Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a distressing and possibly perilous ailment in canines. Indications such as bloody urine, urination challenges, and excessive licking of the region may point to the presence of a UTI in your dog. Just like humans, dogs can experience urinary tract infections, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Notably, a number of UTI symptoms could potentially signify more severe underlying conditions, including bladder cancer or kidney disease. Recognizing the signs, understanding the causes, and seeking appropriate treatment are crucial to ensuring our canine friends’ well-being. For more on dog health care, follow the “Puainta Guide Health”.

What Is a UTI?

A UTI, or Urinary Tract Infection, is an infection that occurs within the urinary tract, which is the system responsible for producing, storing, and eliminating urine from the body. The urinary tract includes various structures such as the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.

Bacteria commonly cause UTIs, most often Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally reside in the intestines but can enter the urinary tract and cause infection. UTIs can also be caused by other types of bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs

Detecting a UTI in your dog can be challenging since they cannot vocalize their discomfort. However, several signs can indicate a possible infection:

Dog Pee Green

Certain bacterial infections, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis, can lead to changes in urine color. Pseudomonas infections can cause greenish or blue-green urine due to pigments produced, while Proteus infections can result in greenish urine due to the formation of urinary stones containing calcium and magnesium salts.

Frequent Urination

If your dog urates more frequently than usual or only passes small amounts of urine, it could be a sign of a UTI.

Straining to Urinate

Difficulty or discomfort while urinating, often accompanied by straining, whimpering, or squatting without producing much urine, might indicate a UTI.

Blood in Urine

Pink or bloody urine can suggest an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.

Strong Odor

Even after proper hygiene, a foul-smelling urine odor can point towards a UTI.

Lethargy and Discomfort

If your dog appears lethargic, restless, or uncomfortable, it could be a sign of an underlying infection.

How Do Dogs Get Urinary Tract Infections?

Dogs can also develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) like humans. UTIs in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, and the symptoms and treatment are somewhat similar to those in humans.

Female dogs are generally more prone to UTIs than males due to the shorter length of their urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel up to the bladder. Here are some common ways dogs can develop UTIs:

• Bacterial Infection
• Urinary Stones
• Bladder inflammation (cystitis) or bladder tumors
• Weak Immune System
• Improper Hygiene
• Diabetes
• Older Age

How Vets Diagnose UTIs in Dogs

Veterinarians diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs through a combination of clinical evaluation, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The veterinarian will start by discussing your dog’s medical history and any symptoms you’ve observed, such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or changes in behavior. They will also perform a thorough physical examination to assess your dog’s overall health and urine analysis If the urinalysis suggests a UTI, a urine culture and sensitivity test may be performed. This involves culturing the urine sample to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determining which antibiotics are effective against it.  

In some cases, especially if the UTI is recurrent or severe, the veterinarian might recommend imaging studies such as an ultrasound to assess the urinary tract’s structure and look for any abnormalities or underlying causes.

What Does a Urinalysis Look At?

The urine sample will undergo urinalysis, which involves analyzing the physical and chemical properties of the urine. This can help identify abnormalities such as the presence of bacteria, blood, crystals, and changes in pH. The presence of white blood cells (indicating inflammation) and bacteria in the urine can strongly suggest a UTI.

Dog Urinary Tract Infection Home Remedy

While home remedies can provide some relief for your dog’s urinary tract infection (UTI), it’s important to note that these remedies should not replace professional veterinary care.

Here are a few home remedies that might help alleviate discomfort while you wait for a veterinary appointment or alongside prescribed treatment:

• Encourage your dog to drink more water. Hydration can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
• Cranberry supplements or cranberry juice might help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls. However, it’s important to use unsweetened cranberry juice or cranberry supplements specifically designed for dogs and consult your vet before using them.
• Probiotics can help promote healthy gut and urinary tract bacteria, which might aid in preventing UTIs.
• Feed your dog a balanced and high-quality diet to support their overall health and immune system.
• Take your dog for frequent walks to encourage urination and prevent urine from stagnating in the bladder.
• Keep the genital area clean and dry. Make sure to groom your dog’s fur around the genital area to prevent moisture accumulation.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or perfumed products around your dog’s genital area, as these can potentially irritate the urinary tract.

Are Urinary Tract Infections Contagious in Dogs?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs are typically not considered contagious like some infections can spread between humans. UTIs in dogs are usually caused by bacteria already present in the dog’s body, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract.

However, it’s important to note that certain conditions or circumstances could lead to an increased risk of UTIs in multiple dogs within a household, such as dogs sharing food and water bowls and bedding.

What Can I Do to Prevent a UTI from Occurring in the Future?

Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs involves a combination of good hygiene practices, proper care, and attention to their overall health. Here are some steps you can take to help prevent UTIs in dogs:

• Make sure your dog always has access to clean and fresh water. 
• Take your dog outside for regular bathroom breaks. This helps prevent urine from sitting in their bladder for extended periods, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
• Gently clean your dog’s genital area after they’ve urinated. This can help remove any bacteria that might be lingering on the skin.
• Regular physical activity can help maintain your dog’s overall health, including their urinary system. 
• If your dog has long hair around the genital area, keeping it trimmed can prevent bacteria from getting trapped in the fur.

Conclusion

Urinary tract infections in dogs can cause discomfort and distress, but they can be treated effectively with proper care. Being vigilant about your dog’s behavior and seeking prompt veterinary attention when you notice any unusual signs can ensure that your furry friend remains healthy, happy, and free from the discomfort of a urinary tract infection.