Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs, and in most cases, they are entirely treatable. Because these conditions can be painful and uncomfortable, it’s important to look out for warning signs that your dog maybe suffering from a UTI.
Causes of UTIs
The number one cause of UTIs in dogs is a bacterial infection. Often, this is as a result of bacteria entering the body through the urethral opening and moving up through the urethra into the bladder. The most common types of bacteria that cause UTIs are E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Proteusspp.
Dogs of all ages can develop UTIs, but older dogs, dogs with diabetes, and those with compromised immune systems are more susceptible. Female dogs are far more prone to developing UTIs than male dogs because they have a shorter urethra which makes it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder.
Symptoms of UTIs
Signs that your dog is suffering from a UTI can vary, depending on factors such as the stage of the infection and the presence of underlying health conditions. Take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup if you notice any of the following signs:
- Frequent urination
- Drinking more water than usual
- Licking around the urethral opening
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Accidents in the house
Diagnosis of UTIs
It’s important to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your dog has a UTI. Do not rely on home remedies, as it’s possible for the infection to spread and cause health complications if not properly treated.
Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and run a urinalysis to analyze your dog’s urine for signs of infection, such as the presence of white blood cells or bacteria. Other diagnostic tests including a urine culture, blood work, or radiographs may also be necessary to reach a conclusive diagnosis.
Treatment of UTIs
If an infection is present, your veterinarian will most likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the problem. The type of antibiotic and the length of treatment will be determined by the severity of your dog’s infection.
Most dogs recover quickly after being treated with the appropriate course of medication. Always take care to administer prescribed dosages at the correct times, and avoid stopping or altering treatment without consulting your veterinarian.
Prevention of UTIs
Make sure to provide plenty of fresh drinking water and take your dog outside for frequent bathroom breaks. This will help flush toxins from their body and prevent bacteria from being held in the bladder where it can lead to infection. It’s also important to keep your dog clean and well-groomed to prevent bacterial growth, especially around the urethral opening.
Finally, some dogs with UTIs show no signs of infection. For this reason, regular veterinary examinations including urinalyses and blood work have an important role to play in the prevention of UTIs. For dogs with recurrent UTIs, regular monitoring of the condition is necessary to prevent health complications from developing.
