UTI in Dogs: Knowing the Signs + Potential Treatment Options
Is your dog suddenly asking to go outside more often? Dribbling urine in the house? Showing signs of pain or discomfort when urinating?
Urinary tract infections (UTI) in dogs are quite common, and they’re one of the first things we look for when a dog is showing urinary symptoms. UTIs don’t go away on their own. They are painful and can become serious if left untreated.
That’s why it’s important to seek care immediately if your dog is showing urinary symptoms. Here’s how to recognize the signs of a UTI in dogs and how to help your pup find relief.
What is a UTI in Dogs?
A urinary tract infection, or UTI in dogs, is an infection of the urinary tract. They are fairly common in dogs, with approximately 14% of pups developing a UTI at least once in their lifetime. Most UTIs in dogs are bacterial in nature, but yeast or fungal infections can also occur.
Vets may categorize UTIs as upper or lower. Lower urinary tract infections are the most common, and they affect the bladder and urethra. Upper UTIs involving the kidneys and ureters are less common but can be much more serious.
UTI Symptoms in Dogs
The most common signs of a UTI in dogs include:
Frequent Urination: Your dog may ask to go outside more often than usual yet only produce small amounts of urine each time.
Pain or Straining During Urination: Your dog may show signs of discomfort, like whining, or seem to be struggling while urinating.
Changes in Urine Color: Look for bloody, pink, or cloudy urine.
Accidents: You may notice dripping urine or urinary accidents in the house.
Increased Thirst: Your dog may drink more water than usual.
Excessive Licking: You may notice excessive licking of the genital area, which may become red or irritated.
General Signs of Feeling Unwell: Signs of illness can include decreased appetite, lethargy, fever, or behavior changes
It’s important to know that a dog with a UTI may not show all of these symptoms. He may have just one or a few symptoms from this list, or he may show a behavior that seems off but isn’t listed here.
Is it a UTI or Something Else?
Pet parents should also know that some potentially serious health conditions can have symptoms that look very similar to a UTI. For example, a dog with diabetes may urinate frequently and drink a lot of water.
Another example that can be fatal is rodent poisoning. It can cause bleeding in the urinary tract, leading to blood in the urine, similar to the signs of a UTI.
Urinary obstruction is another possibility that can be life-threatening. This is caused by a blockage that prevents the dog from urinating, causing the bladder to expand beyond what it can reasonably hold. This build-up could cause the bladder to rupture.
Urinary obstruction is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms include straining to produce urine with nothing coming out, as well as general distress and pain.
The most important thing to remember is that many potentially serious or fatal conditions that can mimic a UTI. If you’re noticing any unusual symptoms or changes in behavior, seeking veterinary care for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment is always the best course of action.
How Urgent is a Dog’s UTI?
The discomfort and pain associated with a UTI in dogs should prompt an urgent vet visit. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread up the urinary tract, causing infection and damage to the kidneys. Some UTIs can also alter the pH of urine and promote the growth of bladder stones.
If your dog shows signs of a UTI, seek veterinary care immediately.
Potential Causes of UTIs in Dogs
Most UTIs in dogs are caused by bacteria that is naturally found on the dog’s skin or in the intestines. Some strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) are present in the feces but don’t cause any issues within the intestines. When this bacteria migrates up the urethra, it can cause a UTI.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of a UTI in dogs. Here are some of the most common:
Gender: Similar to humans, UTIs are more common in female dogs than male dogs. That’s because the urethra is much shorter in females. In females, the anus is closer to the genitals, so the bacteria can enter the urethra and reach the bladder more easily.
Age: Puppies and dogs of any age can get a UTI, but they’re much more common in older dogs, especially older females.
Holding the Urine for Too Long: Emptying the bladder is a natural defense against UTIs because it flushes the bacteria from the urinary tract. Holding the urine for extended periods increases the risk of UTI.
Anatomical Defects: Some dogs are born with an abnormality of the urinary tract or the skin near the genitals. Injuries or chronic diseases can also cause anatomical defects, leading to a higher risk of UTIs.
