might have a UTILink to UTI article]? There are several signs to watch for that could indicate an infection:

    • Urinary Incontinence: Accidents in the house, especially if your dog is usually house-trained, may indicate a UTI.

    • Changes in Urine: Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine.

    • Frequent Accidents: Soiling indoors, often with little warning.

    • Straining to Urinate: Difficulty urinating or discomfort when trying to go.

    • Excessive Licking: Licking the genital area due to irritation or discomfort.

    • Behavioral Changes: Increased irritability or anxiety from pain.

    • Loss of Appetite: Decreased interest in food or water.

    • Painful Sounds: Whining or crying while urinating.

    • Blood Urine: Blood can make urine pink or red.

    • Frequent Urination: Increased urination or trying to urinate more often with little output.

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

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s important to get them checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the infection from spreading and causing more serious complications.

Learn more about Health Tracker pads

 

 

 

What Causes UTIs and Recurrent UTIs in Dogs?

 

Urinary tract infections in dogs usually occur when bacteria, often from feces or debris, enter the urethra and travel to the bladder, causing an infection. The most common culprit is E. coli bacteria. If your dog’s UTI keeps coming back, it’s known as a recurrent UTI. 

Some dogs are more prone to urinary tract infections and urinary stones than others. Here are a few factors that can lead to recurrent UTIs in dogs:

    • Breed Predisposition: Certain breeds, like Miniature Schnauzers, are genetically predisposed to developing calcium oxalate stones, which increase the risk of UTIs.

    • Bladder Stones: Dogs with bladder stones are at higher risk for recurrent UTIs, as the stones can irritate the urinary tract and make it easier for bacteria to invade.

    • Long-haired Dogs: Breeds with long fur are more susceptible to UTIs. Fecal matter can get trapped in their fur, leading to infections in the urethra.

    • Medications: Dogs on immunosuppressive drugs or other medications that affect their immune system may be more prone to UTIs due to reduced ability to fight off infections.

    • Cancer: Dogs with cancer, particularly in the urinary tract, may face a higher risk of developing UTIs due to compromised immune function or structural changes in the bladder.

Dr. Sarah Dodd, BVSc., Ph.D., DECVCN, of Veterinary Nutritional Consultations, Inc, emphasizes the importance of treating UTIs promptly. Untreated or inadequately treated infections can become chronic and harder to resolve, requiring stronger antibiotics or more intensive treatment. If left unchecked, UTIs can even spread to the kidneys, causing permanent damage and loss of kidney function.

Early detection, such as monitoring your dog's urine pH, can help prevent recurrent UTIs and catch issues before they become severe.

 

 

What Can Urinalysis Detect in Dogs? 

 

If you suspect your dog may be dealing with urinary health issues, such as urinary infection, make an appointment with your vet—and bring a urine sample. Your veterinarian will use a urinalysis, a key diagnostic tool, to analyze your dog's urine to identify signs of infection, inflammation, or other urinary tract concerns.

Urinalysis can detect:

By catching potential urinary problems early, you can help ensure your dog stays happy and healthy long-term.

 

Healthy Urinary Tract Diet for Dogs

 

Dr. Dodd emphasizes the importance of minimizing factors that can predispose dogs to urinary tract infections (UTIs), often through diet and overall management, particularly in dogs with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism.

“There are some 'nutraceuticals', that can be added to a dog's diet to help fight bacterial colonization, but there are no specific foods to add or eliminate that will completely prevent urinary tract infections,” says Dr. Dodd.

For example, cranberries contain mannose, a carbohydrate that may make it harder for bacteria to adhere to the urinary tract lining. Instead, the bacteria latch onto the mannose and are flushed out in the urine. One small study showed that cranberry extract helped prevent the development of urinary tract infections in dogs with a history of recurrent UTIs. 

Many special diets for urinary health are available, but these are generally recommended by veterinarians to treat specific conditions. Dr. Fine advises that a balanced, complete dog food provides everything your dog needs. “A dog food that is complete and balanced will have everything your dog needs; there is no need to add anything or check for anything specific.” Adding or removing specific foods without a vet’s advice may not be necessary—and in some cases, could be harmful.

 

 

Why Hydration Is Important for a Dog’s Urinary Health

 

Proper hydration is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to support your dog’s urinary health and help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The more fluid your dog consumes—whether through water or wet food—the more urine they produce. This increased urine volume helps flush out toxins and bacteria from the bladder and urethra, reducing the risk of infections.

To keep an eye on your dog’s urinary health, use a Pet Life Unlimited Health Tracker dog pad each morning. The pad will turn green if your dog’s urine pH is normal. However, if the pee spots are purple, it could indicate that their urine pH is higher than normal, which may signal an early urinary issue.

While it’s natural to be concerned, don’t panic. Continue using the Health Tracker pads for a few days to see if the purple spots persist. If they do, or if you notice any other signs of a UTI (such as increased urination, discomfort, or changes in urine color or smell), it’s best to reach out to your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s urinary health and determine whether further testing or treatment is needed. Early detection can make all the difference in maintaining your dog's health.

Buy Health Tracker Dog Pads

 

 

Monitor Your Dog’s Urinary Health with Pet Life Unlimited

 

Worried that your dog might have a urinary health issue? Their urine 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 if something’s not right.

This groundbreaking advancement in pad technology helps dog parents proactively monitor their dog’s urinary health at home with ease. Using proprietary ColorTrack Technology, the Health Tracker Dog Pads help dog parents detect changes in urine pH, providing early insights into potential health concerns like urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, and kidney issues before their dogs even show symptoms. With this simple yet powerful tool, Pet Life Unlimited is making daily dog care smarter and more proactive.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Diana Kelly Levey is a freelance content marketing writer and former magazine editor with more than a decade of experience covering pets and animal health topics. In 2023, she was nominated for “Freelance Excellence” by the Women in Content Marketing Awards. Her snoring coworker—an adopted Coonhound-Lab-Shepherd mix named Jackson—provides inspiration for her articles. Follow Diana on Instagram for dog pics.