Canine Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

Symptoms Of Bladder Infection In Dogs

The most common signs of bladder infections in dogs include pain or difficulties urinating, blood in urine or in some cases you may notice that your pup is only urinating very small amounts but frequently. Other indications of bladder infections or urinary tract infections include:

• Straining to urinate

• Increased thirst

If your dog is exhibiting any of the symptoms above it’s time to head to your veterinarian. Bladder infections and urinary tract infections are very uncomfortable and often painful for dogs. That said, when caught and treated early these infections can often be cleared up quickly and easily so the sooner you can get your pooch to the vet the better.

What Causes A Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs

Even a healthy, frequently cleaned dog can develop a UTI. The infection is most often the result of bacteria surrounding the dog’s genitals or when foreign debris gathered from rolling around outdoors travels up the dog’s urethra and affects their bladder .

Certain treatments of other illnesses, such as corticosteroids, also increased the risk of UTI development in dogs .

Pet owner’s inattention to the infection gives it time to travel up and into the dog’s kidneys, causing further and more serious health issues, such as excruciating kidney stones, which then may result in kidney failure

A weakened immune system, whether due to battling another illness simultaneously or being a young puppy thats not fully developed or a vulnerable geriatric dog, can make it more difficult for the dog’s body to fight off the urinary infection .

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.

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How Vets Diagnose Utis In Dogs

There are many ways to tell if a dog has a UTI and to investigate the underlying causes for why an infection occurred in the first place. Its important to obtain a definitive diagnosis whenever there is evidence of urinary tract disease, or else UTIs may come back.

Here are the ways that veterinarians test for UTIs in dogs.

Cost Of Natural Urinary Tract Infection Remedies In Dogs

Treating a dog’s UTI with herbal remedies is relatively inexpensive. These remedies can cost anywhere from $10 to $30. Supplements for preventive care could cost as little as the expense of specially formulated food and vet recommended supplements. These preventative measures usually cost an additional $10 to $30 a month.

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Availability Of Data And Materials

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study will be made available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Datasets will be presented within a final manuscript and/or included as additional supporting files as appropriate. No identifying/confidential patient data will be shared.

A Note About Antibiotics For Bladder Infections

Antibiotics are standard treatment for UTIs. The problem with this is that antibiotics dont just kill the bacteria causing the UTI they also destroy the healthy bacteria in your dogs gut. Remember that many holistic vets say that urinary tract problems in dogs are actually inflammation, not an infection. So using antibiotics will damage your dogs microbiome without effectively treating the real cause of your dogs UTI. Thats why UTIs become chronic recurrent infections in many dogs. Urinary concentration of antibiotics is also a factor. The drugs are less effective if they dont achieve high antimicrobial concentrations. In fact, a 2014 review of antibiotics for UTIs at University of Copehagen concluded: there is little published evidence relating to antibiotic treatment of UTIs in dogs and cats. Well-designed clinical trials focusing on the duration of treatment are warranted to create evidence-based treatment protocols.

Antibiotic resistance is also a concern. The more your dog takes antibiotics, the less effective they are. So save them for when theyre truly necessary and avoid antimicrobial resistance thats becoming a problem for all of us!

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Treatments For Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs

Treatment for UTIs in dogs usually includes a round of antibiotics for about ten days or until symptoms disappear. The type of antibiotic used will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Your veterinarian will determine this through urinalysis and possibly other tests.

In some rare, severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissue. Most dogs recover well after antibiotic treatment.

Its likely that youll be instructed to increase your dogs water intake with fresh water. Some vets might even recommend a water fountain for dogs so that they have a constant source of hydration, which can help prevent future UTIs, as well.

In some cases, your vet may recommend supplements or dietary changes, especially if theres a risk of developing bladder stones.

You can also help prevent UTIs in your dog by allowing them more frequent urination breaks outside and making sure that the area around their urethral opening stays clean and clear of debris. You can get wipes to clean them and reduce the risk of bacterial infection.

