Urinary tract infections (UTI) 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 dog’s urinary health. Because you can never have TMI on UTIs.
Most of us are familiar with UTIs in humans, which (like dogs) are much more common in females. But do you know the often subtle symptoms of a urinary tract infection in dogs? And why UTIs are often a “hidden” condition?
Let’s take a look at this often sneaky yet common medical condition, UTI in dogs, which will affect approximately 14% of dogs in their lifetime. That way, you can be armed with the information you need to help your dog.
- What is a UTI in dogs?
- What are the signs of a UTI in dogs?
- In some cases, a UTI can kill a dog
- What causes UTIs in dogs?
- How does a vet diagnose a UTI in dogs?
- What is the treatment for a UTI in dogs?
- What happens if your dog's urinary tract infection goes undiagnosed and untreated?
- How can you help prevent urinary tract infections in dogs?
- Early detection + proactive pet parent + vet = The best care
- What questions do you have about UTIs in dogs?
What is a UTI in dogs?
The letters UTI stand for urinary tract infection. It’s what happens when bacteria such as E coli (which accounts for 40-50% of bladder infections in dogs), Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, or Streptococcus end up setting up shop in your dog’s bladder or kidneys. Interestingly, in approximately 25-30% of cases, more than one species of bacteria will contribute to the urinary tract infection.
Technically a bladder infection is called cystitis and a kidney infection is called pyelonephritis. But often they get lumped together under the term “UTI.”
What makes up the urinary system and how does it work?
First, let’s get an overview of the urinary system so you can picture how all the parts fit together. The paired kidneys continuously filter your dog’s blood to produce urine. (As a fun fact, the kidneys receive approximately 20% of the blood in the body with each heartbeat!). This urine constantly drips down a narrow tube called a ureter, which is attached at one end to the kidney.
The other end of the ureter attaches to the bladder. As the ureter dumps urine into the bladder, the bladder begins to fill up and stretch, much like a balloon. The bladder stores the urine until your dog urinates. At that time, the urine exits the bladder via the urethra (another tube) and is deposited on the ground.
There are a variety of protective mechanisms that should keep bacteria from infecting the urinary tract. But sometimes, those mechanisms fail. This leads to UTI, and all the symptoms that accompany an UTI.
What are the signs of a UTI in dogs?
There are a wide range of symptoms that may be present when a dog has a urinary tract infection. Sometimes UTIs can be occult, meaning they occur without obvious signs or symptoms. I suspect that there are many dogs, especially females, running around the world with undiagnosed UTIs.
However, in other situations, the dog will show clear symptoms. As the UTI progresses, the signs generally move from hidden (subtle) to obvious.
In male or female dogs, you may notice a variety of symptom with UTIs, including:
Frequent urination
Your dog may suddenly want to go outside all the time and squat multiple times during one “potty trip.”
Urinating a few drops of urine at a time
Each time your dog urinates, he or she may only get out small amounts of urine. This can be hard to notice if you have a female dog who squats close to the ground. But if your male dog lifts his leg or if your dog has an accident in the house, the small volume of urine will be more obvious.
Bloody or cloudy urine
Your dog’s urine may be cloudy or have a pinkish hue to it. Or you may see clumps of blood in the urine. These changes are easiest to notice if your dog urinates in the snow or has an accident in the house.
Strong smelling urine
Sometimes the urine of a dog with a UTI may have a strong odor. However, highly concentrated urine can also have a stronger smell, so this isn’t specific for a UTI.
Excessive drinking
You may notice increased thirst in dogs in some dogs with a UTI. However, excessive drinking can also accompany many other conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes mellitus.
Having accidents in the house
Due to the increased urgency for urination and irritation of the urinary tract, sometimes dogs who are normally well housetrained will have urinary accidents inside.
Straining to urinate or having difficulty urinating
Your dog may be posturing to urinate and not getting much urine out. As a word of caution, if your dog is straining frequently and unable to urinate, contact your vet immediately. Sometimes dogs can have a bladder stone move into the urethra and cause a urinary obstruction. This is a medical emergency.
Urinary incontinence
Due to bladder wall irritation, sometimes male or female dogs with a UTI may leave a spot of urine behind when sleeping or resting. Or they may dribble urine from the vulva or prepuce when standing or walking. This is different from the hormone-responsive incontinence that spayed female dogs sometimes develop because it should go away when the UTI is treated.
