UTI in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Grove Center Vet

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A UTI in dogs could be your problem if they’ve all a sudden started to have accidents in the house, strain to urinate or have begun licking themselves more than usual. UTIs in dogs are one of the most frequently seen conditions by vets, although the condition is uncomfortable for your dog, it is relatively easy to diagnose and treat if detected early. We hope pet owners at Grove Center Vet will be able to know what a UTI in dogs is, how it can occur and what can be done if you think your dog has one.

What is a UTI in Dogs?

UTIs in dogs are caused by the bacteria entering the urinary tract via the urethra and multiplying in the bladder. The urinary tract is the place where this bacterial accumulation causes inflammation, discomfort and is what most owners report to us. UTIs in dogs usually occur in the bladder, but if the infection spreads up to the kidneys, it becomes a more serious infection known as pyelonephritis.

Female dogs are more likely to get a UTI than males because their urethra is shorter and wider to allow bacteria to ascend upward. But dogs with certain health issues such as diabetes, older dogs and male dogs are also at risk.

Common Causes of UTI in Dogs

Learning about the causes of UTIs in dogs can help you prevent them from occurring in the first place. The most common are:

• Bacterial contamination: In dogs, the most common cause of a UTI is the presence of bacteria, most often E. coli but sometimes other bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Proteus may be responsible.
• Bladder stones or crystals: These can cause irritation to the lining of the bladder, and act as a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Weakened immune system: Dogs who have been ill, are undergoing chemotherapy or are on long-term steroids are more susceptible.
• Anatomical abnormalities: Some dogs may have abnormalities in the urinary tract that increase the risk of urinary infection.
• Diabetes: Diabetic dogs often have a UTI because the excess sugar in the urine provides a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Holding urine for too long or poor hygiene: Dogs that don’t have a lot of bathroom time are more likely to have bacteria accumulation.
• Age related: As dogs age, their bladder muscles and immune system become weaker, increasing the risk of a UTI.

Symptoms of UTI in Dogs

If your dog has a UTI, you may notice the following symptoms:

It’s important to catch signs of discomfort early so that you can help your dog to feel better almost immediately. Dogs with a UTI may experience any of the following symptoms:

1. Increased urination: Your dog may want to go outside more often, but only may urinate small amounts.
2. Straining or obstructing urination: This is a clear sign of a UTI in dogs that should never be overlooked.
3. Blood in the urine: No matter how small a trace of blood, it may be a sign of irritation because of an infection.
4. Accidents in the home: If a dog that has been house trained suddenly has an accident, this is a big indicator.
5. Cloudy urine or strong odor: The chemical makeup and odor of urine is altered by infection.
6. Excessive licking of the genital area: Dogs will try to alleviate the irritation.
7. Lethargy or loss of appetite: In a more advanced stage, the dogs will appear generally unwell.
8. Fever: Infection may travel to kidneys causing fever.

When these symptoms are seen in combination, it is a red flag indicating that your dog may have a UTI that should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

How Grove Center Vet Diagnoses a UTI in Dogs

A physical examination and thorough history of your dog’s symptoms will begin the process of diagnosing a UTI. Our veterinary staff usually suggests:

• Chemistry of the urine: This is a test to look for bacteria, blood cells, crystals, and pH imbalances in the urine.
• Urine culture and sensitivity: This helps to find the specific bacteria that is responsible for the infection and allows for the selection of antibiotics that will be most effective.
• Bloodwork: In recurrent cases, bloodwork can help eliminate other possible underlying causes of the UTI such as diabetes or kidney disease.
• Imaging (X-ray or ultrasound): If bladder stones or structural problems are suspected, imaging plays an important role in diagnosis and to exclude complications.

Correct diagnosis is critical as treating a UTI in a dog without knowing what bacteria is causing the infection can be ineffective and over time can build up a resistance to antibiotic treatment.

