We generally associate urinary tract infections with humans. However, your furry friend can get them, too. Just like in humans, a UTI can leave your dog in severe discomfort.
Since your dog can’t talk to you about what’s wrong, it’s up to you to watch for the telltale signs. Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t know what to look for.
As one of the top clinics where you can see a trusted veterinarian in Mansfield, TX, Penny Paws Animal Clinic can help. Learn more about how to know if a dog has a UTI.
How Dogs Get Urinary Tract Infections
Bacteria is the main cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs. E. Coli is the most common culprit, but other types of bacteria can also cause an infection. Your dog will develop a UTI if bacteria enter the urethra and spread toward the bladder.
The urinary opening is always a beehive of bacteria activity, but dogs have defenses that keep them out (such as their sterile urine). Unfortunately, the defenses don’t always hold up.
If the UTI goes unchecked for too long, your dog may develop complications like lower urinary tract dysfunction, kidney infection, bladder stones, chronic bladder inflammation, and prostate issues.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk of UTIs?
All dogs are susceptible to UTIs. However, female dogs have a higher risk of infection because of their shorter urethras. Older dogs and dogs with underlying health conditions also have a higher risk of developing UTIs. Some of these conditions include:
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Cushing’s disease
- Immunodeficiency
- Prostate disease
Additionally, any dog breeds with excess skin folds around their vulvas are also more susceptible to UTIs. Excessive skin means a warm, dark, and moist environment where bacteria thrive. Some of the breeds most affected here are bulldogs and pugs.
7 Signs of UTI in Dogs
If you want to reap the benefits of taking care of a pet, you have to do your part to ensure they are in excellent shape.
Are you wondering how to know if a dog has a UTI? The surest way to know is to watch for some of the most common signs and symptoms. They include the following.
1. Painful Urination
Does your dog strain while peeing? Dogs with UTIs may arch their backs, whine, and whimper during urination because the infection often causes micro-lacerations in the urinary tract. Urine flowing over these micro-injuries will trigger a stinging sensation, hence the dog’s reaction.
2. Bloody or Cloudy Urine
Bloody urine signifies the presence of pus in the urine. It should give you cause for concern because it is a pointer to various health conditions.
Bloody urine can indicate a urinary tract infection. However, it can also indicate bladder stones or severe bladder inflammation.
3. Frequent Urination
One of the clearest signs of UTIs in dogs is a significant increase in urination frequency. Your dog will always feel the need to urinate even when the bladder isn’t full. It’s a reflex borne out of the need to combat the sensations in the urinary tract.
So, if your dog suddenly starts asking for more bathroom breaks without a sudden change in their water-drinking habits, you need to schedule a visit to the vet to at least rule out the probability of a UTI.
4. Potty Accidents
A properly house-trained dog suddenly having more potty accidents is a sign of a UTI infection. UTIs aren’t just painful; they also throw the dog’s ability to control urine flow off balance. Thus, you may notice your potty-trained dog struggling to hold urine until they get outside.
5. More Genital Licking
It’s perfectly normal for dogs to contort themselves into a position that allows them to lick their genital area. However, it should only happen occasionally. A significant increase in the frequency of genital licking could be a sign that your dog has a bacterial infection.
It’s generally the dog’s way of trying to soothe the affected area.
6. Low Volume of Urine
Have you noticed that your dog’s urine production has dropped to trickles recently? Inadequate urine production often signifies a blockage in the urinary tract.
Apart from a UTI, other possible causes of low urine volume include urinary tract tumors, scar tissue in the urethra, bladder stones, and more.
7. Fever
A dog’s normal temperature should be between 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Elevated temperatures could signify a UTI that has spread. Other possible causes of the fever include a kidney or prostate infection in unneutered male dogs.
Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs
It’s crucial to avoid any home remedies for suspected UTIs. You should take your dog to a vet for diagnostic tests and to rule out other underlying conditions. Upon confirmation of a UTI, the doctor will recommend a course of antibiotic treatment.
The length of treatment and the type of antibiotic to use will depend on the severity of the infection.
How To Prevent UTIs From Reoccurring
The surest way to reduce the risk of a recurring UTI in your dog is to ensure they get plenty of fresh water. Additionally, you need to ensure they get lots of potty breaks over any day. Holding urine for too long increases the risk of UTIs.
Home remedies such as occasionally feeding the dog some yogurt may help reduce the risk of UTI infection, but it doesn’t work for every dog. Vitamin C and cranberry supplements can also help prevent chronic UTIs because they can lower urine pH.
However, you should discuss this with your vet before you start giving your dog any supplements.
Book an Appointment at Penny Paws Animal Clinic to Tackle Your Dog’s UTI
We hope this post on how to know if a dog has a UTI has enlightened you on what to look out for. If you can see blood in your dog’s pee or other such signs, you should book an appointment with a vet today.
Contact the Penny Paws Animal Clinic team in Texas today to schedule your appointment or call us at (817) 382-9229.