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 Can Dogs Get a 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
Dogs who can’t fully empty their bladder due to conditions such as bladder stones or tumors can experience having residual urine in the bladder. This unflushed urine can become an ideal spot for bacteria to grow.
Congenital Abnormalities
Other dogs experience anatomical abnormalities within the urinary tract, which can pool urine and allow the bacteria to invade. One example is ectopic ureters. Normally, these tubes carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
In ectopic ureters, the urine is drained at an abnormal location, leading to leakage and increasing the risk of a bacterial infection.
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. This makes it easier for the bacteria to invade and multiply.
Other Health Issues
Other health concerns, such as diabetes and Cushing’s disease, also increase the risk of urinary tract infections in dogs. 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.
Which Dogs Are at Risk of UTIs?
While urinary tract infections can affect any type of dog, there are some that carry an increased risk. Female dogs have a shorter urethra compared to males, which means bacteria can spread faster.
Older dogs are more likely to experience incontinence, diabetes, or a weakened immune system, which also increases the risk of canine UTIs.
Additionally, dogs who have excessive body weight can have more pressure on the bladder, increasing the risk of incontinence or 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. You may notice crying, whining, or noticeable discomfort when urinating. Straining is a common sign of a UTI.
Blood in the urine. Blood can also be present in the dog’s urine, which can appear as shades of pink, red, or brown. If you notice this, it’s recommended to seek emergency care.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine. A cloudy appearance and a foul smell are often indicators of bacterial growth in the dog’s bladder.
Licking the genital area. Due to the constant discomfort and pain, dogs will instinctively try to lick their genital area to relieve the pain. However, excessive licking can also 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.
How Do Vets Diagnose Dog UTI?
We’ll start with a physical examination and ask a few questions about your dog. This includes its behavior, urination patterns, and any recent changes in routine or health.
For the symptoms, we’ll check your dog’s abdomen to get an idea of your dog’s bladder condition. We’ll also take note of any swelling, discharge, or inflammation.
The main diagnostic test for UTI in dogs is a urinalysis. Here, we collect a sample of your dog’s urine and assess its physical characteristics and chemical composition.
We typically collect the sample through cystocentesis, a process that involves needle aspiration. This minimizes the contamination from the urethra and skin.
Indicators such as the urine’s color, concentration, and pH, as well as the presence of protein and glucose, can help us asses your dog’s bladder health. We’ll also do a microscopic examination to check for any bacteria, white blood cells, and other indicators.
If we suspect a canine UTI, then we will send a sample for a culture and sensitivity test. This test helps us identify the type of bacteria that has caused the infection and allows us to determine the most effective antibiotics for it.
Additional tests, such as blood tests, can help rule out other underlying conditions. X-rays and ultrasounds can help detect any bladder stones, tumors, or structural abnormalities.
How to Treat UTI in Dogs?

Once the urinary tract infection has been confirmed, we’ll recommend a treatment plan based on the bacteria that caused it and your dog’s condition.
Medication
The main treatment option is through antibiotics. UTIs in dogs are effectively treated with oral antibiotics, which work systematically to eliminate the bacteria. Common types include amoxicillin and cephalexin.
The process usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks. However, it’s always recommended to follow the vet’s instructions and to complete the full course.
Additionally, we may prescribe pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications in some cases.
Surgery
For canine UTIs caused by bladder stones and tumors, we’ll have to do more invasive procedures to help eliminate the bacteria. While smaller bladder stones can be flushed out, bigger stones will need to be surgically removed.
For issues such as ectopic ureters, we may also need to surgically correct them to restore normal function.
Health Management
If your dog’s UTI has been caused by diabetes or Cushing’s disease, then the appropriate management options will be done. This includes antibiotics for the actual UTI, insulin shots for diabetes, and medication to reduce cortisol production for Cushing’s.
Home Remedies for Dog UTI
While some home remedies can help support recovery, they are not direct substitutes for the main treatment options. The simplest way is to help your dog drink more water. Drinking water helps flush out bacteria and cleanse the urinary tract. They also restore lost hydration levels.
Maintaining a healthy gut and immune system can also support urinary health. Use probiotics for dogs to help with recovery and prevent recurrence.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent UTI in Dogs
Prevention is always better than treatment. If you’re able to protect your dog from a urinary tract infection, then you’ll save them from a whole lot of pain and discomfort. Here are a few tips:
Encourage regular bathroom breaks
Allow your dog frequent opportunities to urinate throughout the day. If they have a usual spot they want to relieve themselves to, then be sure to provide easy access.
Keep your dog hydrated
Plenty of fresh, clean water can flush out bacteria and help keep the urinary tract clean. It’s also good for maintaining good hydration levels and overall health.
Practice regular grooming
Bathing your dog regularly helps prevent debris and bacteria from collecting around the urethral opening. Also, be sure to trim long hair near the genitals.
“Never ignore the smallest signs. A healthy bladder means a happy pup.”
- Dr. Lidija Krvavac
Final Thoughts
Urinary tract infections might be easy to deal with, but they can quickly progress to more serious health issues if not taken seriously. If you notice any of the signs, then it’s essential to have your dog checked and treated right away.
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