A pet owner’s guide to urinary tract infections in dogs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs. A lot of the signs associated with UTIs, like frequent urination and bloody urine, also show up with other urinary conditions. UTIs require veterinary care for a definitive diagnosis and proper treatment. If you have a dog, read on to learn:

• What are the common signs of UTIs in dogs?
• How are UTIs in dogs diagnosed and treated?
• How do dogs get UTIs?
• What should I do if my dog has UTI symptoms?

The most common type of UTI in dogs is bacterial infections in the bladder. To determine the cause of urinary signs and symptoms, your veterinarian needs to test a sample of your dog’s urine as well as perform other diagnostic tests. Bacterial urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian.

The urinary tract consists of the bladder, ureters, urethra, and kidneys. A urinary tract infection occurs when harmful bacteria infect any part of the urinary tract. The term “UTI” usually refers to a bacterial bladder infection, since that’s the most common type of urinary tract infection. “Cystitis” is another term for a bacterial infection of the bladder, but it can also refer to any type of bladder inflammation, which is not always related to an infection. Even though UTIs are caused by bacteria, they’re not contagious.

The bladder holds urine until a dog is ready to urinate. Although exposed to potentially harmful bacteria every day, a healthy bladder can prevent bacteria from causing infections. Not all infections lead to clinical signs. The majority of dogs with UTIs show signs that are limited to the urinary tract, such as frequent urination or dribbling, but sometimes signs show up in other parts of the body, such as fever or appetite loss. Urinary tract infections in the bladder can spread to the kidneys, but while this is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication, it’s also uncommon.

Bacterial bladder infections are the most common UTIs in dogs, especially in females. More than one in ten dogs have a bladder infection at some point in their lifetime. Female dogs have a shorter urethra than males, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder and cause an infection . Their anatomy also places their urethra closer to the anus, where potentially harmful E. coli bacteria are present. Kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, are a less common type of UTI in dogs, but bacterial infection in the kidneys can happen when bacteria from an untreated bladder infection travel up the ureters and establish in the kidneys.

Bladder infections occur most commonly in senior dogs and diabetic dogs. Dogs under the age of three may also be at increased risk.

Signs of UTIs in dogs can vary depending on the severity and location of the infection. Some dogs with minor UTIs have no clinical signs. When present, signs of bladder infections in dogs may include:

• Dark or bloody urine
• Dribbling urine
• Inability to hold urine as long as usual
• Frequent urination, often in small amounts
• Excessively licking the genitals
• Straining to urinate
• Genital discharge
• Wet or matted fur around the groin

Dogs with bacterial kidney infections may also experience:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite

Some dog owners may confuse their dog having difficulty holding their urine with urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is when a dog has no control or awareness of urinating, leading to leaking or dribbling urine. Dogs with UTIs are usually aware that they’re urinating and actively urinate, but they may need to urinate more frequently than normal and have accidents as a result.

After a physical exam and discussion of your dog’s presenting signs and symptoms, a veterinarian usually starts by recommending a urinalysis. Urine samples are collected either as the dog urinates or directly from the bladder to prevent contamination. A urinalysis checks for bacteria, proteins, crystals, and other abnormal properties that may help identify the underlying cause of the urinary signs and symptoms. A urine culture may also be necessary to check for bacterial growth. Other diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and diagnostic imaging, may be recommended to rule out other underlying conditions with similar signs and symptoms.

Is a canine UTI an emergency?

UTIs aren’t usually emergencies unless there are severe complications that cause your dog to have trouble urinating or show other concerning signs. Unproductive straining, when a dog is unable to urinate, is a medical emergency. It can be difficult to tell if your dog is straining unproductively if they’re only urinating a small amount at a time. It’s best to talk to a vet when you’re unsure, just to be safe. Prompt treatment is recommended to relieve symptoms and prevent infections from getting worse.

Most UTIs are bacterial infections and are treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic may vary based on urinalysis and urine culture results as well as the location of the infection. Other treatments may include:

• Pain medication
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Fluid therapy
• Other supportive care

It’s important to finish the complete course of antibiotics, even if signs and symptoms go away before the antibiotics are finished. Discontinuing antibiotics too soon may encourage the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, leading to UTIs that are more difficult to treat. A veterinarian may instruct you to change antibiotics once the results of a urine culture come in if another medication will be more effective. Most UTIs will clear up with antibiotics relatively quickly.

After treatment, a veterinarian may recommend a follow-up urinalysis to ensure the infection has been cleared. If your dog develops urinary tract infections frequently, your veterinarian may recommend strategies for long-term management, such as a special diet or treatment for a condition that’s contributing to the UTIs.

Can I treat my dog’s UTI at home?

