UTI is short for urinary tract infection. It’s a common canine issue that’s primarily caused by bacteria but can also stem from fungal causes on rare occasions. The infection commonly affects the bladder and urethra of dogs, causing deep discomfort and inflammation. 

The infection happens when bacteria, most often Escherichia coli, travel through the urinary tract of dogs and multiply while inside. These infections usually escalate and create more internal health problems, such as kidney failure. 

The symptoms start subtly, much like most infections. That’s why it’s crucial to get ahead. With that, we’ll talk about what a canine UTI is and how it is treated. 

How Do Dogs Get UTI?

Canine UTI is primarily caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and move up to the bladder. In a healthy dog, regular urination usually flushes bacteria out. But if the bladder isn’t emptied fully or the immune system is weakened, the bacteria can multiply and cause an infection.

Other triggers of UTI in dogs include: 

Poor Hygiene and Grooming

Dogs with unclean genital areas or with poor overall grooming are at a higher risk of canine urinary tract infections. This is especially true for long-haired breeds or dogs with excess folds over their private areas.

The lack of grooming can invite bacteria to grow, which increases the risk of bacteria moving up to the urinary tract. 

Bladder Issues

Bladder issues, such as stones and tumors in the urinary tract, can cause blockages that leave residual urine in the bladder. This is called urine retention. Here, the remaining urine becomes an ideal spot for bacterial growth. Plus, it's quite painful. 

Dogs that are prone to bladder stones, such as Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises, and Yorkshire Terriers, have an increased risk of UTI.

Congenital Abnormalities

UTI in dogs can also be caused by abnormalities in the structure of their urinary tract. Because of this, urine can pool in the urinary tract and become a potential area for a bacterial infection. 

One example is ectopic ureters. Normally, a dog's ureters transport urine from the kidney to the bladder. In ectopic ureters, the urine is drained at an abnormal location, resulting in leakage, incontinence, and urinary tract infections.

Another one is the potential for a hooded vulva because of excess skin folds. These include dogs such as Pugs, Dalmations, Poodles, and French Bulldogs. 

Weakened Immune System

Dogs with compromised immune systems, either from age or illness, are more susceptible to infections. This also increases their risk of urinary tract infections in the same regard. 

Hormonal Imbalances

Female dogs that have been spayed can have lower estrogen levels due to the removal of the ovaries. This essentially thins the lining of the urinary tract and reduces muscle tone across the urethra, making it easier for the bacteria to invade and multiply. 

Other Health Issues

Aside from problems around the urinary tract, dogs can also catch UTIs through diabetes and Cushing’s disease. In diabetic dogs, the sugar gets into the urine, creating the perfect spot for bacterial growth. 

In dogs with Cushing’s, they have altered hormone levels and weaker immune responses.

What Dogs Are More Prone to UTI?

Dog bladder infections are more likely in females. This is because they have a shorter urethra, enabling bacteria to spread faster. 

Additionally, seniors and dogs with significant age are more likely to experience incontinence, diabetes, or a compromised immune system. All of these are risk factors for canine UTI. 

Too much weight in a dog can also put them at risk. This is because the increased strain and pressure on their bladders increases the risk of incontinence and urine retention.

Common Dog UTI Symptoms

Canine urinary tract infections present subtle signs at first, which make them hard to identify. But as the infection progresses, it’s important to have them checked immediately. Here are the common symptoms of dog UTI:

• Frequent urination. Dogs who often go out more than usual but only pee a small amount could be a sign of bladder irritation caused by a urinary tract infection. They might squat or lift their legs multiple times in one bathroom trip.  

• Accidents in the house. Dogs with UTI will also suddenly urinate indoors when they usually don’t. These often result from the discomfort they experience, which can make it hard for them to hold their bladder. 

• Straining or pain when urinating. Straining to urinate is a common sign of UTI in dogs. They will be crying or whining, which is a way they voice out their pain.

• Blood in the urine. Here, the urine may appear pink, red, or brown. When this happens, it's a situation that needs emergency care.

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Urine that looks cloudy with a foul smell is a usual indicator of bacterial growth in the dog's bladder.

• Licking the genital area. Dogs with UTI can be seen licking their genital areas to relieve the pain and discomfort they feel. This can be concerning, as licking will only worsen the issue.

• Changes in behavior. Dogs will also appear noticeably uncomfortable and stressed. They might be lethargic and choose to rest rather than play outside.

Complications From Untreated Dog UTI

While UTIs can appear minor at first, they can progress to more serious issues and health consequences if untreated. These often include kidney infections, bladder stones, sepsis, and chronic pain. 

Kidney infections happen when the bacteria ascend through the ureters and reach the kidneys. This is a serious issue that will most likely require hospitalization.

Long-term infection of the urinary tract can alter the pH balance of your dog’s urine, aiding in the formation of crystals that can form bladder stones. 

While rare, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream of dogs affected by UTIs, resulting in sepsis, a life-threatening condition.