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Health Disclaimer: This post is educational in nature and doesnt constitute health advice. Please consult your pets veterinarian or other healthcare professionals for specific guidance on this topic.
How Are Lower Urinary Tract Problems Diagnosed
Diagnosing lower urinary tract problems requires a visit to the veterinarian. Your vet will do a physical examination that includes checking the kidneys and bladder. They will also likely perform a urinalysis. They may also need to do a urine culture, blood work, ultrasound, or radiographs depending on their findings.
These evaluations can help your vet determine if your dogâs urinary tract problems are caused by a UTI, or if they have another underlying condition like those listed above, including, stones, cancers, or tumors.
How Are They Treated
We strongly advocate that Veterinary diagnosis should be sought. Treatment from the Vet will be by a course of antibiotics.
Unfortunately it can be a recurring condition in many dogs and you may find yourself going back to the Vets a month or two later. Further antibiotics will be needed.
Uti-Care is not an antibiotic and it doesnt eliminate exiting infections. Its role is to make re-infection much less likely and in many cases prevent it completely. This is very desirable because it removes the need for continued antibiotic use. Uti-Care is used as a long term supplement to maintain a healthy tract.
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How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections From Occurring
Some pet parents try giving their dog yogurt for a UTI, which is thought to balance a dogâs microbiome in general. But this method has varying results and doesnât necessarily work for every dog. Itâs best to ask your vet for a recommendation instead of trying a home remedy to prevent or treat UTIs.
Marx says the best thing you can do to prevent another UTI is to make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water. Also, take frequent walks or provide a lot of potty breaks for your dog throughout the day.
If your dog has recurring UTIs, your vet may recommend taking supplements. âCranberry and vitamin C can help dogs that have chronic UTIs by lowering urine pH,â Marx says. âBut discuss it with your vet before using any treatment. These supplements can make some types of infections worse, especially if certain crystal types are part of the cause.â
An underlying medical condition could also be whatâs behind your dogâs multiple UTIs or difficulty getting one to go away. Your vet may suggest additional testing to determine the root cause of chronic UTIs.
Loss Of Bladder Control
One of the most common signs of a dog UTI is loss of bladder control in an otherwise perfectly house-trained dog. Loss of bladder control or a constant trickle of urine can also indicate cystitis, which is an inflammation of the bladder. Keep in mind that incontinence is not uncommon with older dogs and may not indicate a health issue, but its always best to have your dog checked if you notice a change.
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What Are Common Dog Uti Signs And Symptoms
It can be hard to tell if your dog is in pain, because they may not show any signs at all. However, if youre seeing bloody, cloudy or their urine has a strong smell, you dog may have a UTI.
You may also notice straining or crying during urination, accidents in the house, needing to urinate more frequently, increased water consumption, or licking around their back end excessively after urinating, youll need to get them checked out by your veterinarian to rule out a UTI.
Also, if you have a dog thats all of a sudden not house-broken, especially puppies, its important to get them checked out for a bacterial UTI.
An important distinction is UTI doesnt always mean an infection. It can mean urinary tract inflammation versus urinary tract infection.
There are many causes of lower urinary tract problems that can lead to the symptoms mentioned. If you notice a change in your dogs urinary habits, make sure to get them checked out.
Some of the other causes of dog UTI signsinclude:
- Bladder inflammation or infection
- Crystals or sludge in the bladder or urethra
- Congenital abnormalities like inverted vulvas
- Cancers like transitional cell carcinoma
This is why its so important to get your pet checked out by your veterinarian if youre noticing any of the mentioned dog UTI symptoms.
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What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Has Lower Urinary Tract Problems
Pay attention to your dogâs behavior, because itâs not easy to spot all your dogâs symptoms.
If you notice symptoms of pain and discomfort, especially difficulty urinating, call your dogâs vet to figure out whatâs causing the problems and the best way to treat them.
Show Sources
American Kennel Club: âDoes Your Dog Have UTI Symptoms or Something Worse?,â Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs.â
Banfield Pet Hospital: âLower Urinary Tract Disease .â
Canine Health Foundation: âCanine Lymphoma.â
Merck Manual Veterinary Manual: âBacterial Urinary Tract Infections.â
MSPCA-Angell: “Lower Urinary Tract Diseases of the Senior Dog.”
Peoria Area Veterinary Group: âUrinary Tract Problems in Dogs.â
Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira: âAnalysis of lower urinary tract disease of dogs.â
VCA Hospitals: âUrinary Tract Infections in Dogs.â
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Can Male Dogs Get A Uti
Female dogs are more prone than male dogs to getting UTIs, but male dogs can still get them. Older female dogs, dogs with diabetes, and dogs who have bladder stones are most at risk. But other health problems, such as Cushings disease and chronic kidney disease, can also contribute to increased UTIs.
