Everything You Need to Know About Treating UTIs in Dogs
Feb 17,2025 | puaintapets
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs are a common issue that can cause discomfort, and if left untreated, they can lead to more severe health problems. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking proper treatment is crucial for your dog’s health. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to treat a urinary tract infection in dogs, including signs to watch for, causes, and effective treatment options.
What Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Dogs?
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter and multiply in the dog's urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, but they are most common in the bladder (cystitis). UTIs can affect both male and female dogs, but females are generally at higher risk due to their shorter urethra.
Common Symptoms of a UTI in Dogs
Common symptoms of UTIs in dogs include:
I. Abnormal urination
- Frequent urination
The dog will make frequent urination postures, but the amount of urine discharged each time is very small, even only a few drops.
- Difficulty in urination
Dogs may appear to be in pain when urinating, showing nervousness, moaning or grunting, and may sometimes need to exert themselves to pass urine.
- Changes in urine
The urine may become cloudy and contain blood, pus or other impurities, thus appearing red, pink or dark yellow.
Also Read: Blood in Dog Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do
II. Urethral Abnormalities
- Redness and inflammation
The urethral opening of the dog may appear red, swollen and inflamed, and the surrounding hair may be soaked with urine and emit an unpleasant odor.
- Abnormal secretions
There may be mucus or pus discharge from the urethra.
III. Behavioral abnormalities
- Licking the urethra
Due to the discomfort associated with a UTI, dogs may exhibit the behavior of licking the urethral opening in an attempt to relieve pain and itching.
- Loss of Spirit
Some dogs may also show signs of mental instability, loss of appetite, and elevated body temperature.
- Inactivity
Some dogs may become inactive when suffering from a UTI, preferring to hide in corners and being unresponsive to their owner's calls and interactions.
If you find that your dog is suffering from any of the above symptoms, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible for a detailed examination so that a clear diagnosis can be made and an appropriate treatment plan can be formulated.
What Causes UTI in Dogs？
The main causes of UTIs in dogs are as follows:
1. Infection factors
Bacterial infection: it is the most common cause, such as Escherichia coli, Aspergillus, staphylococcus, etc. These bacteria can enter the urethra retrogradely through the urethra and trigger inflammation.
Fungal infections: such as Candida albicans, which may trigger urinary tract infections in dogs with low immunity or long-term use of antibiotics.
Parasitic infections: such as Trichomonas and Giardia may also lead to inflammation of the urethra.
Related: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Dogs
2. Non-infectious factors
Urethral mucosal injury: urethral stone, urethral foreign body, improper operation of catheter, etc., may damage the urethral mucosa, making it easier for bacteria to invade and trigger infection.
Spread of inflammation in neighboring organs: Inflammation in neighboring organs such as phimosis, cystitis, endometritis, etc. may spread to the urethra, resulting in urethritis.
Improper diet: long-term consumption of high-salt, spicy, greasy and other irritating foods may lead to changes in the composition of urine, irritation of the urethral mucosa, increasing the risk of infection.
Environmental factors: damp, dark and unhygienic environment is prone to harbor bacteria and fungi, increasing the chances of urinary tract infection in dogs.
Holding urine: Dogs holding urine for a long time will make the urine stay in the urethra for too long, harboring bacteria and triggering infection.
Low immunity: old and weak, suffering from chronic diseases, long-term use of immunosuppressants, etc., will lead to a decline in the dog's immunity, easy to be attacked by bacteria and other pathogens, triggering urethritis.
How to Treat UTI in Dogs?
There are several main treatments for UTI in dogs:
1. Medication
If the UTI is caused by a bacterial infection, the veterinarian will usually prescribe antibiotics, which will be used in the prescribed dosage and regimen to ensure that the infection is completely eliminated.
2.Daily care
Cleaning care: Keep your dog's private parts clean and gently wipe them with a damp towel to prevent bacteria from growing. Avoid your dog licking the urethra and wear an Elizabethan ring if necessary.
Dietary adjustments: Provide light, easy-to-digest food, avoid greasy and spicy food. Encourage your dog to drink more water by adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth or pet-specific urinary health supplements to increase water intake and help flush the urethra.
