Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common ailment in dogs, with approximately 14% of canine companions experiencing them at some point in their lives. These infections, often caused by bacteria that ascend the urethra into the bladder, can lead to significant discomfort and, if left untreated, serious health complications. Recognizing the signs and understanding the causes and treatment options for UTIs is crucial for every dog owner. Signs of UTIs in dogs often include frequent urination and straining. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to UTIs in dogs, covering symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
What Are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Dogs?
A UTI in dogs occurs when bacteria, typically found in the rectum, skin, or hair near the urethral opening, travel up the urethra and infect the bladder. While bacterial infections are most common, viral and fungal diseases can also lead to UTIs, though less frequently. The resulting inflammation and swelling of the bladder can cause pain and discomfort for your pet, manifesting in various recognizable symptoms.
Types of UTIs in Dogs
Veterinarians classify UTIs into two main categories:
- Simple or Uncomplicated (Sporadic Cystitis): This type occurs without any predisposing factors or other underlying health issues. Dogs experiencing fewer than three UTIs within a 12-month period typically fall into this category.
- Complicated or Recurrent: This classification applies to dogs with underlying medical conditions, predisposing causes, recent antibiotic usage, or those who have suffered more than three UTIs in the past year.
It is important to note that a UTI in a dog can become a veterinary emergency if not promptly addressed. Untreated infections can progress to life-threatening conditions such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection), sepsis, and ultimately, kidney failure.
Symptoms of UTIs in Dogs
Observing your dog’s behavior can provide early clues to a potential UTI. Key symptoms to watch for include:
- Painful urination (dysuria): Your dog may yelp, whine, or seem uncomfortable when urinating.
- Frequent urination of small amounts: You might notice your dog squatting to pee repeatedly but only producing a little urine each time.
- Urinary accidents: House-trained dogs may suddenly start having accidents indoors.
- Licking the genital area: Excessive licking around the vulva or penis, sometimes leading to salivary staining (a coppery color on the fur), can indicate irritation or infection.
- Bloody urination: You may notice blood in your dog’s urine.
- Increased odor of urine: The urine may have a stronger, more pungent smell than usual.
- Fever: In more severe or advanced cases, your dog might develop a fever.
Causes of UTIs in Dogs
As mentioned, the primary cause of UTIs in dogs is bacterial contamination. Common bacteria implicated include Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, and Proteus spp. Viral and fungal infections are less common causes.
Risk Factors That Increase UTI Likelihood
While any dog can develop a UTI, certain factors increase a dog’s susceptibility:
- Gender: Female dogs are more prone to UTIs than male dogs due to their shorter urethras.
- Age: Middle-aged to older dogs are at a higher risk.
- Immune status: Immunocompromised dogs are more vulnerable.
- Underlying health conditions: Diseases such as Cushing’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disease can predispose dogs to UTIs.
- Breed predispositions: Certain breeds, including Dalmatians and Shih Tzus, are more prone to developing crystals and bladder stones, which can increase UTI risk.
Health Conditions That Can Cause UTIs
Several specific health conditions can directly lead to or exacerbate UTIs:
- Urinary incontinence: This can lead to incomplete bladder emptying, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive.
- Hooded or recessed vulvas: In female dogs, a vulva that is tucked under the tail can trap moisture and bacteria, increasing infection risk.
- Polyps: These growths within the urinary tract can obstruct urine flow or harbor bacteria.
How Veterinarians Diagnose UTIs in Dogs
Diagnosing a UTI typically involves a multi-faceted approach by your veterinarian:
- Physical Examination: The vet will examine your dog’s urinary tract and genitalia for any signs of inflammation or disease. They will also palpate the abdomen to check for bladder tenderness.
- Urinalysis and Culture: A urine sample is crucial. It will be analyzed for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and other indicators of infection. A urine culture will identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine which antibiotics will be most effective.
- Rectal Examination (Male Dogs): In male dogs, a rectal exam may be performed to palpate the distal urethra and prostate gland.
