Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common ailment affecting approximately 14% of dogs. These infections, often caused by bacteria, can lead to discomfort and, if left untreated, more severe health complications. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options is crucial for every dog owner. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about UTIs in dogs and how to ensure your pet receives timely and effective care.
What Are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Dogs?
A UTI in dogs occurs when bacteria, typically found around the rectum, skin, or hair near the urethral opening, travel up the urethra and into the bladder. While bacterial infections are the most common cause, viral and fungal infections can also lead to UTIs, though less frequently. The infection causes pain and swelling of the bladder, manifesting in symptoms such as painful urination, blood in the urine, and urinary accidents.
There are two main types of UTIs in dogs:
- Simple or uncomplicated (sporadic cystitis): This type occurs in dogs without underlying medical conditions or predisposing factors, with fewer than three UTIs in the past year.
- Complicated or recurrent: This type is seen in pets with existing health issues, predisposing causes, or those who have recently used antibiotics. Recurrent UTIs are defined as more than three infections in the past 12 months.
It’s important to recognize that a UTI can become a veterinary emergency. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious complications such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection), sepsis, and kidney failure, which can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of UTIs in Dogs
Recognizing the symptoms of a UTI is the first step toward getting your dog the help they need. Common signs include:
- Painful urination (dysuria): Your dog may whine, cry, or seem distressed when urinating.
- Frequent urination of small amounts: You might observe your dog squatting to urinate more often but only passing small volumes of urine.
- Urinary accidents: Even house-trained dogs may have accidents due to the urgency and discomfort associated with UTIs.
- Licking the genital area: Excessive licking around the vulva or penis can indicate irritation or infection. You might also notice inflammation or swelling in this region, sometimes accompanied by salivary staining of the fur.
- Bloody urination: Blood may be visible in your dog’s urine.
- Increased urine odor: The urine may have a stronger, more offensive smell than usual.
In severe or untreated cases, additional symptoms may arise, including fever.
Causes of UTIs in Dogs
The primary cause of UTIs in dogs is bacterial contamination. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, and Proteus spp. are commonly implicated. These bacteria typically ascend from the external environment into the bladder.
Several risk factors can increase a dog’s susceptibility to UTIs:
- Gender: Female dogs are more prone to UTIs than males due to their shorter urethras.
- Age: Middle-aged to older dogs are at higher risk.
- Immune status: Immunocompromised dogs have a weakened ability to fight off infections.
- Underlying health conditions: Diseases like Cushing’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disease can predispose dogs to UTIs. Certain breeds are also more prone to developing crystals and bladder stones, which can lead to UTIs. These include Dalmatians and Shih Tzus.
- Anatomical factors: Conditions such as urinary incontinence, hooded or recessed vulvas in females, and polyps can contribute to recurrent infections.
How Veterinarians Diagnose UTIs in Dogs
When you suspect your dog has a UTI, a veterinarian will perform a thorough diagnostic workup:
- Physical Examination: The vet will examine your dog’s urinary tract and genitalia for signs of disease or inflammation and palpate the abdomen to check for bladder pain.
- Urinalysis and Culture: A urine sample is collected and sent to a laboratory for culture and sensitivity testing. This identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection and determines which antibiotics will be most effective.
- Rectal Examination: In male dogs, a rectal exam may be performed to palpate the prostate and distal urethra.
- Blood Work: Blood tests may be recommended to assess overall health and check for underlying systemic issues.
- Advanced Diagnostics: In complex or persistent cases, further diagnostics such as a bladder biopsy, prostatic wash, or prostate cytology might be necessary.
Treatment of UTIs in Dogs
The cornerstone of UTI treatment in dogs is a course of antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian. For simple UTIs, a broad-spectrum antibiotic is typically given for several days. In complicated cases, antibiotic treatment may be extended for several weeks, and any underlying or predisposing causes must also be addressed.
If bladder stones or crystals are present, treatment may involve:
- Dissolution diets: Special veterinary diets, such as Royal Canin veterinary diet or Hill’s s/d, can help dissolve certain types of stones or crystals.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical removal of stones or polyps may be required.
For dogs with underlying conditions like diabetes or Cushing’s disease, managing these conditions effectively is also crucial for treating the UTI. Your vet may also prescribe pain medications, such as NSAIDs (like Rimadyl), to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.
Recovery and Management of UTIs in Dogs
Many dogs begin to show improvement within a few days of starting antibiotics. However, it is critical to complete the entire course of prescribed medication, even if your dog’s symptoms disappear. This ensures the infection is fully eradicated and reduces the risk of recurrence or antibiotic resistance.
Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up urine culture a few weeks after treatment to confirm the infection has cleared. Hospitalization is rarely necessary for uncomplicated UTIs.
For dogs with complicated UTIs, repeat urine cultures during and after treatment are common. If a dietary change was recommended, strict adherence to the new diet is essential. Encouraging increased water intake can also help by promoting more frequent urination, which reduces the chance of crystals forming into stones. Canned veterinary diets, like Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d urinary care, are beneficial as they contain higher moisture content.
Prevention of UTIs in Dogs
While not all UTIs can be prevented, certain measures can help reduce your dog’s risk:
- Hygiene for susceptible breeds: For female dogs with hooded vulvas or those who are overweight, regular cleaning with pet wipes, such as unscented Earth Rated Thick Hypoallergenic Dog Grooming Wipes, can help maintain cleanliness. Medicated wipes, like Douxo S3 Pyo Antiseptic Antifungal Wipes, might be recommended for dogs with recessed vulvas prone to bacterial and yeast buildup.
- Surgical correction: Discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of surgery to correct hooded vulvas, which can significantly lower UTI risk.
- Encourage water intake: Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water. Using a water fountain can encourage drinking.
- Frequent potty breaks: Regular opportunities to urinate help flush the bladder and prevent bacterial buildup.
UTIs in Dogs FAQs
How can you tell if your dog has a UTI?
Most dogs with a UTI exhibit symptoms such as increased frequency of urination, straining or pain during urination, urinary accidents, or blood in their urine.
Can a dog’s UTI resolve on its own?
Symptomatic UTIs in dogs require veterinary treatment, including prescription antibiotics and potentially pain relievers, probiotics, or dietary changes. Left untreated, a UTI can progress to life-threatening conditions like kidney infections, sepsis, or kidney failure.
How can I treat my dog’s urine infection at home?
While some owners explore options like probiotics and cranberry extract, such as Cranadin, the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited, and they may not always be successful. It is always best to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment of UTIs.
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.
