It’s always hard to see your canine companion suffer. Unfortunately, one of the most common health issues in dogs is also quite uncomfortable for them. According to research, bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect 27% of all dogs during their lifetime.
Since your pup can’t tell you when they’re in pain, it’s important to pay attention to their behavior and take action if you notice any of the following UTI signs and symptoms.
What causes a UTI in dogs?
UTIs happen when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra. This harmful bacteria multiplies in the bladder, contributing to a host of health issues and discomfort. If left unchecked, dogs can develop bladder stones and further health complications.
Are certain dogs at a higher risk?
Female dogs are more likely to get UTIs since they have a shorter urethra with more opportunities for bacterial infection. Other dogs with compromised immune systems may also be at higher risk. This includes old dogs and those with conditions like diabetes mellitus or prostate issues.
Keep in mind, recurring bacterial UTIs are likely if your dog has developed bladder stones from a prior infection. Male dogs who haven’t been neutered might experience a prostate infection along with a UTI.
Signs of a UTI in dogs
Accidents indoors
Often the first sign of a UTI is that a housetrained dog will start having frequent accidents indoors. As with the other symptoms on this list, breaking house training could also indicate another underlying health condition.
Foul-smelling urine
Dog pee doesn’t usually smell appealing, but your pooch might have a UTI if it has a more pungent odor than normal.
Frequent urination
If your pup is scratching or whining at the door more than usual or stopping to pee many times on your daily walk (not marking territory), they could have a UTI. They might even ask to go out again when they return indoors.
Increased thirst
Keep an eye on your dog’s water bowl. Are you filling it up more frequently? Excessive thirst is often associated with UTIs.
Difficulty or pain when urinating
While it can sometimes be hard to spot pain in dogs, they will sometimes whimper or strain when peeing if they’re suffering from a UTI. Urinating with a bladder infection can be very uncomfortable for dogs so you must get them treatment as soon as possible.
If this issue continues for too long, your dog’s bladder could rupture — which could prove fatal.
Excessive licking of private parts
Dogs often lick to soothe an area that is irritated or painful. Some licking is normal, but when your pup starts excessively licking around its genitals, it indicates something is amiss.
Bloody or cloudy urine
You’re unlikely to notice this sign when your dog goes outdoors, but if you’re cleaning up an accident in your house and it has a pinkish hue, make a veterinary appointment as soon as possible. Bloody or cloudy urine could mean a UTI, but it could also be a sign of something more severe.
Bloody urine could also indicate:
- Poisoning
- Trauma
- Cancer
- Bladder stones
- Prostate issues
- Kidney disease
As a general rule, dogs with blood in their urine should be taken to the vet within 24 hours.
Leaking urine
Instead of a full stream, dogs with UTIs will sometimes have a small amount of urine leak out — even after indicating an urgent need to go. They may also leak urine unintentionally around the house.
Change in behavior
Because your dog won’t feel great if they have a UTI, they may begin acting lethargic or experience a loss of appetite.
Can puppies get UTIs?
Puppies can get UTIs but they often go noticed. Many of the signs of UTIs involve bathroom habits. As most pet owners know, young puppies aren’t exactly on a strict potty schedule. They may pee in the house, need to go to the bathroom frequently, and only pee small amounts at a time — and this is all totally normal with young dogs.
Pay close attention to any abnormal behavior, such as house training regression or signs of painful urination. If you’re unsure, it’s best to take them to the vet, just in case.
What to do if you notice these signs?
While these signs don’t always mean a UTI, they are certainly enough to warrant a trip to the vet when taken together. Make an appointment as soon as possible. When you catch a UTI early and get prompt treatment for your dog, it usually clears up quickly.
Remember, UTIs are not only uncomfortable and painful but could be a sign of an underlying issue such as a tumor, diabetes, kidney problems, or stone in the kidney, urethra, or bladder.
Can your dog have a UTI without symptoms?
Your dog could develop a UTI without exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above. In that case, it is unlikely that you would have any warning signs. Sometimes asymptomatic UTIs are caught by veterinarians performing wellness checks or when treating dogs for another condition.
How do vets treat a UTI in dogs?
The severity and treatment for a UTI will vary depending on the bacterial strain that caused it. Vets will often perform a urine test or analysis to help inform treatment. This analysis looks for bacteria, crystals, and abnormal blood cells.
Most vets will prescribe a round of antibiotics for dogs diagnosed with UTIs. The type of antibiotics will vary depending on the results of the urinalysis and the severity of the infection. Antibiotics are usually the best course of action to help clear up the bacteria as quickly as possible. Vets may also provide pain medication to help provide relief for your furry friend.
Some holistic vets prefer a more natural treatment since antibiotic overuse is a well-known problem and can decrease the effectiveness of the prescription. For mild UTIs, ask your vet about any antibiotic alternatives for mild UTIs or consider visiting a holistic animal care professional.
UTIs might also be caused by an underlying condition. Your vet will examine your dog thoroughly to determine if further treatment is required.
Note: After treatment, UTIs should clear up within days. Schedule a follow-up appointment if you don’t notice any improvement in symptoms or if they’re getting worse.
Can you treat a UTI at home?
It is always a good practice to make an appointment with the vet any time your dog is experiencing health issues. While you wait, these natural strategies could help provide some relief for your furry friend.
Cranberries: Just as cranberries can help relieve UTI symptoms in humans, they are also effective in dogs. Stick to fresh/dried cranberries without additives. Cranberry juice is usually from concentrate and has a lot of added sugar that could prove harmful to your pet.
Apple cider vinegar/lemon juice: Adding a small splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to your dog’s water bowl could help clear up a UTI and balance their pH levels.
How to prevent future UTIs
Ask your vet for strategies to help prevent recurring UTIs. Most experts recommend switching to high-quality natural or raw dog food with no additives and providing plenty of fresh water at all times. Encourage your dog to drink more water by providing a pet water fountain or adding ice cubes to their bowl on hot days.
Dogs who are forced to hold their urine for a long time are often at an increased risk of developing UTIs. Let your pup out frequently and provide a way for them to use the bathroom if you are gone all day at work.
Certain dog-safe probiotic supplements could effectively balance beneficial bacteria and reduce the risk of UTIs. They could also help counterbalance antibiotics, which kill good bacteria along with the bad. If your vet recommends antibiotics for a UTI, ask them about probiotics as well.
If your dog experiences frequent UTIs, consider a dog-safe urinary health supplement containing cranberry extract. This helps lower urine pH and reduces the risk of subsequent infections.
Don’t wait: Take action today!
Unfortunately, many UTIs are unavoidable, even in the healthiest pet. However, a quick response to symptoms and holistic prevention strategies could help them stay healthy and infection-free!
If you suspect that your dog might have a UTI, don’t wait to get them the care they need! UTIs only get worse without treatment and could prove incredibly harmful if left unchecked. Pay attention to your pup, take note of any unusual behavior, and make an appointment as soon as possible.
