Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common ailment in dogs, particularly affecting senior pets and those with specific physical predispositions. Recognizing the signs and understanding the causes and treatments are crucial for any dog owner. This article provides comprehensive information on UTIs in dogs, offering guidance on how to identify, manage, and potentially prevent these infections, ensuring your canine companion stays healthy and comfortable.
Key Takeaways:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs are frequently caused by bacteria ascending the urethra into the bladder.
- Hallmarks of a UTI include increased urinary frequency, straining during urination, producing only small amounts of urine, and occasionally, blood or a foul odor in the urine.
- Prompt veterinary intervention is essential. Untreated UTIs can escalate to severe complications, and effective treatment typically involves targeted antibiotics and diligent follow-up care.
What Are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Dogs?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a prevalent condition in canine veterinary medicine, impacting approximately 14% of dogs at some point in their lives. These infections are commonly initiated by bacteria, often found in the rectal area, on the skin, or in the hair surrounding the external urethral opening. These bacteria can travel up the urethra and into the bladder, leading to an infection. While less frequent, viral and fungal agents can also be responsible for UTIs in dogs.
A UTI in dogs triggers pain and inflammation within the bladder, manifesting as symptoms such as painful or bloody urination. Prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment are vital, as untreated UTIs can progress to serious, life-threatening conditions like pyelonephritis (kidney infection), sepsis, and kidney failure.
Types of UTIs in Dogs
UTIs in dogs are categorized into two main types:
- Simple or uncomplicated (sporadic cystitis): This occurs in the absence of predisposing factors or other concurrent diseases, and the dog experiences fewer than three UTIs within a 12-month period.
- Complicated or recurrent: These infections are associated with underlying medical conditions, predisposing causes, recent antibiotic use, or more than three UTIs within the past year.
It is important to note that a UTI in a dog can represent a veterinary emergency, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of UTIs in Dogs
The signs of a UTI in dogs can vary, but commonly include:
- Painful urination (dysuria).
- The passage of small amounts of urine, sometimes appearing as dribbling.
- Urinary accidents in the house.
- Excessive licking of the genital area or visible inflammation (swelling) of the genitals, occasionally leading to salivary staining on the fur.
- Blood in the urine.
- A noticeable increase in the odor of the urine.
In more severe or untreated cases, additional symptoms may arise, such as fever.
Causes of UTIs in Dogs
The most frequent culprits behind UTIs in dogs are bacteria that typically reside on the skin or in the rectal area, migrating upwards through the external urethral opening. Viral and fungal infections are less common causes.
Prominent bacteria implicated in these infections include:
- Staphylococcus
- Enterococcus
- Enterobacter
- Proteus spp.
Risk Factors That Increase UTI Likelihood
While female dogs are generally more susceptible to UTIs than males, any dog, regardless of age or breed, can be affected. Middle-aged to older dogs, those with compromised immune systems, and individuals with certain co-existing health conditions such as Cushing’s disease, diabetes mellitus, or kidney disease are at an elevated risk. Certain breeds, including Dalmatians and Shih Tzus, are also more predisposed to developing urinary crystals and bladder stones, which can, in turn, increase their risk of UTIs.
Health Conditions That Can Cause UTIs
Several health conditions can predispose dogs to developing UTIs:
- Urinary incontinence.
- Hooded or recessed vulvas in female dogs.
- The presence of polyps.
How Veterinarians Diagnose UTIs in Dogs
Veterinary diagnosis of a UTI in dogs typically involves a multi-faceted approach:
- Physical Examination: The veterinarian will meticulously examine the dog’s urinary tract and external genitalia for any physical indications of disease or inflammation.
- Abdominal Palpation: Gently feeling the abdomen helps the vet assess for bladder pain or discomfort.
- Urinalysis and Culture: A urine sample is usually collected and sent to a laboratory for culture and sensitivity testing. This crucial step identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection and determines which antibiotics will be most effective.