Anal Gland Problems: When a dog’s anal glands are full, they tend to scoot or lick their hind end excessively. This can allow bacteria to enter the urethra more easily.
Chronic Health Issues: Conditions like Cushing’s disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, and bladder stones can lead to a higher risk of UTIs.
Neurological Dysfunction or Spinal/Nerve Damage: Dogs with neurological dysfunction or spinal/nerve damage may have difficulty emptying their bladder. This allows bacteria to sit in the bladder and urinary tract, leading to a higher risk of UTIs.
How is a UTI Diagnosed in Dogs?
The first step in diagnosing a UTI in dogs usually involves urine analysis—or urinalysis for short. This test measures urine concentration and pH and looks for the presence of bacteria, inflammatory cells, crystals, sugar, and other indicators of urinary tract health or abnormalities.
Based on a dog’s symptoms and the results of the urinalysis, a vet may recommend a urine culture and sensitivity. This is done for two reasons:
Diluted Urine: UTIs cause dogs to drink more. It’s the body’s way of trying to “flush out” the infection. As a result, the urine may be so dilute that bacteria aren’t seen on the urinalysis, leading to a “false negative.” A bacterial culture of the urine can help uncover the UTI.
Determining the Appropriate Treatment: Not all bacteria are susceptible to the same types of antibiotics. A culture and sensitivity test helps determine the best medication to use—for more successful treatment and less risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection.
It’s also important to consider what caused the urinary tract infection in the first place. If an underlying medical condition is left unaddressed, the infection will likely recur.
If a pup is in otherwise good health with no other symptoms — and assuming it’s their first UTI — your veterinarian may start treatment with the appropriate antibiotic.
However, if a dog has recurrent UTIs or severe symptoms, your vet will likely recommend additional diagnostics. This may include blood work, x-rays, an ultrasound, or other testing and treatment as indicated.
How is Urine Collected from a Dog?
There are three common ways to collect a urine sample from a dog:
Cystocentiesis: This method uses a needle to get a sample directly from the urinary bladder. While it may sound scary, it’s a quick procedure that most dogs handle well. This method avoids bacterial contamination from the skin and outer parts of the genitals, making the results very accurate.
Catheterization: In this method, a catheter is used to collect urine. While less common, this method can also avoid some of the bacterial contamination from the skin.
Free Catch: The third method is called “free catch,” which involves collecting urine in a container while a dog is urinating. While this can mean some bacterial contamination, often, it’s the only method available. Many dogs have empty bladders during their vet visit due to the constant need to “go.” So, your vet may send a container with you for home collection.
How to Collect a Free Catch Urine Sample from Your Dog
Here are some tips for collecting urine a dog’s urine at home…
Morning Sample: Unless instructed otherwise, catch the first urine of the morning. This provides the most accurate information on your dog’s ability or inability to concentrate their urine.
Collection Method: If possible, place the urine collection cup directly into the urine stream. For small pups or those who squate very low, something like a soup ladle may be easier to use. Be sure to transfer the urine from the ladle to the urine cup right away.
Stay Calm: Some dogs get nervous if you rush toward them while they are urinating. They don’t understand what you’re doing, and their genital area may already be sensitive from the UTI. Move slowly and gently, speak soothingly, and try to remain calm.
Immediate Delivery: Bring the sample to your vet immediately. Fresh urine provides the most accurate test results.
Storage: If you can’t bring the urine to your vet immediately, ask the vet how to store it (for example, by refrigerating it) and how long it can be stored before it’s no longer usable.
How is a UTI Treated in Dogs?
UTIs in dogs are generally treated with a multi-faceted approach that may include the following strategies:
Antibiotics: The vet will test the urine to choose the best antibiotic. While waiting for the test results, a common antibiotic will likely be prescribed to provide relief. Be sure to administer the entire course of antibiotics, even if your dog starts to feel better, to prevent the infection from returning.
