September 06, 2022 | Dog

What are dog UTI symptoms?

Can dogs catch a UTI?

Urinary tract infections, often shortened to UTIs, are not just a problem for humans, animals can contract them as well. Dogs are one of the most at-risk domestic animals for contracting a UTI, and they can be hard to detect due to a dog’s nature. Unfortunately, when a dog is not feeling well they can’t just tell us as we can. If you are feeling unwell you can make a call to your doctor and can get the issue sorted quickly, dogs, however, cannot do this, and it is up to us to spot the signs that something is wrong. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need in order to correctly spot the symptoms of a urinary tract infection in your dog so that you can get them the treatment they need quickly.

What is a dog UTI?

A dog urinary tract infection is exactly the same as a human urinary tract infection. They occur when bacteria create an infection in the bladder or the kidney, or in the tubes that connect them. The urinary tract is the system used for removing waste from the body in the form of liquid. There are many different types of urinary tract infections that can occur in dogs, and they can develop anywhere in the urinary tract. Dog urinary tract infections can be quite common in dogs who have long fur, or dogs that get low to the ground when they urinate.

What are common dog UTI symptoms?

There are some common UTI symptoms that you can look for if you suspect your dog's behaviour has changed, or if they seem under the weather. The most common dog UTI symptoms include:

Blood in the urine (a signifier of cystitis)
Cloudy urine
Strong smelling urine
Difficulty urinating
Signs of pain or discomfort when urinating
More frequent urination or little and often
Licking at themselves
High temperature and fever

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms you may wish to purchase a Hygiecatch urine catching tool. This tool not only makes it easy for you to capture a urine sample, but it also allows you to test your dog's urine from home to determine if there could be a possible urinary tract infection.

What is Cystitis?

Cystitis is the term used for inflammation, specifically in the bladder. Cystitis is a form of urinary tract infection and is one of the most common in dogs. Cystitis in a dog’s urinary tract is caused by a bacterial infection in the bladder, however, there are many other causes of cystitis that can occur. By spotting the symptoms of cystitis in your dog, you will be able to get them treated quickly, and you can get them back to full health in no time.

The most common sign of cystitis in your dog is blood in the urine. If you spot blood in your dog’s urine, contact your vet as soon as possible. Your dog may also be in some visible pain, so look for changes in behaviour and general mood.

A pug sat up at the top of some outdoor stairs

Frequently Asked Dog UTI Questions

Can a dog die from a UTI?

As long as the signs of a urinary tract infection are spotted early there is no risk of life for your dog. However, if you do not spot the signs of a UTI in your dog and the condition goes left untreated the infection can worsen, and in serious cases, can lead to death. The actual infection itself is not enough to be lethal for a dog, however, it can lead to other health complications that are more serious and can lead to death.

How do dogs get UTIs?

The main way that dogs contract UTIs is by bacteria entering their system through their urinary opening. This can either be during or after urination. Bacteria move its way up the urinary tract and eventually will form an infection. This infection will then begin to show symptoms, and this is where you can spot the signs, test urine using the Hygiecatch, and get the correct treatment for your dog.

How is a dog UTI diagnosed?

When you have spotted the symptoms of a potential UTI you can then use a Hygiecatch to test your dog's urine. A vet at PocketVet will be able to help explain your results and will be able to help provide you with the necessary next steps. A vet will be able to diagnose your dog with a urinary tract infection and you will then be able to begin treatment.

When to speak to a vet about a dog UTI?

You should speak to a vet as soon as you begin to notice symptoms of a UTI. To save a trip to a vet, contact a vet from your home using PocketVet. A vet at PocketVet will be able to provide you with all of the information you need, and when you use a Hygiecatch you will be able to provide them with an insight into your dog's condition, all without having to leave your home.

Can a dog UTI cure itself?

In some cases, a human urinary tract infection will clear itself up on its own and there will be no need for any other treatment. However, for a urinary tract infection in a dog, this is unlikely to be the case. As mentioned, if you do not get your dog treated sooner rather than later then the UTI may lead to a more serious health problem.

How to treat UTIs in dogs?

The most common way to treat a urinary tract infection is by a combination course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Once your dog has been diagnosed with a UTI, a vet will then be able to prescribe the correct antibiotic for the infection. The most common length of time it will take for antibiotics to fully remove a UTI in dogs is between seven and 10 days, however, more time may be needed if the infection has not gone by the end of the prescribed period.

What to feed a dog with UTI

When your dog has a UTI, you can make some small changes to their diet to ensure that their medication works to its full potential, as well as ensuring your dog remains healthy whilst undergoing treatment. The best way of doing this is to include foods that are full of antioxidants. Some good foods to include in your dog’s diet include:

Raw fruits and vegetables
Asparagus
Low-fat plain yoghurt

How do I prevent UTIs in dogs?

There are a few ways that you can prevent your dogs from contracting urinary tract infections. If your dog has a long coat you should ensure that they are routinely groomed, especially around their urinary opening. You should also make sure that your dogs are clean around their urinary opening, especially if their fur is longer. You should also ensure that your dog always has access to clean, fresh water and that they can go to the toilet whenever they need to.

Can dogs pass UTIs to each other?

If you have more than one dog and notice that they have urinary tract infections at the same time, the chances are that this is just coincidental. UTIs are not transmissible and are not infectious.