Lethargy
Your pup may be a lethargic dog who is less likely to want to play or participate in activities when he or she has a UTI.
Fever
Not all dogs with a UTI will have a fever. But if you take your dog’s temperature and notice it is over 103°F, this is a good indicator that you need to head to the vet promptly.
Loss of appetite
Sometimes dogs with a UTI just don’t feel like eating, especially as the UTI progresses and they get sicker.
Additionally, there are some symptoms of a UTI that are more specific to either female or male dogs.
Signs of a UTI in a female dog
In addition to showing the signs above, spayed or intact female dogs with a UTI may frequently lick the area around the vulva. They may also have dark staining around the vulva or abnormal discharge from the vulva. However, keep in mind that female dogs with a uterine infection (i.e. pyometra in dogs) can also have discharge from their vulva. Pyometra is an emergency.
Signs of a UTI in a male dog
Along the same lines, neutered or intact male dogs with a UTI may spend more time than usual licking their prepuce (i.e. skin covering the penis). And they may have some abnormal discharge from the prepuce (although this can occur for a variety of reasons). These signs may occur along with the signs discussed earlier.
Contact your vet if you are seeing signs of a UTI
The signs on this list are classically associated with a UTI, although they may be associated with other medical conditions, too. I can’t stress enough the importance of consulting your vet when you first notice anything of concern.
Why do I stress the importance of early detection of urinary tract problems?
In some cases, a UTI can kill a dog
The story of Penny haunts me to this day. I’m sharing it with you, not to worry you, as I never want to cause anyone to worry. Instead, I hope to help spread awareness of the importance of knowing the signs of a UTI and what to expect during treatment so that we can best care for our dogs.
Meet Penny: A Westie with a UTI that turned deadly
Every veterinary hospital has a few “frequent flyer” patients who seem to be at the office constantly. Penny, a 4-year-old Westie, was one of ours.
One Friday morning, Penny presented for blood in her urine. She had a low-grade fever but no other obvious symptoms. After running some tests, she was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and sent home with oral antibiotics.
But here’s the horrible part that plagues me to this day: Penny died that weekend. Her death was a shock to everyone on our staff—the doctor who saw her, certainly me, and most of all, her family. It was heartbreaking on so many levels.
Because of this unexpected outcome, I asked Penny’s mom if she would consent to a necropsy (an animal autopsy), and she agreed. Penny’s parents wanted closure and I wanted answers, but the final report broke my heart.
Penny had died from an infection in the kidneys called pyelonephritis in dogs, which is literally translated as “pus in the kidneys.” Most likely, bacteria had ascended from the bladder through her ureters to the kidneys.
To this day, I don’t know how she got so sick so fast without her conscientious owners seeking emergency veterinary care. I suspect her family thought that she was on appropriate medication and just needed time.
The moral of this sad story? Urinary tract infections are more than just painful and annoying. In “the perfect storm,” they can become life-threatening.
What causes UTIs in dogs?
Now that you know how to recognize the signs of a UTI and why it is so important to act quickly when you see the symptoms, let’s take a step back for a moment and discuss five factors that help explain how dogs get UTIs.
1. Fecal contamination
First, fecal contamination is one of the major culprits behind UTIs in dogs. Here’s why: A dog’s feces (poop) is full of bacteria. For example, E. coli, a rod shaped bacteria, is one of the more common bacteria that veterinarians see causing UTIs. And, you guessed it, E. coli is found in poop.
PRO TIP: If your dog has any sort of issue urinating or defecating in a tidy manner, I’m an advocate for using unscented, sensitive skin baby wipes to help keep your dog “wiped” clean.
2. Infrequent urination or not fully emptying the bladder
Next, if a dog urinates infrequently and/or doesn’t empty the bladder fully, he or she is at a greater risk of getting a UTI. This is the case for two reasons.
First, a good flow of urine pushes out the bacteria that might have started to ascend up the urethra to the bladder.
Think about the bacteria like little mountain climbers. If every time they start to climb up the mountain (i.e. urethra) an avalanche (i.e. the flow of urine) comes along and forces them down to the base of the mountain, they will never summit the mountain (i.e. reach the bladder where they can set up an infection). But if the avalanches (i.e. urination) are infrequent, the bacteria may have time to get to the bladder.
