Worried your dog might have a UTI? Discover the tell-tale signs, effective treatment options, and preventive measures in this comprehensive guide. Also, learn how to manage UTIs at home and keep your dog healthy and happy. Don't let a UTI go unnoticed, get informed today!
Did you know that UTIs are the most common infectious illness seen in dogs, affecting about 14% of them during their lifetime? Often caused by bacteria in the urine, these infections can affect dogs in different ways and cause a lot of discomfort. While it's more common in females, male dogs are not entirely immune either. UTI in dogs can affect different parts of the urinary system, from the bladder to the kidneys, and recognizing the symptoms early on is important for the right treatment. This blog explores the causes of UTIs in dogs, common symptoms to watch for, treatment options, and more importantly, how to keep your dog comfortable and healthy while recovering from this bacterial infection.
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What are the symptoms & causes of UTI in dogs?
UTI in dogs can sometimes go unnoticed, especially if your pet is not showing obvious signs of discomfort. Often, bladder infections in dogs are only discovered during veterinary exams for other health issues, which can delay treatment and lead to more serious complications. Knowing the causes and symptoms of UTIs can help you take the necessary measures to ensure your dog's health and comfort.
UTI in Dogs: Symptoms
Common symptoms of a UTI in dogs include:
- Frequent urination in small amounts
- Straining, crying out in pain, or whimpering while urinating
- Bloody/cloudy urine
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Foul-smelling urine
- Incontinence
Apart from these, several other symptoms might be seen in severe cases, or accompanying the common symptoms, including:
- Severe back pain
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Increased water intake
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss
What causes UTI in dogs?
UTIs typically occur when bacteria, most commonly E. coli, enter the bladder from the external environment and evade the body’s immune system defenses. Normally, a healthy bladder has defense mechanisms to stop bacteria from causing infections. But if these defenses don't work well or are weak, bacteria can penetrate the bladder wall and cause pain and bladder inflammation. While these infections often target the bladder (bacterial cystitis), they can occur anywhere along the urinary tract, from the urethra to the kidneys. Some other causes might include:
- Stones, crystals, or debris in the bladder or urethra
- Stress
- Trauma
- Prostate disease
- Congenital abnormalities
- Abnormalities in the spinal cord
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
- Ectopic Ureters or a Recessed Vulva in Female Dogs
- Cancer
- Tumors
What should I do if my dog has a UTI?
If you notice the symptoms and suspect your dog has a UTI, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. Various methods and tests can diagnose a UTI and explore the reasons behind the infection. The treatment is prescribed based on your dog’s urine test results.
UTI in Dogs Treatment
- Antibiotics for Dog UTI: Veterinarians usually prescribe a course of antibiotics like penicillin or fluoroquinolone for 1-2 weeks. If a urine test shows that the bacteria are resistant to the first antibiotic, they will switch to a different one effective against that specific type of bacteria.
- Probiotics: Cranberry supplements and probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog’s gut, supporting overall health and potentially preventing future UTIs.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Medication: UTIs can be painful. Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory or pain medications to make your dog more comfortable during treatment.
How to treat dog UTI at home?
For managing UTIs in dogs at home, dietary changes can play a crucial role. Try incorporating cranberry, marshmallow root, couch grass, and apple cider vinegar into your dog's diet. Certain herbs like juniper berries, uva ursi (bearberry), and parsley leaf can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting urine production. Lastly, encourage your dog to drink more clean water to flush out bacteria and prevent dehydration-related health issues and stone formation.
Will UTI in dogs go away on its own?
A UTI in dogs will not go away on its own and requires treatment with antibiotics. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to more severe health issues such as bladder stones, kidney infections, or chronic UTIs.
What happens if UTI in Dogs is left untreated?
Untreated infections can lead to significant health issues for dogs. In addition to discomfort, they can cause partial or complete blockage of the urethra, disrupting urine flow and potentially leading to a buildup of waste that can reach toxic levels and pose serious health risks. Suppose your dog’s urinary symptoms are caused due to a disease or cancer. In that case, the condition can get worse without treatment, exacerbate the symptoms, or may lead to additional health issues such as pyelonephritis.
How do I test my dog for a UTI?
UTI in dogs is of two types: acute and chronic. Acute UTIs occur infrequently and respond well to antibiotics. For acute UTIs in dogs, there are usually two main methods to test your dog’s urine.
- Urinalysis: This test examines urine for various components:
- pH levels
- Specific gravity (indicative of kidney function)
- Presence of proteins, blood, white blood cells, glucose, ketones, and particles like cells, bacteria, and crystals.
UTIs in dogs are often diagnosed through increased levels of white blood cells, blood, and protein in the urine, alongside a lower specific gravity.
- Urine Culture and Susceptibility Test: It is considered the gold standard for UTI diagnosis in dogs. During this test, a small urine sample is cultured on a special medium plate and monitored for bacterial growth over several days. The presence of bacterial growth confirms the UTI.
For chronic or recurrent UTIs, further diagnostic tests need to be done. Recurrent infections are defined as experiencing two infections within six months or three infections within a year. A UTI is also classified as chronic if it doesn't completely clear up with antibiotics. Dealing with chronic UTIs can be frustrating because even though they are often treated successfully, they tend to come back.
The tests to diagnose a chronic UTI include full bloodwork to rule out underlying conditions like kidney disease or diabetes mellitus, abdominal radiographs (x-rays) to detect certain bladder stones, abdominal ultrasound to assess bladder and kidney conditions, and cystocentesis & cystoscopy for direct visualization and biopsies if necessary.
Always remember that your vet is the only trusted person for your pet's health. Are you concerned that your dog may have a UTI? Don't wait for the discomfort to escalate - consult Dr.Tail for prompt veterinary care and advice on managing urinary tract infection in dogs with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.