What Is The Best Food For Dog Uti Treatment
Natural and nutrient-dense foods are best for dogs with UTIs. Here are some foods that can help with the dog UTI treatment.
- Cranberries. Cranberries and cranberry juice are the most often recommended at-home treatment for UTIs. Although the common belief is that they are powerful treatments against UTIs, there have been no studies to confirm this in dogs. For this reason, vets will often recommend cranberries be used as a supplement to a UTI treatment rather than be relied on as the treatment.
- Fruits. Fruits are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants that help to support the immune system. These foods provide naturally sourced nutrients that are easy to digest and readily available to support your pets health and help to treat and prevent urinary tract disease.
- UTI-Specific Dog Food. Dog foods formulated to treat a dogs UTI or incontinence often contain antioxidants and immune system supporting vitamins that help to fight the underlying causes of UTIs.
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Licks Dog Urinary Tract Care
LiquiPaks, Urinary Tract Care
Promote + Maintain urinary tract health. 100% human grade ingredients & facilities. Up to 98% absorption vs 20% with pills. The pill-free solution to pet health. Licks beneficial levels of active ingredients and patented formulation process makes it my natural health solution of choice for may patients. – Dr. Whitnee Patten, DVM. Urinary Tract Care promotes optimal urinary tract health and function. Ingredient Highlight – D-Mannose – Binds to site where bacteria are attached in the urinary tract, helping to dislodge and eliminate them from the body while not hurting good bacteria. www.LicksPillFree.com. Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified sourcing. www.sfiprogram.org. Questions? 821-6098. Proudly made in the USA. Produce in the USA in human facilities with healthy ingredients.
Contains: Cautions: Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not been proven. If lameness worsens, discontinue use and contact your veterinarian. Administer during or after the animal has eaten to reduce incidence of gastrointestinal upset. Keep out of reach of children and animals. In case of accidental overdose, contact a health professional immediately.
For use in dogs only. Refrigerate after opening. Directions for Use: Administer Direct to dog’s Mouth or in a Separate Bowl. Use consistently to achieve desired results. Refrigerate to thicken gel. Dogs 15 lbs – 75 lbs: 1 packet daily. Dogs Less than 75 lbs: 1 – 2 packets daily.
Urinary & Kidney Health
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Licks® pill-free® Urinary Tract Care to help promote and maintain urinary tract health, and soothe occasional bladder discomfort before it starts.Too many last minute pounces to the litter box? That’s just the tip of the trouble caused by bladder discomfort. Our Infection prevention formula soothes bladder discomfort, helps diminish frequent urination, promotes overall immunity, prevents recurring infection and promotes a healthy urinary tract – this means that emergencies will be a part of the past!
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When Is Licking Private Parts Considered A Problem
Frequent or sustained licking of the urogenital area may indicate that a medical problem exists. Alert your veterinarian if you see any of the following signs:
- presence of pustules or red bumps on the skin
- discoloration of the skin
- straining to urinate
- scooting or rubbing the rectal area on the ground
- presence of a foul odor between eliminations
Recovery Of Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs
Repeated urine cultures are sometimes necessary to verify if the antimicrobial agents have done the trick. In the case of a complicated UTI, the usual culture after one week of treatment will be repeated, prior to the end of the medication period, and then again a week to 10 days after the treatment has stopped. This may seem excessive but is absolutely essential in order to conclude if the chosen protocol will cure your pet of the pain and infection.
Though most UTIs clear up without complication once the treatment has begun, there can be instances where the antimicrobials do not seem to be effective.
- Noncompliance by the pet owner. Never stop the treatment before the veterinarian gives the go-ahead.
- The treatment may need to be repeated because the initial course was not long enough.
- There could be an antimicrobial resistance, in which case a different one will need to be prescribed.
- There could be an underlying cause that was not previously discovered or recognized.
Chronic urinary tract infection might require low dose continuous therapy. Low dose therapy might be discontinued once the veterinarian verifies, through urine culture, 6 months of bacteria free urine.
Studies are in process to determine if giving your dog cranberry juice, or extract can be beneficial for non-adherence of bacteria to the urinary tract .
As always, contact the veterinary team at any time if you have questions or concerns about the treatment prescribed for your furry family member.
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What Happens If A Dogs Uti Goes Untreated
If a dogs UTI goes untreated, it is likely to develop more serious complications that can end up being life-altering or threatening. If left alone, a UTI can develop into kidney stones, bladder stones, and lower urinary tract dysfunction that can lead to recurrent UTIs.
If allowed to become severe, it can lead to things like Cushings disease, a condition caused by steroid treatment for inflammation associated with a urinary tract infection. This disease can damage the kidneys and cause the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol, a stress hormone.
