Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are fairly common in dogs, but that doesn’t make them any less uncomfortable for your pet. In this article, we’ll look at seven common symptoms of UTIs so that you can identify this issue early and get your dog the proper treatment before the issue progresses.
What Causes UTIs in Dogs?
Dog UTIs are generally fall into two categories:
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Simple or uncomplicated UTI (sporadic cystitis): These UTIs generally occur with no predisposing factors or other diseases present. Typically, when a dog has less than three UTIs over the course of 12 months, it is likely to be a simple UTI.
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Recurrent or complicated UTI: Generally, these types of UTIs indicate an underlying medical condition or a predisposition. Recent antibiotic usage can also be a factor. This is usually the case for pets with more than three UTIs over a 12-month period.
UTIs typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, but underlying conditions can increase risk. Here’s a short list of some of the more common causes:
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Bacterial infection (often E. coli)
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Bladder stones or crystals
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Poor hygiene or infrequent urination
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Weak immune system or diabetes
Identifying the cause of your dog’s UTI is key to prescribing effective treatment and preventing any future infections. That’s why it’s important to take your dog to a veterinary professional if you believe your dog has a urinary tract infection.
7 Common Symptoms of a Dog Urinary Tract Infection
Here are seven common dog UTI symptoms that you, as a pet owner, should keep an eye out for.
1. Frequent Urination or Accidents Indoors
If your dog suddenly begins to urinate much more frequently than normal, it could indicate that their urinary tract is infected, which makes it difficult or even painful to urinate. When this happens, the bladder fills up and the dog feels the urgency to pee more often—sometimes causing indoor accidents.
2. Straining or Pain During Urination
As we discussed above, infections can make urinating painful for your pet (dysuria). One of the signs that your dog is in pain is straining to urinate.
3. Blood in the Urine
Another sign that your dog might have a UTI is blood in the urine (hematuria). This could indicate an infection or, potentially, a kidney or bladder stone.
4. Strong or Foul-Smelling Urine
Strong, cloudy, and foul-smelling urine are other common symptoms of an infection. The strong smell, in particular, can be a noticeable indicator of a UTI.
5. Excessive Licking of the Genital Area
Dogs licking their genital areas is a common part of their washing. But excessive licking can indicate that your pet senses that something is wrong and is trying to soothe their discomfort.
6. Lethargy or Loss of Appetite
Lethargy and loss of appetite are common indicators that your dog isn’t feeling well. These conditions can be caused by a number of factors, including an infection in their urinary system.
7. Whining or Restlessness
Whining and restlessness are other common symptoms of UTI in dogs. These behaviors are indicators that your dog is in pain or discomfort.
If your dog is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away. A urinary tract infection should be considered an emergency, so don’t be passive and hope the problem will go away. Early treatment can help to minimize the issue. But if left untreated, a bacterial UTI can lead to serious complications, including kidney infection (pyelonephritis), sepsis, and even kidney failure.
Dog Supplement for Bladder Health
Happy Paws offers a dog supplement specifically formulated to promote urinary tract health. Bladder Health Dog Chews are a vet-approved supplement designed to support your dog’s urinary and bladder health, as well as provide immune support. These natural, vegan supplements contain cranberry for maintaining urinary tract function, antioxidant-rich kona berry, marshmallow root for kidney support, and a host of vitamins, including A, C, D, and B-complex. These tasty chews are certified organic, non-GMO, and come in an easy-to-feed vegan chicken flavor. The soft chew format makes these supplements ideal for daily use and the weight-based dosing makes them safe for dogs of all sizes.
How to Prevent UTIs in Dogs
Sometimes UTIs are inevitable, especially for female dogs, older dogs, and certain predisposed dog breeds. But there are things you can do to help prevent infections:
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Encourage frequent potty breaks
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Keep your dog’s water bowl clean and full
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Maintain proper hygiene, especially for female dogs
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Provide your pet with a balanced, vet-approved diet
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Schedule regular checkups for early detection
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Give your dog daily supplements designed to promote urinary health
Consistent hydration, good hygiene, and a targeted diet and supplement regimen can help your dog to better maintain their urinary health.
When to See a Vet
As we mentioned earlier, UTIs rarely clear up on their own, so it’s important to visit your veterinarian right away if your dog is showing symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Your vet will perform a thorough examination, take a sample of your dog’s urine for urinalysis, and will likely send a culture off to a lab to determine the exact bacteria that is affecting your dog. They may also perform blood work or imaging scans.
If all of this sounds drastic, that’s because a urinary tract infection is an emergency condition. It’s vitally important that your dog receives immediate treatment, which can include antibiotics and prescription diets. Remember, untreated infections can spread to the bladder or kidneys, and lead to much more serious complications.
FAQs
Why is my dog peeing so much?
Excessive peeing (polyuria) can be caused by easily remedied issues, like increased water intake, high-salt diets, stress, or a reaction to a medication. But it can also indicate medical issues, such as UTIs, bladder stones, and more serious diseases. That’s why it’s important to see your vet right away if your dog is showing signs of excessive urination.
What are the signs of a UTI in a female dog?
A female dog might exhibit any of the symptoms mentioned in this article to indicate a UTI. Three signs that are particularly common for female dogs are genital licking, dark staining or abnormal discharge around the vulva, and incontinence.
Will a dog's UTI go away on its own?
It’s rare that a dog’s UTI goes away on its own. In fact, if left untreated, these infections can spread and cause serious health damage to your pet.
Is cranberry juice good for dog UTIs?
While cranberries are an excellent promoter of good urinary health, cranberry juice is not recommended for dogs. However, you can find cranberry in appropriate dosages for dogs in specialized dog food and supplements.
How do I treat my dog's UTI at home?
Do not attempt to treat your dog’s UTI without consulting your veterinarian. A trained vet is better equipped to identify the issue and prescribe a proper course of treatment.
