How To Treat My Dogs Urinary Tract Infection

What Are Symptoms Of Uti In Dogs

When people have UTIs we usually know right away because of the painful symptoms. But its not as easy to tell your dogs uncomfortable. Some signs of a UTI in dogs include:

• Licking the urinary tract opening
• Whining or discomfort during urination
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Wanting to go outside more frequently due to the urge to urinate
• Accidents indoors
• Trying to pee again right after urinating

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.

How Long Does A Dog Uti Last

Antibiotic treatment typically lasts from 10 to 14 days, and dogs usually feel better within just a few days. In complicated cases, treatment could take up to four to six weeks for the UTI to entirely clear up. Veterinarians typically do one or more follow-up cultures to make sure the antibiotic is being effective.

Even if your dog feels better within a few days, give them the full course of treatment. Do not stop treatment early. Stopping the treatment early means that not all of the infection-causing bacteria will be killed. Also, the bacteria that are still lingering around increase the risk of future antibacterial resistance.

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How Does A Vet Check For A Uti In Dogs

Pennys devastating story covers the importance of the early portion of early detection. Next, lets address the detection portion. After your vet performs a comprehensive physical exam and checks your dogs vital signs, he or she will want to examine a sample of your dogs urine.

In some cases, your dogs veterinarian may need to collect a sterile sample from the dogs bladder by cystocentesisdrawing the urine directly from the bladder using a needle. It sounds awful, but it is a very common, safe procedure and most dogs barely seem to notice. Also, it is the best way to get an idea of what the urine in the bladder is like, especially if your vet plans to culture your dogs urine.

You see, as we have discussed, bacteria can live around the external opening of the urethra and even start crawling up the urethra. So, if you collect a sample of your dogs urine when he or she urinates , that urine contains anything that was in the bladder PLUS whatever bacteria or debris were in or around the urethra.

Your vet may still be able to assess whether or not your dog has a UTI based on that sample, but sometimes the results are ambiguous. Plus, that sample isnt useful for a culture because of the bacteria from the urethra and surrounding skin.

By the way, in the event that your vet does want you to collect a urine sample at home, check out the tips in my blog, 7 Tips for Improving Your Dogs Lab Tests.

Common Symptoms Of Bladder Infection In Dogs

Pain, difficulties urinating, blood in urine, straining to urinate and urinating very small amounts but frequently are all common signs that your dog may be suffering from a bladder infection. Other indications of bladder infections or urinary tract infections include:

• Straining to urinate

• Increased thirst

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

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Can I Give My Dog Cranberry Juice For A Urinary Tract Infection

Do not attempt to treat your dogs kidney infection without consulting your veterinarian. That being said, cranberry juice is safe if given in moderation. Vets strongly recommend dog owners provide cranberries as a supplement and not replace proven medical treatments.

Feeding large amounts of cranberries or cranberry juice to your dogs can cause bladder stones. Feed cranberries with your dog’s supplement or treat it under the guidance of your vet to avoid any risk.

Changes In Urination Habits

Like it or not, most of us are attuned to our dogs elimination habits. Many of us have been caught in the act of examining our dogs poop by non-dog owners, and the same goes for urination. This attention to detail is more than just excessive caring it can help your veterinarian diagnose a medical condition before it gets out of hand.

Changes in your dogs urination habits always necessitate a visit to your veterinarian. While accidents in the house could be a behavioral issue, they could also be a sign of a serious medical condition. Accidents or increased frequency in urination may be symptoms of diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushings disease, cancer, trauma, or urinary tract infections, just to name a few possible conditions. Your vet my suggest certain supplements or medications.

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Dogs That Are Prone To Utis

Any dog breed can develop a urinary tract infection, but female dogs develop UTIs more commonly than male dogs.

Male dogs have longer urethras, requiring the bacteria to travel farther to invade the bladder. Picture the bacteria getting tired on their long trek and either giving up on their journey or dying before they make it to their destination.