3. Seek medical examination
When you notice symptoms of a UTI in your dog, you should take him to the veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination, including urinalysis and bacterial culture, to determine the cause and type of infection.
4. Auxiliary treatment
Under the guidance of your veterinarian, some adjunctive treatments can be used, such as adding an appropriate amount of apple cider vinegar to your dog's water bowl or giving vitamin C tablets, citrus juice, blueberries or cranberries to help improve the environment of the urinary tract.
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How to Prevent UTI in Dogs?
1. Dietary management
- Ensure adequate water intake
Ensure your dog has enough fresh drinking water every day and encourage it to drink more water to increase urine production and help flush the urethra, reducing the chance of bacterial growth.
- Choosing the right food
Choose high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food. Avoid feeding your dog too much greasy, spicy, high-salt or excessively mineral-containing food, which may affect the composition of the urine and increase the risk of urethral stones or infection. For dogs with a history of urinary tract problems, consider choosing a specialized prescription food for the urinary tract.
2. Lifestyle Habits
- Regular urination
Take your dog out to urinate regularly every day and avoid holding urine for a long time to reduce the time urine stays in the urethra and reduce the chance of bacterial infection.
- Keep private parts clean
Regularly wash your dog's urethra and vulva gently with lukewarm water and mild pet-specific cleansers to keep the area clean and dry, but be careful to avoid over-cleaning and the use of irritating cleansers, which may damage the natural defense function of the urethra.
- Prevent licking
Dogs may lick the urethral opening due to urethral discomfort, which can lead to further bacterial infection and increased inflammation. An Elizabethan collar can be worn on your dog to prevent licking.
3. Environmental management
- Keep the environment clean and tidy
Regularly clean up the dog's living environment, including kennels, toys, etc., and keep the environment dry and well-ventilated to avoid bacterial growth.
- Avoid contact with contaminants
Try to avoid your dog coming into contact with potentially contaminated water, feces or other pollutants to reduce the risk of infection.
4.Health Management
- Regular physical examination
Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly for a thorough physical examination, including a urine test, so that potential health problems can be detected and treated in a timely manner.
- Timely treatment of related diseases
If your dog suffers from other urinary diseases, such as bladder stones, prostatitis, etc., it should be treated in time to prevent the condition from deteriorating and triggering urethritis.
- Enhance immunity
Enhance your dog's immunity through proper diet, appropriate exercise and good living habits to help it fight off bacterial infections.
FAQs
Can a dog's urinary tract infection go away on its own?
Dogs have their own immune defense mechanism. In the early stages of infection, if the symptoms are mild, such as only occasional frequent or mild painful urination, and the dog is in good physical condition, the immune system may fight the bacteria on its own, causing the infection to gradually decrease or even disappear.
Even if the symptoms seem to be relieved, the infection should not be taken lightly because it may not be completely eliminated, but is only in the incubation period and may recur at any time. It is advisable to closely monitor your dog's urination and seek medical attention if anything unusual is found.
However, if the dog shows obvious symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, hematuria, fever, and depression, the infection has become more serious, and the dog's own immune system is unable to completely eliminate the bacteria, so external treatment is needed.
Are UTIs more common in male or female dogs?
UTIs are more common in female dogs. The urethra in female dogs is shorter and wider than in male dogs, which makes it easier for bacteria to invade the bladder, thus increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. Male dogs have a longer and thinner urethra, which is relatively difficult for bacteria to enter, making the chance of infection relatively low. When a female dog has a UTI, common symptoms include frequent urination, painful urination, redness and swelling of the urethra, and increased discharge. When male dogs suffer from UTI, in addition to the above symptoms, they may also experience swelling of the urethra and difficulty in urination.
Can diet alone prevent UTIs in dogs?
While a proper diet can help reduce the risk of UTIs in dogs, it is not a substitute for proper veterinary care. Other factors such as hygiene and overall health also play important roles.
Conclusion
Urinary tract infections are treatable, and with prompt attention, most dogs can make a full recovery. However, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to ensure proper treatment and prevent future UTIs. By following your vet’s recommendations and taking preventive measures, you can help keep your dog’s urinary tract healthy and avoid recurring infections.
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