Urinary Tract Infection: UTI in Dogs

Puppies and dogs can suffer from urinary tract infections.

Urinary tract infections (commonly referred to as UTIs) in dogs are a big cause of frequent urination and urinary accidents in the house. It is important to know about the signs, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of UTI in dogs so that you can take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect that she might have one. Any person who has suffered from a UTI knows that it is painful and miserable, so knowing when to take your dog in for diagnosis and treatment is essential to her well-being.

What are causes of urinary tract infections in dogs?

The urinary tract consists of the urethra, the bladder, the ureters, and the kidneys. These are all involved in urine production and the exit of urine from the body. An infection can occur in any area of the urinary tract, but the term UTI is commonly used to refer to a bladder infection.

Breeds, Gender, and Age Most Commonly Affected by UTI in Dogs

Presentation and Signs of UTI in Dogs

Dogs with UTIs show the following signs, many of which are similar to the symptoms that a human with the same condition would report:

Causes of UTI in Dogs

Diagnosis of UTI in Dogs

Diagnosis of UTI in dogs is done through a veterinarian's examination and one or both of the following tests performed on a urine sample:

A urinalysis is s specialized test for diagnosing canine urinary tract infections.

One big question that many dog owners have is "How do I collect urine from my dog"? Most of the time, you won't have to: your veterinarian can get the sample. There are four ways that urine may be collected to run the tests required to diagnose a UTI.

Treatment of UTI in Dogs

Treatment of urinary tract infection in dogs involves a course of antibiotics. Your veterinarian may do a urine culture on your dog's urine to determine the best antibiotic, but medications are often begun before the results are back from the laboratory since UTI is a painful condition. Sometimes anti-inflammatory or pain medications are also prescribed to get your dog comfortable more quickly.

Home Care for UTI in Dogs

During treatment for UTI, make sure that your dog has access to lots of fresh water and encourage her to drink as much of it as you can. Give the prescribed medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian and finish all of it.

Your veterinarian will probably want to recheck a urinalysis after the antibiotics are finished to ensure that the infection is completely resolved.

Prevention of UTI in Dogs

Following are some things you can do to help prevent your dog from developing a UTI:

Prognosis for UTI in Dogs

The prognosis for an individual UTI is excellent with the proper use of antibiotics. Dogs that have recurrent UTI need to have the cause properly diagnosed and treated in order to avoid a lifetime of painful episodes.

Alternative Therapies and Natural Supplements for UTI in Dogs


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