UTI

Understanding a UTI in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

As a dog owner, it’s important to be aware of your pet’s health and well-being. One common yet often overlooked health issue that can affect dogs is urinary tract infections (UTIs). A UTI in dogs can be uncomfortable and even painful, but with the right knowledge, you can help your dog get the treatment they need and take steps to prevent future infections. Here’s some things you need to know about UTIs in dogs.

What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when harmful bacteria enter the urinary system, leading to an infection in the bladder or urethra. While UTIs are common in humans, they can also affect dogs, especially those with certain risk factors. UTIs can cause a range of symptoms that may range from mild to severe, so being familiar with the signs is essential.

Symptoms of a UTI in Dogs

Blood in urine from a UTI

If your dog is experiencing a UTI, you might notice a variety of symptoms. Here are some of the most common signs:

• Frequent Urination: Your dog may try to urinate more often, or you may notice them having accidents in the house. Be sure to take them out often!
• Painful Urination: Dogs with UTIs may experience discomfort when they urinate, often accompanied by whining or discomfort.
• Blood in Urine: One of the more noticeable signs of a UTI is blood in the urine, which can appear as pink, red, or even brown urine. I frequently watch what is coming out of my dog. You might not notice if you don’t. You can see the blood in the urine stream.
• Straining to Urinate: You may see your dog straining or having difficulty urinating, as the infection can make the bladder feel irritated.
• Licking the Genital Area: Dogs may lick their genital area more often if they have a UTI due to the discomfort or irritation it causes.
• Change in Appetite: Not wanting to eat. And you’ll definitely notice that if you feed properly, and your dog is usually a chow hound.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get your dog checked by a vet as soon as possible. UTIs can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of a UTI in dogs. Some of the most common causes include:

• Bacterial Infection: Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, often from the skin or digestive tract, entering the urinary system.
• Anatomical Issues: Certain anatomical conditions, such as urinary tract abnormalities or bladder stones, can make dogs more susceptible to UTIs.
• Weakened Immune System: Dogs with weakened immune systems (due to age, illness, or medication) are more prone to infections, including UTIs.
• Gender and Age: Female dogs, are more likely to develop UTIs than male dogs. Senior dogs are also at an increased risk.

Treatment for UTIs in Dogs

If your dog is diagnosed with a UTI, the treatment usually involves antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian. It’s crucial to follow the full course of antibiotics as directed, even if your dog starts feeling better before the medication is finished. Stopping treatment early can lead to the infection returning. The urine should be cultured to see what specific antibiotic will work against the infection.

We tried Amoxicillin, and when it didn’t help after a few days, (you should see improvement in a few days) we took a urine sample in and ended up using Doxycycline. That did the trick very quickly.

Your dog should be on the antibiotic for at least 21 days. Then 10 days to 2 weeks later after the antibiotic is finished, another culture should be done. This allows time for the antibiotics to clear the infection. And also, for the bacteria and antibiotic molecules to leave the urinary tract so not to lead to a false positive result.

IMPORTANT! DO NOT FORGET!

After finishing the antibiotic treatment, you need to add the good bacteria back! We are using these this is a very important step!!

In addition to antibiotics, your vet may recommend other treatments such as:

• Pain Relief: If your dog is experiencing pain, your vet might suggest medication to relieve discomfort.
• Hydration: Encouraging your dog to drink plenty of water can help flush out the bacteria from their urinary system. I suggest adding water or sodium free chicken broth to their food to help flush out the bacteria.
• Dietary Changes: In some cases, your vet might recommend a special diet or supplements to support urinary tract health.

Preventing UTIs in Dogs

While not all UTIs are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your dog developing one:

In addition to the below suggestions, you may want to add this supplement or even this one to your dog’s food! I’ve used both. Depending on the cause of the UTI this can help prevent another one. This is to be taken after the UTI is eradicated.

1. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water: Keeping your dog hydrated helps to flush out harmful bacteria before they can cause an infection.
2. Encourage Frequent Bathroom Breaks: Regular bathroom breaks prevent urine from staying in the bladder too long, which can increase the risk of infection.
3. Maintain Good Hygiene: Regularly clean your dog’s genital area, especially if they have longer fur, to prevent bacteria from accumulating. *Check out this Blog Post (under the heading “A tip for you”) about females with recessed or inverted vulva.
4. Monitor for Symptoms: Keeping an eye out for any early signs of a UTI can help you catch the infection before it becomes more serious.

When to See a Vet

If your dog shows any signs of a UTI, it’s best to consult your vet promptly. Left untreated, a UTI can lead to kidney infections or more serious issues. Your vet will perform a urine test to confirm the presence of an infection and determine the best course of treatment. If UTIs become a recurring issue, further tests may be required to determine the underlying cause. If you keep fighting it make sure the vet is sending the

Final Thoughts

While UTIs can be a concerning issue for dog owners, with early detection and proper treatment, most dogs recover fully from urinary tract infections. By being vigilant about your dog’s health and following preventive measures, you can help ensure your dog stays happy and healthy.

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