Urinary tract infections in dogs happen when bacteria invade the urinary system. 14% of dogs get a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. Any dog can get one, but they’re most common in middle-aged to older females. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening.

 

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs are common in dogs. They happen when invading bacteria, usually from the skin or bum, overcome the body’s defences. The urinary tract means the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Infections in the bladder and urethra are lower urinary tract infections. Infections in the kidneys and ureters are upper urinary tract infections. Cystitis or bladder infection is the most common UTI. Symptoms range from mild discomfort and peeing more frequently to life-threatening illness. Always talk to a vet if you think your dog has a UTI.

 

Overview

What are urinary tract infections in dogs?

Urine (pee) is produced in your dog’s kidneys. It’s stored in the bladder before being expelled through the urethra when your dog pees. Urinary tract infections happen when bacteria get into the bladder and/or kidneys.

Cystitis is a general term for inflammation of the bladder. Sometimes, bacteria are not involved. Non-bacterial cystitis can result from:

• Stones or crystals irritating the bladder wall
• Stress or anxiety
• Unknown cause: idiopathic cystitis

Lower urinary tract infections, bladder infection or cystitis

• Bacteria on the skin enter the vulva of female dogs or penis of males
• Bacteria can also result from bladder stones (urolithiasis)
• These bacteria overcome the body’s defences to invade the bladder wall
• Infection causes inflammation and weakening of the bladder’s protective layers
• Urine irritates the exposed and inflamed bladder wall, making things worse
• Symptoms develop due to pain, bladder irritability, bleeding and infection

Upper urinary tract infections, kidney infection or pyelonephritis

• Often develops because of lower urinary tract infections
• Occasionally results from kidney stones
• Inflamed and infected kidneys stop working properly
• Illness is more severe because kidneys are vital for filtering and cleaning the blood
• Symptoms develop due to pain, buildup of toxins in the body, infection spreading into the blood

Pyelonephritis and severe cystitis can be life-threatening illnesses. Seek help from a vet if you think your dog may have a urinary tract infection.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a UTI in dogs?

Symptoms of a lower UTI or cystitis

General symptoms:

• Peeing more frequently, often smaller amounts
• Peeing in the house, where this is out of character
• Taking longer to pass urine
• Abnormal appearance of urine: cloudy, unusual colour, blood-tinged
• Passing smelly urine: a fishy smell
• Pain when passing urine: whimpering or crying
• Becoming restless and finding it hard to settle

More severe symptoms of cystitis:

• Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, eating less and feeling hot to touch

 

Symptoms of an upper UTI or kidney infection

• May include or happen after symptoms of cystitis
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Not eating
• Becoming listless and lethargic
• Tummy pain
• Feeling hot to touch, trembling and shaking
• Shock and collapse

Click on the links to find out more about these symptoms in dogs. Any questions or worries? Joii Vets are on hand 24/7 for support and expert advice.

 

Risk

Which dogs are most at risk of urinary tract infections?

Any age, breed or sex of dog can get cystitis, but certain factors will increase individual risk:

• Being female: a wider urethra allows bacteria to enter the bladder more easily. The vulva is closer to the bum.
• Being very young or very old: the body’s defences are weaker.
• Having other illnesses: chronic kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, urolithiasis, hypothyroidism.
• Being obese or suffering from urinary incontinence.
• Being on certain prescribed medicines: steroids, anti-cancer drugs.
• Being born with the bladder or ureters in the wrong position.
• Having cancer of the bladder or kidney.
• Not drinking enough: urine becomes too concentrated and irritates the bladder wall.

 

Complications of urinary tract infections

• Chronic kidney disease
• Acute kidney failure
• Septicaemia: bacteria from the urinary infection invade your dog’s bloodstream
• Sepsis: life-threatening illness. May result in multiple organ failure and death

Diagnosis

How do vets diagnose urinary tract infections in dogs?

Vets will usually suspect a lower urinary tract based on the symptoms. Kidney infections may be harder to diagnose in the early stages. Further tests to confirm urinary tract infections in dogs include:

• Urine sample analysis and bacterial culture
• Blood tests
• Imaging: ultrasound scan, x-rays, CT scan.

Vet treatment

Vet treatment of urinary tract infections in dogs

• Antibiotics: to kill invading bacteria. Bacterial culture and sensitivity tests help choose the best antibiotic.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers: reduce discomfort, irritation and bladder damage.
• Bladder supplements: to improve the health of the bladder wall.
• Special diets: to dissolve bladder stones.
• Treating underlying causes, or the illnesses that aggravate urinary tract infections.
• Surgery: to repair or reposition a misplaced bladder or ureter(s). To relieve a blocked bladder and remove stones.

Home treatment

How to care for a dog with a urinary tract infection at home

Your dog will need to see a vet for treatment of a severe or recurrent urinary tract infection. There are no effective or safe home remedies if bacteria invade the bladder and kidneys. But home care is an essential part of recovery.

• Give all medicines your vet prescribes at the correct time and dose.
• Encourage your dog to drink as much as possible: feed wet food, add water to dry food, offer ice cubes.
• Consider bladder health supplements that are suggested or approved by your vet.
• Clean poo from under their tail if your dog has diarrhoea due to their illness or medication.
• Let them rest until they’re completely better.

Prevention

How to prevent your dog from getting a urinary tract infection

It’s impossible to remove all the risks of your dog getting a urinary tract infection. But there are always measures you can take to reduce the risk.

• Keep your dog at a healthy weight and body condition score.
• Feed a healthy, balanced diet suitable for your dog’s age and lifestyle. Continue to use prescription diets if your vet advises this to prevent recurrence of a UTI.
• Ensure your dog gets lots of exercise and mental stimulation with safe toys and games.
• Encourage your dog to drink and ensure fresh water is always available.
• Clean under your dog’s tail if poo gets stuck in long hair or if your dog has very loose stools.
• Identify and treat other illnesses promptly.
• Consider long-term supplements to improve bladder and kidney health.

When to worry

When to worry

Find your nearest vet practice if your dog is:

• In shock or collapsed
• Unable to pass any urine
• Shaking and very hot or very cold to touch
• Developing severe and worsening symptoms, despite vet treatments for cystitis

Joii can help with:

• Recognising symptoms and causes of urinary tract infections in dogs
• Choosing the right diet for your dog’s health and lifestyle
• Supplements to improve bladder health
• Weight management for urinary tract and general health