- Blood Work: Blood tests can provide insights into your dog’s overall health and help identify any underlying systemic issues.
- Advanced Diagnostics: In persistent or complex cases, procedures like bladder biopsies, prostatic washes, or prostate cytology may be recommended.
Treatment of UTIs in Dogs
The cornerstone of UTI treatment in dogs is a course of antibiotics.
Antibiotic Therapy
Your veterinarian will prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic, usually given orally for several days. If the UTI is complicated, the antibiotic treatment may be extended for several weeks. It is imperative to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if your dog’s symptoms improve quickly.
Addressing Underlying Causes
For complicated UTIs, treatment will also focus on addressing any predisposing factors. This might include:
- Bladder Stones or Crystals: If bladder stones or crystals are present, treatment may involve surgery to remove them or a specialized dissolution diet, such as Royal Canin s/o or Hill’s s/d, designed to dissolve certain types of stones or crystals.
- Polyp Removal: Surgery or chemotherapy may be necessary to remove polyps or cancerous masses.
- Ectopic Ureter Correction: Surgical correction may be needed for ectopic ureters, an anatomical abnormality.
- Management of Chronic Diseases: For dogs with conditions like diabetes mellitus or Cushing’s disease, improved management of these underlying health issues is vital.
Pain Management
To alleviate discomfort and inflammation associated with UTIs, your vet may also prescribe pain medications, such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Rimadyl.
Recovery and Management of UTIs in Dogs
With prompt treatment, most dogs begin to show improvement within a few days of starting antibiotics. However, completing the full antibiotic course is critical to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up urine recheck a few weeks after treatment to confirm the infection is gone.
For complicated UTIs, repeat urine cultures during and after treatment might be advised. If a diet change was recommended, adhering to the new diet after a gradual transition is important. Encouraging increased water intake can also help by promoting more frequent urination, which reduces the chance of crystals forming into stones. Canned veterinary diets, such as Hill’s c/d urinary care, are beneficial due to their higher water content.
Prevention of UTIs in Dogs
While not all UTIs can be prevented, certain measures can help reduce the risk:
- Hygiene for Prone Breeds: For female dogs, especially those with overweight conditions or recessed vulvas, regular cleaning with pet wipes, such as unscented Earth Rated Thick Hypoallergenic Dog Grooming Wipes, can help maintain cleanliness. Medicated wipes may be recommended for dogs with recessed vulvas that tend to accumulate bacteria.
- Surgical Correction: Discuss with your veterinarian the potential benefits of surgery to correct hooded vulvas, which can significantly decrease UTI risk.
- Hydration and Potty Breaks: Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water and frequent opportunities to urinate. Using a water fountain might encourage increased water intake.
UTIs in Dogs FAQs
How can you tell if your dog has a UTI?
Common signs include frequent urination, straining or pain during urination, urinary accidents, and blood in the urine.
Can a dog’s UTI resolve on its own?
No, symptomatic UTIs in dogs require veterinary treatment, typically involving prescription antibiotics and potentially other medications. Left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious, life-threatening complications like kidney infections, sepsis, or kidney failure.
How can I treat my dog’s urine infection at home?
While some owners consider probiotics and cranberry extract (like Cranadin) for dogs with UTIs, scientific evidence for their consistent effectiveness is limited. The most reliable and recommended treatment for UTIs is veterinary care at a clinic, including appropriate antibiotics.
References
Byron JK. Urinary Tract Infection. The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice. 2019;49(2), 211–221.
Seguin MA, et al. Persistent Urinary Tract Infections and Reinfections in 100 Dogs (1989–1999). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2003;17, 622–631.
Yogeshpriya S, Pillai UN, Ajithkumar S, Unny M. Clinico-Haemato-Biochemical Profile of Dogs with Urinary Tract Infection: A retrospective study of 32 cases (2010–2012). International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 2018;7(9), 2797–2802.