Some probiotics may be helpful, and frequently checking your dog for injuries or scratches can also reduce the risk of a UTI.

Has your dog ever had a urinary tract infection? What did you do to treat it? Let us know in the comments below!

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.

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Treatment Options For Dogs With Urinary Tract Infections

Treatment for UTI focuses on managing pain, giving antibiotics for bacterial UTIs. If there is an underlying cause, this must be addressed as well. Dogs with a recessed vulva often benefit from surgery which helps correct this problem. Some dogs with bladder stones can be treated by changing the diet. This helps prevent the future formation of stones in the bladder. For more information on bladder stones, click here!

Talk to your vet about other or alternative treatments such as supplements and/or acupuncture. Cranberry juice has not been proven to help dogs with UTI, but it can be offered to dogs along with their normal bowl of fresh water. Its important to note that cranberry juice or cranberry supplements are thought to improve bladder health and decrease the recurrence of UTI, but they will not cure a current bladder infection.

Make sure that your dog finishes all medications as directed by your vet. If your dog stops eating, has vomiting or diarrhea, or worsening of UTI symptoms while on medication, call your vet right away.

Follow up with your vet to recheck your dogs urine sample once the medication is finished. This will help determine if the UTI has cleared up or if your dog needs to continue treatment.

When Should I Take My Dog To The Vet For A Uti

No matter which home remedy you choose to use for your dog’s urinary tract issues, be sure to have a conversation with your veterinarian about the symptoms you’re seeing.

Like I said before this does not replace a trip to the vet. UTIs can develop into more serious infections.

Also, be sure that you observe your dog closely.

If his symptoms begin to get worse or do not seem to be getting any better within 48 hours, make an appointment with your vet.

Urinary tract infections can spread quickly to other organs.

You don’t want to take the chance of your dog suffering kidney or bladder problems because you tried to get out of making a trip to the veterinarian.

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Natural Urinary Tract Infection Remedies Recovery In Dogs

Rest for your dog during treatment is important. However, allow your dog outside to urinate frequently. Cleaning out the urinary tract during this time will be essential to create the correct pH balance for a healthy urinary tract.

Once your dog is feeling better, begin to add cranberries and blueberries to their meals. Some natural food brands and prescription foods are specifically designed for urinary tract issues and are created with natural foods that promote a healthy urinary tract.

Are Some Dogs Predisposed To Utis

Older female dogs, and dogs with diabetes mellitus , more commonly develop UTIs than the general population. Dogs who have bladder stones are also more prone to recurrent UTIs. This highlights the importance of getting a complete diagnosis whenever there is evidence of disease in the urinary tract. Bladder stones must be removed or dissolved in order to restore bladder health.

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Can Dog Uti Go Away On Its Own

It is not likely for a dogs UTI to go away on its own.

It is always recommended that if your dog exhibits signs of a UTI such as straining to urinate, increased frequency in urination, licking of the genital area, and fever, then you should seek veterinary care.

Urinary tract infections are not only unlikely to go away on their own. Without a dog UTI treatment, they can worsen or even lead to complications.

Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Utis

UTI is a common and potentially serious condition that can affect both dogs and humans. If your dog exhibits any of the above symptoms, you should take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect your dog is suffering from UTIs on a regular basis, you should consult a veterinarian.

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How Can I Tell If My Dog Has Urinary Tract Problems

It can be difficult to know if your dog is in pain, and your dog may not show any signs of pain at all. However, some signs may help you determine if your dog is having trouble with their urinary tract:

• Bloody and/or cloudy urine

• Spinal cord abnormalities

Urinary tract infections are more common in older female dogs and dogs with diabetes. Dogs with bladder stones are more prone to getting frequent UTIs. In addition, lower urinary tract disease and UTIs are common in senior dogs, age seven and older, of all breeds and genders.

Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs: Symptoms Causes And Treatments

Urinary tract infection in dogs is a condition that affects the bladder, upper urethra, or both. Symptoms of UTI in dogs are especially visible during urination and often include feeling the need to urinate frequently even though little to no urine is released.

