Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs

A urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs occurs when bacteria enter and multiply in the urinary
system, affecting the bladder (cystitis), urethra, or kidneys. UTIs are more common in female
dogs due to their shorter urethra, but males can also develop them.
Signs of a UTI in Dogs
– Frequent attempts to urinate
– Straining or difficulty urinating
– Passing only small amounts of urine
– Blood in urine (hematuria)
– Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
– Accidents indoors (house-trained dogs)
– Licking the genital area excessively
– Lethargy or fever (if infection spreads to kidneys)
– Crying or discomfort while urinating
Causes & Risk Factors
– Bacterial infection(most common)
– Urinary stones or crystals blocking the urethra
– Diabetes mellitus or Cushing’s disease can be underlying conditions
– Weakened immune system
– Anatomical abnormalities (e.g., recessed vulva)
– Incomplete bladder emptying (e.g., spinal issues due to IVDD, trauma,)
—
Diagnosis
1. Urinalysis:
– Checks for bacteria, blood, white blood cells, crystals, or abnormal pH.
2. Urine Culture & Sensitivity:
– Identifies the specific bacteria and determines effective antibiotics.
3. Imaging (if recurrent UTIs):
– X-rays or ultrasound to rule out bladder stones, tumors, or structural issues.
—
Treatment
1. Antibiotics:
– Prescribed based on culture results (e.g., amoxicillin, enrofloxacin).
– Full course** (7–14 days) to prevent recurrence.

2. Pain Relief:
– Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., carprofen) if discomfort is severe.
3. Dietary Changes:
– Special urinary diets to dissolve crystals or prevent stone formation.
4. Increased Water Intake:
– Encourage hydration to flush bacteria from the bladder.
—
Prevention
– Provide fresh water daily.
– Take dogs out frequently to empty the bladder.
– Maintain hygiene (clean genital area, especially for females).
– Treat underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes).
– Regular vet checkups for dogs with recurrent UTIs.

When to See a Vet
-Immediately call if your dog cannot urinate (possible urethral obstruction, a life-threatening
emergency).
– If symptoms persist after antibiotic treatment (may indicate antibiotic resistance, stones, or
other issues).
– If your bellowed pet is showing any of the above mentioned signs please call us at Groat
Veterinary centre to book an appointment.
Complications
– Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney infections(pyelonephritis) or bladder stones. These need
aggressive treatment and can be life threatening.
– Chronic UTIs may signal an underlying condition (e.g., diabetes, cancer).