UTI in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a relatively common condition in dogs, particularly female dogs. UTIs can affect any age or breed of dog, though some dogs may be more prone to UTIs due to underlying health conditions like kidney disease, diabetes or congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract or genitalia.

A UTI can be quite uncomfortable for your dog, and the infection may worsen or spread further up the urinary tract if left untreated. If you suspect your dog may have a urinary tract infection, see your veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment. To ensure your dog receives prompt veterinary care, it's important to recognize the causes and signs of a UTI so you can intervene quickly if necessary.

Causes of UTI in Dogs

Urinary tract infections in dogs are typically caused by bacteria. This occurs due to a breach in the body's normal defense mechanisms that allows the bacteria to enter and multiply within the urinary tract. Rectal, genital and urethral bacteria are the most common sources of urinary tract infections. Some urinary tract infections can be caused by fungi, but this is very rare. In this article, we'll focus primarily on bacterial urinary tract infections.

Dogs can also have conditions that predispose them to develop UTIs. These can include systemic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, urinary tract diseases such as a history of bladder stones (uroliths), or conformational abnormalities such as a recessed vulva.

Symptoms of UTI in Dogs

One of the first symptoms pet owners may notice at home is that a previously house-trained dog may suddenly start having accidents in the house. Although many owners dismiss this as being a behavior problem, it can be one of the first symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Other symptoms of UTI in dogs can include:

• Straining to urinate
• Urinating frequently
• Urinating small amounts
• Blood in the urine
• Drinking more than usual
• Urinary incontinence

If your dog shows these symptoms or any other changes in urinary habits, it's important to see your veterinarian for a timely diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosing a Dog UTI

If you suspect your dog may have a UTI, the first step is a visit to your veterinarian, who will perform a full head-to-tail physical examination. He or she will likely request some additional diagnostic testing such as a urinalysis, which is an evaluation of a urine sample from your dog.

This urine sample is sometimes collected by a "free catch" method, in which the urine is collected while your dog urinates naturally, or it may be collected by a procedure called cystocentesis, in which a needle is directed through the skin and into the bladder. Cystocentesis is not painful for your dog and allows a more sterile urine sample to be collected. The urine sample is then evaluated for the presence of blood, white blood cells, bacteria and crystals, all of which can indicate the possibility of a urinary tract infection.

Your veterinarian may also recommend performing a test called a urine culture and sensitivity. In this test, a sample of your dog's urine is submitted to a laboratory, where it is plated and bacterial samples are grown from it. The bacterial samples are then exposed to different types of antibiotics to determine which antibiotics the bacteria are susceptible to and which ones they are resistant to. This allows your veterinarian to more accurately choose the appropriate treatment for your dog's infection and reduces the risk of your dog developing a resistant infection.

Dog UTI Treatment

If your dog is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, your veterinarian will prescribe an appropriate treatment to address the infection and get your dog feeling better. Treatment for UTIs in dogs often includes antibiotics to address the infection. Many dogs begin feeling better after their first few doses of antibiotics. However, just because your dog is feeling better does not mean the infection is cured! It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is adequately treated and follow your veterinarian's instructions for any follow-up care and recheck visits.

When treating UTIs, your veterinarian may also prescribe a probiotic to help offset the gastrointestinal effects of the antibiotic. Because antibiotics can wipe out the "good" bacteria in your pet's GI tract, it's important to use probiotics to restore the balance of bacteria and ensure a healthy gut. This is especially necessary if your dog has a sensitive stomach or tends to get sick on antibiotics. Your veterinarian can recommend the best veterinary probiotic for your dog's needs.

Treatment of UTIs can also include prescribing anti-inflammatories to help decrease inflammation in the bladder and improve the dog's comfort. This can often resolve symptoms such as straining to urinate and frequent urination.

Although it may be tempting to try home remedies or over-the-counter treatments for your dog's UTI, these types of treatments rarely work because they do not address the underlying infection. You should never give your dog any over-the-counter medications, supplements or home remedies without first checking with your veterinarian, as some of these options may be dangerous for your pet.

Dog UTI Treatment Cost

The cost to treat a UTI in dogs can vary widely depending on the medications chosen by the veterinarian, the size of the dog to be treated, and the duration of the treatment. Costs for veterinary care also vary depending on your geographic location. The cost to treat a dog UTI ranges between $100 and $200 for an uncomplicated urinary tract infection. If other conditions are predisposing the dog to infection — such as bladder stones or diabetes — these conditions must also be addressed, and the costs associated with treatment will be greater.

CareCredit Financing for Dog UTIs

Between the veterinary visit, diagnostics and treatment for a UTI in dogs, costs can really add up. Fortunately, you can pay for your veterinary care expenses with the CareCredit credit card.* To find a veterinarian that accepts the CareCredit credit card, use our Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit mobile app today.

Writer Bio

Dr. Elizabeth Racine is a small animal general practice veterinarian and freelance writer. She covers both human and veterinary medicine with a special interest in nutrition, internal medicine, and veterinary behavior.