Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Many dogs are diagnosed with urinary tract infections (UTIs) at some point in their lives. Getting treatment quickly is vital to helping your pet avoid serious and potentially life-threatening complications.1
If your dog is straining to urinate or urinating unexpectedly where they shouldn't, they might be experiencing a UTI. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and even painful. Understanding the causes, signs and treatment options for dog UTIs can help you catch the illness early and get your pup back to feeling comfy and happy again.2
Causes of UTIs in Dogs
A dog UTI is an infection anywhere in the bladder or urinary tract, from the urethra to the kidneys.2 UTIs all involve infection with bacteria.3 Causes of UTIs and conditions that can make your dog susceptible include:
- Poor hygiene: Poor grooming, including not cleaning the genital areas enough, can increase the risk of bacteria.4
- Weakened immune system: Immunosuppressive medications or diseases that weaken your dog's immunity can make her more prone to developing UTIs.1
- Anatomical abnormalities: Structural changes in the anatomy of the urethra, penis or vagina can put a dog at risk.3 These can be congenital or from injuries.1
- Underlying medical issues: Conditions like diabetes, Cushing's disease or cancer can make your dog susceptible to UTIs.2
- Bladder stones or crystals: These can increase your dog's risk by irritating the bladder lining or harboring bacteria in the stones.4
- Breed-specific dispositions: Breeds more at risk of UTIs include the Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Miniature Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier.1
- Obesity: Extra fat around the abdomen or hips can make it tougher for your dog to stay clean and can increase the risk of UTIs.1
- Age: Senior dogs age 7 or older are more at risk.5 Young puppies may also be more prone due to their immature immune systems.3
- Sex: Female dogs have shorter, wider urethras that are more prone to infection.3
UTI Signs & Symptoms in Dogs
UTIs can come on slowly, with mild symptoms presenting at first, or they can come on fast with sudden, severe symptoms. Keep an eye on your dog's behavior so you can see symptoms early and get treatment right away.1 Common symptoms of a UTI in dogs include:
- Frequent urination: Wanting to go potty more than normal is a classic symptom.2
- Straining to urinate: Your dog may frequently squat, without peeing.1
- Crying or whining while urinating: This may be due to pain or discomfort.3
- Accidents in the house: Any house-trained dog that suddenly starts urinating in the house should be evaluated for a UTI. This is a big red flag.3
- Blood in urine2
- Off-color or cloudy urine4
- Foul-smelling urine2
- Dripping urine3
- Licking genitals3
- Other symptoms: Lethargy, fever, weight loss or vomiting can be signs of a severe UTI.5
If you notice symptoms like these, it's vital to see a veterinarian right away.
UTIs in Puppies
Young puppies may be especially vulnerable to UTIs, so it's important to know about the symptoms and watch your little fur baby closely.3 Puppy UTI symptoms are the same as those in older dogs: frequent urination, straining to pee, blood in the urine and accidents in the home. Because your puppy already has limited bladder control, a sudden setback in potty training can be a big sign.6
It's rare, but puppies might have UTIs because of an abnormality they were born with. If your puppy experiences recurring UTIs, your veterinarian may want to look into this issue.6
Diagnosing UTIs in Dogs
If you think your dog has a UTI, don't hesitate to see your veterinarian. Quickly getting on medication can help avoid complications. Your veterinarian will likely take the following steps to diagnose your pup:
1. Urinalysis
At the very minimum, a urinalysis is needed to diagnose a UTI and help rule out disorders with similar symptoms. A urinalysis looks for the presence of abnormal cells like blood, white blood cells, bacteria or crystals. The test also looks at how much the urine is concentrated, pH levels, ketones and glucose (which can be signs of diabetes), proteins and bilirubin.3
To take the urinalysis, a veterinarian may insert a needle into your pup's bladder.2 Because this isn't always a simple procedure, veterinarians often prefer getting a voided sample or a free-catch sample. For this reason, your veterinarian will likely ask you to not let your dog pee before your appointment.
2. Urine culture
If your dog is sensitive to antibiotics or has recurring infections—or your veterinarian just wants to be extra cautious—they may order a urine culture. A urine culture identifies the exact bacteria responsible for the infection and informs the clinician to which antibiotic it's most susceptible. In short, it takes the guesswork out of antibiotic selection.2
3. Additional tests
For severe or recurring cases, your dog may need additional tests, such as:1
- Blood work: This can help alert your veterinarian to any kidney problems your dog may have.
- Imaging: X-rays or ultrasounds can detect conditions like tumors, bladder stones or structural abnormalities.
- Cystoscopy: This is reserved for more complex cases. A camera will be put in your dog's urethra to get a closer look at the bladder and urinary tract.
- Biopsy: Your veterinarian might take a biopsy of the bladder or another part of the urinary tract if cancer is suspected.
