Key Takeaways
Risk factors include poor hygiene, bladder stones, anatomical abnormalities, and underlying health conditions.
Accurate diagnosis involves a urinalysis and urine culture.
Oral antibiotic therapy is the definitive treatment, accompanied by supportive care and follow-up checkups.
Summary
UTI is short for urinary tract infection. It's a common canine issue primarily caused by bacteria but can also be fungal in rare cases. The infection commonly affects the bladder and urethra of dogs, causing deep discomfort and inflammation.
The infection occurs when bacteria, most often Escherichia coli, travel through the urinary tract of dogs and multiply within it. These infections usually worsen and lead to more internal health problems.
The symptoms start subtly, much like most infections. That's why it's crucial to get ahead.
UTI Symptoms
The common symptoms our veterinarians observe include:
Frequent urination. Dogs urinate more often, but mostly in small amounts. Some may squat, lift their legs, or take multiple trips.
Urinary accidents in the house. Some may have accidents indoors and in places where they usually don't.
Straining to urinate. You may notice your dog straining to urinate due to the pain, which is a common sign of UTI in dogs.
Blood in urine. Bloody urine is a significant concern. Urine that looks pink, red, or brown requires emergency care.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Urine that looks cloudy with a foul smell is a common indicator of bacterial growth in the dog’s bladder.
Licking the genital area. The constant discomfort may make dogs lick their genital area to relieve pain and discomfort.
Changes in behavior. Dogs will also appear noticeably uncomfortable and stressed. They might be lethargic and choose to rest rather than play outside, and some may even have a loss of appetite.
How Dogs Get UTI
Dogs contract UTI when bacteria from the skin or digestive tract migrate up to the urethra and into the bladder.
In a healthy dog, regular urination usually flushes bacteria out. If the bladder isn't cleared out, bacteria can multiply and cause a urinary tract infection. Holding urine for extended periods increases the risk that bacteria will not be washed away.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors contribute to UTIs in dogs.
Dogs with unclean genital areas or with poor overall grooming are at a higher risk of urinary tract infections. This is especially true for long-haired breeds or dogs with excess folds on their private areas. One example is a hooded vulva.
Additionally, bladder stones and tumors may alter the healthy lining of the urinary bladder, causing inflammation. They can also lead to blockages that leave residual urine. Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises, and Yorkshire Terriers are prone to this.
UTI in dogs can also be caused by anatomical abnormalities that disrupt normal urine flow and contribute to 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 and urinary incontinence.
Female dogs are at greater risk of bladder infections than male dogs. This is because the urethra is much shorter and wider in females. Plus, the anus is closer to the genitals.
Underlying health conditions may also contribute to UTI, including diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, and chronic kidney disease.
Potential Complications
When left untreated, UTI can result in serious complications that can threaten your dog's health.
Kidney infection
Bladder stones
Urethral obstruction
Sepsis
Diagnostic Tests
"We'll collect a sample of your dog's urine through a painless bladder tap called cystocentesis. This method of collecting urine ensures that the sample isn't affected by bacterial contamination," says Dr. Soheyl.
The urine sample is tested for acidity, blood, and concentration. We can examine for red and white blood cells.
If the RBC count is elevated, there is bleeding.
If the WBC count is elevated, there is an infection.
Other indicators, such as the presence of protein, ketones, and crystals, can help us identify kidney disease, diabetes, and bladder stones, respectively.
"A urine culture and sensitivity test is the only way to confirm UTI in dogs. The same is placed in an incubator to let the bacteria grow, allowing us to identify the exact type involved," says Dr. Soheyl. The urine culture results also help us determine the most effective antimicrobial drug to use.
Additional diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and X-rays and ultrasounds, can help rule out other underlying conditions, including bladder stones, tumors, or structural abnormalities.
Treatment
Urinary tract infections are treated with antimicrobial therapy and supportive care. The appropriate treatment method will be based on your dog's symptoms and laboratory test results.
Medication
Oral antibiotic treatment is the main form of medication, which may include amoxicillin or cephalexin. Drug therapy is highly effective, taking about 7-14 days. For complicated cases of bacterial cystitis and urinary tract infections overall, treatment may take 3-6 months.
Since the infection can be painful, our vets will often prescribe anti-inflammatory or pain medications such as carprofen. A follow-up urinalysis may be recommended for successful treatment, especially for recurrent UTI 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 used. This includes antibiotics for the actual UTI, insulin shots for diabetes, and medication to reduce cortisol production for Cushing's.
How to Prevent Dog UTI
Encourage your dog to drink more water by placing multiple water bowls around the house. You may also switch to wet food or use a water fountain. Promoting good urinary tract health starts with hydration.
Allow your dog frequent opportunities to urinate throughout the day. If they have a usual spot they want to relieve themselves in, then be sure to provide easy access.
Additionally, practice regular grooming, especially on the genital areas. It's good practice to keep the urinary opening clean, especially in long-haired dogs and those with skin folds. Bathe your dog once every 1-3 months and trim any long fur near the genitals.
A nutritionally complete and balanced diet also supports urinary health, and some dogs may need a veterinary-recommended urinary diet.
“Never ignore the smallest signs, especially for UTI. A healthy bladder means a happy pup.”
- Dr. Lidija Krvavac
Urinary tract infections in dogs 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Worried about your pet?
We’re here for urgent care, wellness checks, or anything in between.