Dog breeds that are prone to bladder stones are more prone to UTIs in generalespecially chronic, recurrent UTIs. This is due to the stones rolling around in a dogs bladder and breaking down its defense mechanisms, causing inflammation.

Breeds that are predisposed to chronic UTIs secondary to bladder stones include:

Uti In Dogs: Know The Signs Treatments Prevention

Urinary tract infections in dogs can be serious business, especially when they go undetected. Integrative veterinarian, Dr. Julie Buzby, shares causes, symptoms, and treatment plans for UTIs in dogs. Plus, learn practical steps you can take to ensure your dogs urinary health. Because you can never have TMI on UTIs.

Most of us are familiar with UTIs in humans, which are much more common in females. But do you know the often subtle symptoms of urinary tract infection in dogs? And why UTIs are often a hidden condition?

Lets take a look at this often sneaky yet very common medical condition, so that you can be armed with the information you need to help your dog.

Additionally, Ill introduce you to three of my veterinary patients. Each dear dogs story illustrates the gamut of ways canine urinary tract infections can present.

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Recovery And Management Of Utis In Dogs

Your vet should test your dogs urine following antibiotic therapy for both acute and chronic UTIs. In some instances of chronic UTIs, urine testing will also be performed during treatment, in addition to afterward, to assess the amount of bacteria.

Once urine testing confirms that a UTI is resolved, no further treatment is necessary for dogs with acute UTIs. If your dog has a chronic UTI, they may be kept on urinary tract supplements and probiotics to avoid recurrence.

If your vet diagnoses an underlying medical condition, treatment will aim to control it to avoid recurrent UTIs. Here are a few examples of possible underlying issues and their potential treatments:

• Diabetes mellitus: insulin therapy and diet changes

• Kidney disease: diet changes, blood pressure management, and fluid therapy

• Abnormal vulvar conformation: surgical correction and/or daily cleaning of the perivulvar region

• Urinary crystals: increased water intake, urinary tract supplements, and sometimes a dissolution diet

• Bladder stones: surgical removal via cystotomy, or in some cases, a dissolution diet

• Urinary tract masses: surgical removal and/or chemotherapeutic protocols

Each dog with a UTI should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis since there are so many factors that can contribute to pain and inflammation.

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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Fungal Urinary Tract Infection

Fungal UTI is uncommon. As with bacterial UTI, fungal UTI occurs because of temporary or permanent breaches in local or systemic immunity of the lower urinary tract. Funguria may be due to primary infections of the lower urinary tract or secondary to shedding of fungal elements into the urine in animals with systemic infections. Primary fungal UTI is most commonly due to Candida spp, a commensal inhabitant of the genital mucosa, upper respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract.17, 18Candida albicans is the most commonly identified species, followed by Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis other ubiquitous fungi may also occasionally cause primary fungal UTI, including Aspergillus spp, Blastomycosis spp , and Cryptococcus spp.19

Blastomyces spp organisms observed by microscopic examination of urine sediment from a 2-year-old castrated male Doberman pinscher.

Utis Make Urination Very Uncomfortable

You might also be able to tell that your dog has a UTI by watching their behavior when they pee. UTIs can cause difficulty urinating, so your dog might whimper, whine, or struggle while they try to go to the bathroom. This means your dog is in serious discomfort that should be addressed immediately.

If your dog has difficulty urinating or stops urinating altogether, its very dangerous. Your dogs bladder could rupture if they arent using the bathroom regularly. Difficulty urinating is not only a sign of a dog UTI but could also indicate other issues like prostate disease or an obstruction in the urinary tract. If you notice your dog struggling to pee, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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How Are Bladder Infections Are Treated 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 pets condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

If your dog is experiencing pain or other severe symptoms of a bladder infection outside of your vets regular hours contact AnimERge emergency animal hospital . Our veterinarians provide New Jersey pets with emergency and specialist care.