Treatment Options for UTIs in Dogs
Dogs with uncomplicated UTIs will often start improving within just a few days of starting treatment.7 The cost of treating your dog's UTI can vary depending on where you live. But in general, it looks like:8
- Antibiotics: $35 to $300, depending on the type
- Pain medication: $35 to $75
- Laboratory tests: $50 to $150, depending on the type
- Surgery (only for complex cases): $1,000 to $3,000
Despite the costs, don't let a UTI go untreated. Not only will your dog be subjected to unnecessary pain, but serious complications—like bladder stones or a kidney infection— could develop, which will end up costing you even more.3
Here's a closer look at UTI treatments. What your dog needs will depend on the severity of his case.
1. Antibiotics
Treatment for UTIs in dogs will always begin with prescription antibiotics. Your dog may be given an antibiotic that targets the most common bacteria that cause UTIs. The prescription might be changed in a few days if a urine culture indicates a different antibiotic is better. Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication as well.2
After your dog finishes their antibiotics, your veterinarian will likely want a second urinalysis to confirm the bacteria is gone.3 In most cases, antibiotics are enough to resolve a UTI.2
2. Diet changes
Some prescription foods can help dissolve urinary stones. Drinking more water may also help flush out smaller stones faster.1
3. IV fluids
For more severe cases, your veterinarian might suggest IV therapy to reduce dehydration and flush your dog's urinary system to help remove bacteria and small stones.1
4. Surgery
If your dog has an underlying condition contributing to the UTI, they may not respond to their antibiotic and further diagnosis and treatments will be needed.2 In severe UTI cases with urinary blockage, your dog may need surgery. They might also need surgery if a tumor is found or there's a congenital abnormality.1
Prevention Tips To Avoid UTIs in Dogs
While UTIs are often unavoidable, you can still help reduce your dog's risk.
- Weight loss: Weight loss can help prevent bacteria from being trapped in skin folds from extra fat and folds around the genitals.1
- Diet changes: An unbalanced diet can increase the risk of crystal formation. Food designed for urinary health can help reduce your dog's risk. You might also consider adding more wet food to your dog's diet to increase water intake.1
- Cranberry extract: A recent study found that cranberry extract may provide some protection from E. coli infection (one of the causes of UTIs) in female dogs.9 The extract can also be helpful for male dogs, but females are more prone to UTIs in general. Before using any supplement, talk to your veterinarian.
- Fresh, clean water: Provide lots of fresh drinking water and encourage frequent potty breaks.8 This can help dilute urine and prevent crystals from forming. Just don't let your dog drink from streams or puddles, as these can have bacteria that could hurt your dog's health.1
- Cleanliness: If your pup's been outside, clean up after them, including washing their paws.1 And make sure their genital area stays clean.8
- Stress reduction: Stress hormones can make your dog more susceptible to a UTI.1
- Probiotics: Ask your veterinarian which are best.1
Quick Treatment Can Help Your Dog
Urinary tract infections can affect dogs of every breed, size and age. In most cases, a quick trip to your veterinarian and a course of antibiotics can stop the UTI in its tracks, letting your dog resume pain-free living. In more serious cases, your pup may need surgery or a longer course of antibiotics. Whatever the situation, your dog will have a better outcome and fewer complications if you visit your veterinarian right after noticing the first signs of a UTI.
Pets Best Can Help You Keep Your Dog Healthy
Purchasing pet insurance may help you protect your dog from infections like UTIs. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans can be customized for your pet's unique needs. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.Sources/ Citations
1. "What is urinary tract disease in dogs?" Phil Good (3/2023), Beyond Pets Animal Hospital, https://beyondpets.com/pet-health-plus/urinary-tract-disease-in-dogs/
2. "Urinary tract infections," Aly Cohen (n.d.), Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/urinary-tract-infections
3. "Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs," Courtney Barnes et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/urinary-tract-infections-utis-in-dogs
4. "Bladder infection in dogs," (5/2024), Hermitage Animal Clinic, https://www.hermitageanimalclinic.com/site/blog/2024/05/15/bladder-infections-dogs
5. "Causes and treatment of UTIs in dogs," (7/2021), Animal Care Center of Castle Pines, https://www.animalcarectr.com/blog/causes-and-treatment-of-utis-in-dogs
6. "UTIs in puppies: how to recognize signs and what to do next," (9/2024), Vetster, https://vetster.com/en/wellness/ut-is-in-puppies-how-to-recognize-signs-and-what-to-do-next
7. "Urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs," (n.d.), Neighborhood Vet Clinic, https://www.neighborhoodvetclinic.com/urinary-tract-infection-uti-in-dogs/
8. "Dog UTI treatment plan: What to expect," Sarah J. Wooten (5/2024), GreatPetCare, https://www.greatpetcare.com/dog-health/dog-uti-treatment-plan/
9. "Adherence of uropathogenic Escherichia Coli in dog urine after consumption of food supplemented with cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon)," Amaranta Carvajal-Campos et al. (3/2023), Journal of Veterinary Research, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10062036/