Although it is possible, it is unlikely for a UTI to completely go away without medicinal intervention. Whenever a dog exhibits symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it is always best to visit a doctor of veterinary medicine right away.
Urinary tract infections are painful, uncomfortable, and sometimes outright dangerous for dogs, and getting it taken care of promptly can save you some expensive vet bills in the future and spare your dog some potentially harmful side effects of an untreated UTI.
Have You Seen Signs Of A Uti In Your Dog
If youve spotted the signs of a urinary tract infection in your dog, dont wait to have it treated. For your pet’s sake, you need to take immediate action and see a veterinarian that can treat the condition and help your dog heal. Animal Care Center of Castle Pines is prepared to offer holistic, expert diagnostics, determine the best treatment, and assist in your pets recovery. Contact us today to schedule a visityour pet will thank you!
February 3, 2022
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Uti Symptoms Return Repeatedly Can It Be Something Else
Repeated presentation of typical UTI symptoms could the be the sign of a more serious condition canine bladder cancer . Often, a positive diagnosis of TCC/UC will be found after rounds of antibiotics to treat symptoms do not fully resolve. The dog may then be evaluated for the presence of a tumor, usually via urine cytology, abdominal ultrasound, and/or cystoscopy. These procedures are expensive, invasive and take additional time, which allows for the mass to continue to grow and spread within the bladder and potentially beyond.
Diagnosis is now easier with the free-catch urine analysis test: CADET BRAF Mutation Detection Assay. The CADET BRAF Mutation Detection Assay is a non-invasive, free-catch urine analysis test that can detect canine bladder cancer months before symptoms present, allowing for the earliest therapeutic intervention.
Note: The information in this article is meant to inform you about urinary tract infections in dogs and is not meant to take the place of a veterinary diagnosis. If you have questions about your dogs health or possible symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.
How To Prevent Uti In Dogs
Below are three tips for preventing bladder infection in dogs.
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Treating Urinary Tract Problems
Just like UTIs in humans, UTIs in our canine companions are painfuland waiting too long to take your pup to the vet for treatment can make symptoms worse. The infection can spread to kidneys and the prostate. While you might want to run out and pick up over-the-counter treatment to help your pup now, Marx says to avoid medications meant for people, since they’re toxic to pets.
If you suspect that your dog has a UTI, contact your veterinarian for advice. You may need to schedule an appointment for an exam and testing. Your vet may ask you to bring a urine sample, but be sure to ask first. Some situations warrant sterile collection of urine in the clinic, which means you’ll want to prevent your dog from peeing right before the vet appointment.
Your vet may start with a urinalysis, a test to look for bacteria, abnormal blood cells, and crystals, the latter of which may signal that your dog has bladder stones. Your vet may also recommend a urine culture, which requires a sterile sample of urine to test for bacterial growth. A urine culture and sensitivity can help determine which, if any, bacteria are growing in your dog’s urine and how that bacteria responds to various antibiotics.
Antibiotics are typically used to treat UTIs in dogs, but the exact type of antibiotic prescribed will depend on the signs and severity of your dog’s condition as well as current veterinary medicine guidelines.
Collecting A Urine Sample At The Veterinary Clinic
If you can’t get a sample at home, your vet can take a sterile sample with a needle. “It’s a quick procedure that most dogs tolerate extremely well,” Marx says. In fact, a sterile sample is necessary if your vet wants to run a urine culture. That’s why it’s best to ask your vet first before trying to get a urine sample at home.
Your dog may also need X-rays to check for bladder stones if your vet finds crystals in the urine sample. Bladder stones can cause recurring bladder infections and need to be treated as well.
In most cases, Marx says treatment for a UTI in dogs is a simple course of antibiotics, usually prescribed for seven to 14 days. You should also encourage your dog to drink water to flush bacteria from the bladder.
“Dogs should feel better by 48 hours after starting antibiotics,” Marx says. “Sometimes, it can be as early as 24 hours. But continue the medication for as long as prescribed by your vet to completely clear up the UTI.” Your vet can recheck the urine at a follow-up exam to make sure the bacteria is gone.
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Warning Signs Of Feline Urinary Tract Infections
- Straining to urinate: Feline idiopathic cystitis can lead to straining while urinating, and can eventually lead to more severe situations such as the formation of bladder stones or a urethral plug. Male cats are more at risk to develop a urethral plug this is a life-threatening condition that causes a cat to lose the ability to urinate.
- Frequent attempts to urinate: Cats with FLUTD have a frequent urge to urinate, but can only pass a small amount each time.
- Painful urination: If your cat cries out while urinating, this is a tell-tale sign that she may be in pain.
- Licking the genital or abdominal areas: This is a way for cats to soothe the pain of a urinary tract disease.
- Urinating Outside the Litter Box: Take note if your cat is urinating in places other than litter box, especially on cool surfaces like tile or a bathtub.