The most common cause of canine UTI is a bacterial infection that enters through a dogs urethral opening and moves further upward into the urinary tract. Although, there are several other causes of UTIs in dogs, and they are not contagious.

You need to consult your veterinarian if you spot the signs of a UTI in your dog so that they can determine the cause and recommend treatment accordingly.

Heres what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for urinary tract infections in dogs.

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Lower Urinary Tract Infections

Patricia Dowling, DVM, MSc, DACVIM , DACVCP, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Patricia M. Dowling, DVM, MSc, DACVIM , DACVCP, is a professor of veterinary clinical pharmacology at Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and is the founder and codirector of the Canadian Global Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank. She is also a drug therapy consultant and conducts research on pharmacokinetics.

Bacterial UTIs are commonly diagnosed in dogs and cats. Although bacterial cystitis occurs in male and female dogs of all ages, in cats, it is more common in spayed females and cats > 10 years of age. Antimicrobial agents used to treat UTIs have not changed, but there are increasing concerns over rising rates of antimicrobial resistance. Good antimicrobial stewardship is needed thus, there are new recommendations regarding which types of bacteriuria require antimicrobial treatment, which antimicrobials should be considered first-line, and duration of antimicrobial treatment.1

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.

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Diagnosing A Uti In Dogs

If you suspect that your dog has a bladder infection, she should see a vet right away. The vet will ask you questions about your dogs symptoms and history and do a thorough physical exam. A urine sample will be collected, and a complete urinalysis will show if there is blood, bacteria, or crystals in the urine. Often, a urine culture and sensitivity test is needed to help determine which antibiotics will be most effective against the specific bacteria.

In more serious cases, blood work, x-rays, and ultrasound tests are needed to see if any underlying conditions need to be treated. These may include diabetes, bladder stones, kidney disease, cancer, and more.

How To Treat Bladder Infections In Dogs

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bladder infections in dogs, although in some cases your vet may recommend anti-inflammatory medications or pain killers depending on the severity and underlying cause.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

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Low Protein Foods And Treats

Because UTIs in dogs may be straining your dog’s kidneys, a low protein diet can be recommended by a vet to prevent proteinuria.

Studies have shown this type of diet to improve bladder and kidney-related conditions in dogs, making animals feel less lethargic and even extend lifespan in terminally ill dogs .

You can switch to low protein foods and treats, but only if approved by your veterinarian.

Some of the best low protein treats and foods are mentioned below:

How To Prevent Antibiotic Resistance

Overusing antibiotics in humans and animals, taking antibiotics for non-medical reasons, and allowing resistant bacteria to spread through contact with infected animals saliva or urine are all possible causes of resistance. As a result, it is critical that antibiotics are prescribed only as directed by your veterinarian, that the medication be used in the fewest quantities possible, and that you keep an eye on the patients progress.

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Prostatitis Pyelonephritis And Recurrent Uti

Management of these conditions is often unsuccessful unless therapy is guided by culture and susceptibility results. While culture and susceptibility results are awaited, empiric therapy should be instituted .

For patients with prostatitis, the antibiotic must achieve a high enough concentration in the prostatic tissue to cure the infection. Many antibiotics may be inefficient for treating prostatitis because most are not capable of crossing the bloodprostate barrier. Patients with prostatitis should be given a fluoroquinolone until culture results are available. The recommended durations of therapy are 4 to 6 weeks for prostatitis and 2 weeks for pyelonephritis.

Patients with recurrent UTIs often require a wide diagnostic evaluation to determine the cause. Evaluation typically includes urinary tract imaging , cystoscopy, urinary bladder wall biopsy and culture, endocrine testing, and more. Diagnostics should be selected individually and be based on the most likely risk factors.

Patients with reinfection should be evaluated for predisposing risk factors, such as urinary incontinence, anatomic abnormalities , systemic immunosuppression, or endocrinopathies.7