Pain Medications or Anti-Inflammatories: A UTI can be very painful. It can also cause significant stress due to the constant urge to “go” even when the bladder is empty. These medications provide relief and help the bladder calm down so it can heal.
Adequate Water Intake: Ensure your dog drinks plenty of water to help flush out bacteria and avoid dehydration. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times.
Rest and Recovery: Allow your dog to rest and avoid strenuous activities while they are recovering.
Rechecking the Urine: Follow-up urine tests help ensure the infection is truly gone. Some pups need a longer course of antibiotics, especially if they have underlying health conditions or recurrent UTIs.
Treating Underlying Health Conditions: If your pet has a medical condition that led to the UTI, they will need specific treatment for that condition. Your veterinary team will instruct you on the next steps.
Your veterinarian may have different recommendations based on your pup’s individual needs. Always follow your vet’s instructions, and never give medications without checking with your vet first. Some medications for humans are toxic to dogs!
What About Home Remedies for UTI in Dogs?
It’s easy for a pet parent to learn about home remedies like probiotics, apple cider vinegar, cranberry juice, and other methods online. However, these remedies frequently don’t help with a true UTI and can sometimes make matters worse. They could prolong a dog’s suffering by delaying more appropriate medical treatment.
Some home remedies and supplements designed for dogs may be good for long-term urinary health but are ineffective for a UTI episode. However, they’re not a one-size-fits-all. And some medications (such as human pain relievers) are extremely dangerous for pets.
Before giving your pup any medication, supplement, or home remedy, talk to your vet to ensure it’s both effective and safe for your dog.
What’s the Prognosis for UTI in Dogs?
Just like humans, dogs (especially female dogs) sometimes get a simple UTI that has no long-term effects. It can be painful and inconvenient at the time, but symptoms clear up pretty quickly with medication — often as quickly as 1-2 days.
For severe UTIs, it may take several days to see significant improvement, but the prognosis for recovery is still good. The exception is if the UTI goes untreated or is so severe or prolonged that complications, like a kidney infection, develop.
What About Dogs With Recurrent UTIs?
Recurrent UTIs in dogs are more challenging to treat than simple UTIs. They can be frustrating for pet owners and veterinarians and uncomfortable for pups.
If a urinary tract infection keeps coming back, it indicates the need for further investigation and diagnostic tests. Usually, there is an underlying issue that makes a dog more prone to developing UTIs.
In some cases, an underlying health condition could cause a dog to develop many UTIs in their lifetime. There might not be a “cure,” but there are strategies for long-term management.
Routine monitoring of the urine—even when a dog isn’t showing symptoms—can help keep UTIs under control. With some types of anatomical abnormalities, surgery may help a lot.
Preventing Future UTIs
Prevention of UTIs depends on what caused the UTI initially, so always follow your vet’s specific instructions. But some general tips that could help include:
Manage any health conditions that could lead to UTIs.
Help your dog with hygiene if needed. Pet wipes and other cleaning products designed for dogs may help if a pup has difficulty cleaning themselves or has skin folds near their genitals that tend to become dirty.
Always keep fresh water available. Just like humans, drinking enough water can help prevent UTIs.
Allow your dog to urinate as often as they need to. If you can’t be home to let them outside, set up potty pads or an alternative, such as a dog walker, so your furry friend isn’t trying to “hold it in” all day.
For pups with certain types of chronic urinary issues, prescription diets may help regulate urinary tract health and the pH balance of the urine.
If your dog does develop a UTI, give the medications exactly as prescribed. Don’t stop antibiotics early, or the infection could come back and be more difficult to treat.
The Bottom Line
A vet visit is necessary anytime a dog shows urinary symptoms. UTIs are painful and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. They can also indicate an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.
If your dog shows signs of a urinary blockage (distress with constant straining and nothing coming out) or UTI, contact your vet or visit an emergency vet immediately. Prompt treatment will help prevent complications and get your pup back to feeling good as quickly as possible.
For any questions or concerns about your dog’s urinary health, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Bond Vet. We’re here to help ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy!
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