- Rectal Examination (Males): In male dogs, a rectal exam may be performed to palpate the lower part of the urethra and the prostate gland.
- Blood Work: General blood tests may be conducted to evaluate the dog’s overall health and check for underlying systemic issues.
For complex or persistent cases, further diagnostic procedures might include a bladder biopsy or, in male dogs, a prostatic wash or prostate cytology to investigate the reproductive tract.
Treatment of UTIs in Dogs
The cornerstone of UTI treatment in dogs is a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. These are typically administered for several days, with common choices including amoxicillin, cephalexin, or trimethoprim-sulfa.
In cases of complicated UTIs, antibiotic treatment may be extended to several weeks. Simultaneously, the veterinarian will address any underlying or predisposing factors contributing to the recurrent infections.
If bladder stones or crystals are present, treatment may also involve dietary changes with therapeutic urinary diets designed to dissolve specific types of stones (like Royal Canin S/O or Hill’s s/d), or surgical removal of the stones. Conditions like polyps or cancerous masses may require surgical intervention or chemotherapy. For dogs managing chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus or Cushing’s disease, optimizing the management of these conditions is integral to successfully treating the UTI.
To alleviate the discomfort and inflammation associated with a UTI, your veterinarian might also prescribe pain medications, such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like carprofen (Rimadyl).
Recovery and Management of UTIs in Dogs
Symptoms of a UTI in dogs often begin to subside within a few days of starting appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, it is imperative that the dog completes the entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if they appear to have fully recovered. Prematurely stopping medication can lead to a relapse or the development of antibiotic resistance.
A follow-up urine culture, typically performed a few weeks after completing treatment, may be recommended to confirm the complete eradication of the infection. Hospitalization is rarely necessary for uncomplicated UTIs.
For dogs with complicated UTIs, your veterinarian may suggest repeat urine cultures throughout and after the antibiotic course to ensure the infection is fully resolved. Dietary adjustments may also be recommended; if so, adhering strictly to the new diet after a gradual transition period is crucial. Increasing your dog’s water intake can also be beneficial, as it encourages more frequent urination, which helps prevent crystals from accumulating and forming stones. Canned veterinary diets formulated for urinary health, such as Hill’s c/d urinary care, are excellent choices due to their higher moisture content.
Prevention of UTIs in Dogs
While not all UTIs can be prevented, several strategies can help reduce your dog’s risk:
- Hygiene for Females: For female dogs, especially those who are overweight or have hooded vulvas, maintaining good hygiene can be beneficial. Regular cleaning with unscented pet wipes can help remove bacteria. In cases of recessed vulvas that tend to trap bacteria and yeast, medicated wipes like Douxo S3 Pyo Antiseptic Antifungal Wipes might be recommended by your veterinarian. Discussing surgical correction of hooded vulvas with your vet could also decrease UTI risk.
- Encourage Hydration: Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water. Using a pet water fountain can encourage increased intake. Frequent potty breaks are also important to ensure regular bladder emptying.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of several health issues, including those that predispose dogs to UTIs.
UTIs in Dogs FAQs
How can you tell if your dog has a UTI?
Common signs include frequent urination, straining or pain during urination, house-soiling accidents, or blood in the urine.
Can a dog’s UTI resolve on its own?
Symptomatic UTIs in dogs require veterinary treatment, typically involving prescription antibiotics, pain relievers, probiotics, or dietary changes. Left untreated, a UTI can lead to severe complications such as kidney infections, sepsis, or kidney failure.
How can I treat my dog’s urine infection at home?
While probiotics and cranberry extract (like Nutramax Crananidin) are sometimes suggested to support urinary health, scientific evidence for their effectiveness in treating active UTIs in dogs is limited. The most reliable and effective treatment for a dog’s UTI is veterinary care, including prescribed antibiotics. Always consult your veterinarian before attempting any home remedies.
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.