Patients

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What Happens If An Antibiotic Doesnt Work For A Urinary Tract Infection

Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for urinary tract infections , most of which are caused by a bacteria called Escherichia Coli . Infections of the lower urinary tract, which includes bladder infections , are the most common type of UTI and are usually treated with a 3-5 day course of antibiotics. Sometimes, however, the antibiotic prescribed to treat a bladder infection doesnt work.

If you suspect your antibiotic isnt working you should promptly contact your healthcare provider. Left untreated a UTI may become more serious and in rare cases cause permanent or life-threatening complications.

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Can Diet Prevent Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs

Just like humans, dogs need special care and maintenance. UTIs typically occur because of a poor diet or inadequate cleaning procedures. Owners can avoid UTIs, for the most part, by ensuring their pet is properly cleaned and is eating healthily. If your dog has blood in the urine or is experiencing severe pain while urinating, please take your dog to the vet immediately. There are several bladder infection home remedies for dogs for more mild symptoms.

UTIs are infections, which means if untreated, bacteria can multiply, and the matter may get worse. Owners should be attentive when dealing with UTIs. Cranberry concentrates and apple cider vinegar are fantastic home remedies for UTIs in dogs, but preventive measures are the best method to ensure a healthy and happy dog. Find more information about dog home remedies here.

When To See A Vet

At the first signs of a UTI in your dog, we suggest that you have your dogs urine tested at your vets.

They can confirm the diagnosis and you can then take action knowing what you are dealing with.

Indeed, these symptoms may indicate a bacterial urinary tract infection, but they may also suggest an onset of kidney disease/infection or the presence of crystals or stones in the bladder.

Often, we notice the first signs of an infection only when it is well-established, since our dogs are good at hiding things! If your dog has a more advanced bacterial infection, it may need antibiotic treatment prescribed by a vet.

Read further to learn about the natural solutions to this uncomfortable condition.

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Administer Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-septic. When it is in your dogs system, it will fight off any bacteria present and create an acidic environment that will eradicate the bacteria and prevent further growth.

Required Ingredients:

• Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Process:

Notes: Ensure you provide a second bowl of fresh drinking water that does not have apple cider vinegar just in case your dog does not want to drink the water with the apple cider vinegar. The last thing you want is for your dog to become dehydrated, as it will further progress and irritate the UTI.

Administer Fresh Blueberries Or Cranberries

Usually, cranberries are often given to humans for assistance with a UTI, and they can also work well for your dog.

The blueberries and cranberries will reduce the PH of your dogs bladder, which prevents the bacteria from attaching to the urethra and bladder walls.

Plus, blueberries and cranberries will better the functionality of your dogs gastrointestinal tract.

Required Ingredients:

• Fresh cranberries or blueberries

Process:

Notes: To avoid your dog choking, chop the blueberries or cranberries well. If you do not have access to these fresh fruits, you can use dried- be sure there is no added sugar.

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What Can I Do To Prevent A Uti From Occurring In The Future

Your veterinarian will let you know if there is anything that can be done to prevent your dogs UTI from recurring. Often, a diet change may be recommended. They may also recommend some medications or supplements that can help to change the pH of the urine, making it harder for an infection to take hold. It is best to discuss UTI prevention with your veterinarian in order to put into place strategies that have been shown to be effective.

Viral Urinary Tract Infection

Viral-induced disease in humans is increasingly recognized, especially of the upper urinary tract. However, it can be difficult to determine cause-and-effect relationships because viral-induced disease may occur in the absence of detectable replicating virus. Several viruses have been implicated in canine and feline disease .

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Treatment Of Underlying Conditions

Some diseases like diabetes or Cushings disease can cause recurring urinary tract infections in dogs. If your dog has an underlying condition accompanied by a UTI, make sure to address that condition first. Doing so may help stop the infection at the root.

If your dog suffers from infections caused by prostate disease, they can be controlled with chemical or surgical castration. The growth of bladder tumors, in turn, can be inhibited with certain medications.

Again, ask your vet to find the best solution.