• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

UTIs in dogs: Learn how to recognize and treat UTIs for dogs

Posted June 30, 2021

Veterinarian examines a cocker spaniel. Cocker Spaniels are prone to incontinence and UTIs in dogs.
UTIs in dogs are usually caused by bacteria, infections, cancer, age, stress, trauma, prostate issue, or diabetes.

Dogs are one of our best friends, but sometimes they may experience some health issues. These creatures are just as susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs) as humans.

UTIs can be very painful and irritating, but luckily there are treatment options available.

Urinary tract infections will cause dogs to urinate more frequently than normal or have difficulty making it outside in time.

Your dog also may cry when trying to go potty if it hurts too much. Other symptoms include drippy urine with a strong smell from an infected dog, which means you should probably get your pup checked by a vet soon.

What are the main causes of UTIs in dogs?

The most common cause of UTIs in dogs is bacteria. This comes from feces or debris that enter the urinary tract but can also happen if a lack of nutrients weakens your dog’s immune system.

If left untreated, a UTI infection could result in more serious problems and even lead to kidney damage over time.

In addition, E. coli are the bacteria that most often cause urinary tract infections. In more severe but rarer occurrences, cancer can cause infections, which leads to bladder stones and kidney disease, among other conditions.

Diabetes and inflammation or infection from the bladder or kidneys can lead to urinary tract problems like prostate issues and diabetes complications, including diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels for prolonged periods of time.

Other causes of UTIs:

  • Stress
  • Traumas
  • Prostate issues
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Age-related issues

Recognize the symptoms of UTIs

It is not easy to identify the UTI-related problems in your dog, but some identifiers may help you or your veterinarian to diagnose symptoms:

  • Your dog may have blood in its urine
  • They may pee more frequently
  • Dogs may pee accidentally
  • They may lick their urinary openings more than normal
  • Urine may smell heavy
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Eat less or more than usual
  • Unexplained weight loss

What supplements can be used to treat UTIs in dogs?

You can use UTI treatment for dogs to treat this infection. This may help your dog to live without any UTI-related health issues.

Many different types of organisms can cause urinary tract infections in dogs, most commonly E. coli.

However, it is important to diagnose which organism caused the infection before prescribing an antibiotic because there may be a more effective medication against certain bacteria than others.

In addition, some pain killers can be prescribed to relieve pain or discomfort related to UTIs.

Keep your dog healthy

After using any prescribed medication or recommended treatment, you likely will need to make a return trip to your vet to recheck your dog’s urine to ensure the treatment was effective. If not, another course of antibiotics may be necessary.

Prevent future infections by ensuring your dog always has plenty of fresh, clean water, eats a healthy diet, and is allowed outside frequently for potty breaks.

Adding probiotics or herbs like fresh parsley to your dog’s diet also can help inhibit UTIs.

Warning signs: 9 dog illness symptoms and what they mean

 

Related Posts

  • Bernese Mountain Dog drinks from collapsible water bowl. Excessive thirst is a sign of serious dog health problems like diabetes, kidney failure, liver disease, leptospirosis, and Cushing's Disease.
    Excessive thirst warns of dog health problems like Cushing's Disease

    Excessive thirst is a sign of serious dog health problems…

  • Canine urinary incontinence: Start by consulting with your veterinarian to determine the cause of the problem. Sometimes medication can treat the condition.
    Why is my senior dog suddenly leaking?

    Canine urinary incontinence: Start by consulting with your veterinarian to…

  • German shepherd puts paw up over face while lying on a bed. Stop dog peeing on the bed by understanding dog behavior. Start dog potty training at an early age and use tools like a dog potty box
    Potty training trouble? Stop your dog from peeing on bed

    Stop dog peeing on the bed by understanding dog behavior.…

  • Black Labrador retriever wears a washable dog diaper and lies on a Pawtect Blanket.
    Waterproof blanket helps dogs suffering from incontinence

    The Pawtect Blanket is made using the company's specially-made faux…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on X (Twitter) Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health Tagged With: Health conditions

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Separation anxietyPit bullOld dogsPoodleRottweilerWaterWorking dogsSocializationYorkshire terrierVacation dog carePet sitterPuppy-proofService dogsSheddingTwo dogsPetfinder.comPuppy kindergartenPet parentsVeterinarianTicksNon-shedding breedsSmall dogsOutdoor activitiesPawPomeranianValentine's DayPandemicRescue dogThanksgivingPotty training

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • 9 benefits of enrolling your dog in a dog training camp
    Consider enrolling your dog in a dog training camp to modify behaviors, build confidence, and improve safety. […]
  • 10 tips to leash train an older dog
    Use many of the same tricks and tactics you would with a puppy to leash train an older dog. Stand still if the dog pulls, and give plenty of tasty treats. […]
  • Understand 5 reasons why dogs don’t chew their food
    When your dog doesn't chew its food, it may be a sign the dog doesn't like the food, or it's too easy to swallow. […]
  • Is it better to have two dogs? 5 factors to consider first
    If you plan to leave your dog during the day while you are at work, it may be better to have two dogs so that they can keep each other company. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy · Disclaimer
Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.