You know your dog better than anyone. So when your furry friend starts acting differently, you notice right away. Extra accidents in the house. Straining to pee. Crying out when they go. These could all be signs of a urinary tract infection, or UTI. UTIs are common in dogs, but left untreated they can turn into something much worse. The good news is UTIs are very treatable, especially when caught early. Knowing the symptoms and getting your dog to the vet ASAP can save them a lot of pain and prevent complications. In this article, we’ll cover the most common dog UTI symptoms and treatment.
Seeking Treatment: How Vets Diagnose and Treat UTIs in Dogs
Increased Urination
If your dog is suddenly urinating more frequently or in larger amounts, that can be a sign of a UTI. They may ask to go out more often, have accidents in the house, or urinate in unusual places. This happens because the infection irritates their bladder, making them feel like they need to go all the time.
Straining or Pain While Urinating
You may notice your dog straining, crying, or exhibiting pain while trying to urinate. UTIs can make urination painful or difficult for dogs. They may whimper or cry while attempting to go, or even avoid urinating altogether due to the discomfort.
Blood in the Urine
Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, is a common symptom of a UTI. The blood may be visible to the naked eye, appearing pink or red, or only detected through a urinalysis. The infection causes inflammation of the urinary tract, which can lead to bleeding.
Lethargy or Loss of Appetite
Some dogs with a UTI may show more general symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea. The infection is taxing on their body, and they don’t feel well overall. Lethargy usually comes on gradually as the UTI develops or worsens.
If your dog is showing these symptoms, it’s best to have their urine tested by a vet as soon as possible. A UTI can usually be cleared up quickly with a round of antibiotics, but left untreated it may lead to more serious problems. Your dog’s comfort and health should be top priority, so call your vet right away for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Caring for Your Pup: At-Home Care Tips for Dogs With UTIs
Once you notice symptoms of a UTI in your dog, it’s time for a vet visit. The vet will start by reviewing your pup’s symptoms and medical history. They’ll then collect a urine sample to check for signs of infection like bacteria, blood, or excess protein. If an infection is detected, the vet may run further tests to determine the type of bacteria causing the UTI so they can prescribe the appropriate antibiotic.
Diagnosing the Issue
To diagnose a UTI, vets will analyze your dog’s urine with a dipstick test and may send a sample to the lab for culture and sensitivity. The dipstick checks for signs of infection like blood, excess protein, or glucose in the urine. A culture and sensitivity help determine the specific type of bacteria causing the infection so the vet can prescribe targeted treatment.
Treatment and Recovery
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Once diagnosed, most UTIs are treated with a round of antibiotics for 7 to 14 days. It’s important to give your dog the full course as directed to completely clear the infection. Your vet may also recommend increasing water intake to help flush out the urinary tract and giving probiotics to maintain gut health during antibiotic treatment.
Most dogs recover quickly with treatment, but some may experience repeat infections. In these cases, your vet may run further tests to check for any underlying issues. With prompt diagnosis and the proper treatment, your dog should be back to their usual happy and energetic self in no time!