Treatment Options for UTI in Dog

The positive thing is that the majority of canine UTIs can be treated quite successfully. Your veterinarian will decide on the treatment based on the severity and cause of your dog’s symptoms, so treatment may involve:

• Antibiotics – These are used as the main treatment for a bacterial UTI, and are usually prescribed for 7-14 days depending on how severe it is, in dogs.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: will help to alleviate any symptoms of pain while awaiting the effects of the antibiotics.
• More water: Make it more likely that bacteria will be washed out of your dog’s urinary tract quickly.
• Dietary changes: If a dog is having recurrent urinary tract infections that are associated with bladder stones or crystals, then a prescription urinary diet may be recommended.

In very rare cases where large bladder stones are present or the bladder’s anatomy is abnormal, surgery may be required to help prevent future infections.

Even if your dog appears to be recovering after a few days, it’s important to finish the entire course of antibiotics. One of the most frequent causes of a UTI recurring or not improving in dogs is not finishing the treatment.

How to Prevent UTI in Dogs

Not all dog urinary tract infections can be prevented, but there are steps that owners can take to greatly minimize the risk:

• Make sure that fresh clean water is available at all times to ensure frequent urination.
• Give your dog regular toilet trips so he doesn’t have to hold its urine too long.
• Keep in mind good hygiene practices, particularly for long haired breeds and female dogs.
• Properly feed a balanced diet, suitable for your dog’s age and health requirements.
• Make regular veterinary appointments to identify early signs before they get out of hand.
• Watch for abnormal drinking and urination patterns, particularly for older dogs or dogs with chronic diseases.

Regular preventive treatment is one of the most effective treatments available to decrease the likelihood of UTIs recurring in affected dogs, especially in breeds and individuals with a high risk for recurrent UTIs.

Call Grove Center Vet If You Have Any Questions About the Health of Your Pet

If a dog shows any symptoms of a UTI, do not put it off for a later date if symptoms are worsening. A simple bladder infection can turn into a kidney infection, a much more severe and expensive to treat condition. We’re here at Grove Center Vet to help get your dog feeling like themselves again as soon as possible, and will be able to diagnose and treat any urinary problems in a timely fashion.

Conclusion

UTI can be treated and is a common condition if discovered in a timely fashion. The symptoms include frequent urination, straining, blood in the urine, lethargy and more, and are often very obvious enough for an attentive pet owner to catch quickly. Most dogs make a full recovery with early diagnosis, proper antibiotics and supportive treatment within a week or two. Let your dog’s health and comfort be your priority, and if your dog is displaying any signs of discomfort when urinating, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Grove Center Vet to get your dog the treatment he needs as early as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to recognize that your dog has a UTI?

Symptoms include frequent urination, straining to urinate, urine with blood, indoor accidents, and excessive licking of the genital area. If you see these signs, see the veterinarian.

2. Do dogs with UTI clear up on their own?

It’s rare for a UTI to resolve without treatment. Most cases need antibiotic treatment to eradicate the infection and to prevent it from passing to the kidneys.

3. Does a UTI hurt dogs?

Yes, they may have a UTI and they will often be very uncomfortable or painful when they have to go to the toilet and become very irritated in the lower abdomen.

4. What is the duration of a dog’s UTI?

With antibiotic treatment most infections resolve in 7 to 14 days, but some are more severe or recurrent, in which case it may take longer.

5. Do male dogs get UTI’s as well?

Yes, male dogs can also get UTIs, though it’s less frequently seen compared to female dogs, particularly if they have prostate or bladder disease.

6. What foods can help prevent UTI in dogs?

Diets that are healthy for the urinary tract and promote adequate fluid intake can help. If your dog is prone to urinary infections, your vet may prescribe a special urinary care formula.

7. Do some breeds of dogs have a higher risk of developing UTIs?

Dogs with skin folds around the genitals, such as Bulldogs and Basset Hounds, and senior dogs are at greater risk of infection.

8. Is there a connection between a dog’s stress and UTI?

Stress does not cause bacterial infections but it may cause a person’s immune system to become weak, thus increasing the likelihood of a UTI.

9. What are the consequences of not treating a UTI in dogs?

If not treated, infections can travel to the kidneys, causing a more severe and life threatening illness called pyelonephritis.

10. How often should I bring my dog to Grove Center Vet for urination problems?

If your dog exhibits symptoms such as straining, blood in urine, frequent accidents or lethargy, see your vet immediately, as your dog’s symptoms may not resolve.