For successful treatment, bacterial UTIs require antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. There are many health conditions that have symptoms similar to UTIs, so diagnostic testing is necessary before administering any type of treatment. “Other remedies like cranberry supplements, while unlikely to be harmful, do not have strong evidence suggesting they work,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “Taking time to try home remedies delays appropriate care and prolongs the dog’s discomfort, and giving ‘leftover’ antibiotics or human antibiotics can be ineffective at best and dangerous at worst.” Always fully complete a course of antibiotics unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian, and never give antibiotics that were not prescribed.

Dogs usually get urinary tract infections when bacteria travel up the urethra and establish themselves in the bladder. E. coli, which is common near the anus because of its presence in feces, is the most common bacteria to cause UTIs in dogs.

Kidney infections most often occur when bacterial bladder infections are left untreated, and the bacteria spread up the ureters to the kidneys. Underlying health conditions can decrease the health of the urinary system, predisposing the dog to UTIs.

Is my dog at risk for urinary tract disease?

Some dogs are more at risk than others for developing urinary tract diseases. Female dogs and senior dogs are predisposed, and so are dogs on immunosuppressive medications. The urinary tracts or sex organs of some dogs have certain anatomical features that may put them at higher risk for urinary tract diseases, such as the close proximity of a female dog’s urethra to their anus. Other medical conditions may also increase the likelihood that a dog develops a urinary tract infection, including:

• Diabetes
• Cushing’s disease
• Kidney disease
• Prostate disease
• Cancer or tumors in the urinary tract
• Bladder stones
• Urinary or fecal incontinence

It’s important to talk to a vet for a definitive diagnosis, including identification of predisposing factors and associated conditions, so proper treatment can be given to your dog.

How can I promote my dog’s urinary health?

Adequate hydration is necessary for urinary tract health. Access to plenty of clean, fresh water is all that’s necessary for a healthy dog to stay hydrated. If your dog’s ability to stay hydrated is compromised due to underlying health conditions, you’ll need to manage your dog’s overall health carefully to maintain urinary health. Feeding a nutritionally complete and balanced diet is also beneficial, along with sticking to a special urinary diet when it is recommended by a veterinarian. Talk to a vet if you think your dog may benefit from a special diet. There is little evidence supporting claims that cranberries or urinary supplements have a significant impact on urinary health or prevent urinary disease.

Observe your dog closely so you can accurately describe urinary symptoms to the vet. Many dogs will not show their symptoms at the vet as readily as they do at home. Keep an eye out for:

• Frequently urinating in small amounts
• Leaking urine overnight
• Blood in urine or passing drops of blood at the end of the stream
• Unproductive straining
• Producing more urine than usual
• Drinking more than usual
• Changes in behavior or energy levels
• Difficulties with mobility
• Constipation

Talk to a vet any time your dog experiences symptoms of a UTI. Other urinary tract diseases in dogs have similar symptoms and can be confused with a UTI, and some may be emergencies. Other medical conditions outside of the urinary system can also have similar symptoms, such as excessive urination from diabetes or straining from constipation. A UTI should be treated promptly to prevent the disease from getting worse. If a dog is having difficulty urinating or cannot urinate, seek veterinary care right away.

It’s important to contact a vet if your dog is experiencing changes in its physical health or behavior. If you need advice on your dog’s urinary signs and symptoms or you need help determining whether your dog’s condition is an emergency, you can easily talk to a veterinary professional in a virtual vet appointment through Vetster.

What are the signs of a UTI in dogs?

Bladder infection signs in dogs include bloody urine and an increased frequency of urination, often while producing only small amounts. A dog may also strain while urinating. Dogs with severe infections may also experience lethargy, a loss of appetite, and vomiting or diarrhea.

Can I treat my dog’s UTI without going to a vet?

A trip to the vet is necessary to accurately diagnose your dog's urinary symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment. Home treatments, such as cranberry supplements, do not have strong evidence suggesting they work. In addition, attempting home or natural treatments delays appropriate care and can allow a dog’s infection to worsen or spread. Never give a dog “leftover” antibiotics or medications that a veterinarian has not prescribed in an attempt to treat a dog’s UTI at home.

Can a dog’s UTI heal on its own?

UTIs in dogs are unlikely to clear up on their own, although urinary signs due to other medical conditions may wax and wane. In addition, a dog’s UTI may have been triggered by another underlying health condition that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian. Bacterial growth from an untreated UTI can spread into the kidneys, causing a dangerous infection. It’s recommended that you seek veterinary care for an accurate diagnosis and successful treatment of a dog’s urinary symptoms.

Is my dog’s UTI an emergency?

Bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs are usually not emergencies, but they may have unpleasant or painful signs and symptoms that need prompt treatment. However, many health conditions, such as kidney disease and urinary blockages, can have similar signs as UTIs and can indicate an emergency.

What is the most common cause of UTIs in dogs?

Urinary tract infections occur when harmful bacteria, usually E. coli, enter the urinary tract and become established there. UTIs are more common in female dogs, whose urethras are shorter and positioned closer to the anus, and dogs who have diabetes and other health conditions that increase their risk. Dogs taking medications that lower their ability to fight off infection are also at risk.