Second, the longer the urine sits in the bladder, the more time the bacteria have to “set up shop” and multiply in the bladder.
If the dog urinates frequently and effectively empties the bladder, the bacteria that make it to the bladder get deposited on the ground fairly soon after arriving to the bladder. That doesn’t leave as many (or hopefully any) bacteria in the bladder. However, infrequent urination gives the bacteria lots of time to multiply.
Also, sometimes a dog is unable to sufficiently empty the bladder due to conditions such as IVDD in dogs, a spinal stroke in dogs, spinal cord injuries, or other neurologic or orthopedic problems. The residual urine in the bladder can act as a “storehouse” for the bacteria. Since more urine, and therefore potentially more bacteria is left behind, this makes a UTI more likely.
3. Certain medical conditions that impact the urinary tract
In addition to the conditions listed above that lead to urine retention, other diseases or anatomical abnormalities also can interfere with the normal defenses of the urinary tract system. This may happen when the condition changes the composition of the urine, damages the urinary tract, alters its function, or suppresses the immune system. As a result, UTIs are more common in dogs with the following conditions:
- Diabetes in dogs
- Cushing’s disease in dogs
- Kidney failure in dogs
- Urinary stones
- Recent indwelling urinary catheter placement
- Urinary incontinence in dogs
- Ectopic ureters (ureters that don’t insert into the correct location on the bladder)
- Recessed vulva in dogs (i.e. excessive skin folds around the vulva that trap moisture and bacteria)
- Cancer somewhere in the urinary tract (e.g. bladder cancer in dogs or prostate cancer in dogs)
4. Medications that suppress the immune system
Sometimes a dog will be taking a medication that suppresses the immune system. When the immune system isn’t up to par, foreign invaders (i.e. bacteria) can more easily set up shop in the bladder or kidneys. If a dog is taking prednisone for dogs or other immunosuppressive medications, he or she may be more likely to develop a UTI.
5. A female dog’s short urethra
The way the “plumbing” lays out on a female dog (i.e. the distance from the bladder to the external world and the location of the urethral opening) makes the chances for a UTI more likely. Quite simply, it is a matter of location, location, location.
Basically, the end of the urethra—which is the tube that runs from the bladder externally—ends in a completely different place in a female dog than on a male dog.
If you think about the anatomy of a female dog and male dog, the male dog’s plumbing has a lot longer path to travel through the penis to end under the abdomen. That is a longer distance for bacteria to travel to reach the bladder and also further from the anus.
In the female, urethra is short so the bacteria don’t have to go far to get to the bladder. And the vulva sits right under the anus, so fecal contamination is more common. This is especially true for senior dogs who may have more difficulty squatting to urinate (more difficulty posturing) and are prone to incontinence. Also, UTIs are more common in dogs who are overweight and have excess folds of skin around the vulva.
How does a vet diagnose a UTI in dogs?
If one or more of these factors come into play and your dog starts showing signs of a UTI, it is important to make an appointment with your vet promptly. After your vet performs a comprehensive physical exam and checks your dog’s vital signs, he or she will want to examine a sample of your dog’s urine.
Urinalysis
In some cases, your dog’s veterinarian may need to collect a sterile sample from the dog’s bladder by cystocentesis—drawing 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 dog’s 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 dog’s urine when he or she urinates (i.e. a “free catch” sample), 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 isn’t useful for a culture because of the bacteria from the urethra and surrounding skin. However, there are some ways you can collect the dog urine sample at home to improve the sample quality.
Information the urinalysis provides
Sometimes your vet will be able to analyze the urine sample at the clinic that day. The veterinary team may use an automated analyzer or a urine dipstick and manual microscopic examination of the urine to look for signs of infection or urinary tract issues (e.g. stones, tumors, etc.).
If white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria are all present in the urine, this makes infection likely. In addition to helping diagnose a UTI, the urinalysis also can look for crystals that may indicate bladder stones, check the concentration of the urine, and screen for abnormal levels of other substances such a protein or glucose.
Culture and sensitivity test
If the clinic doesn’t have the equipment for the urinalysis or other specialized tests are indicated based on the in-clinic urinalysis, your vet may send the sample to a diagnostic lab. The lab can analyze the sample and also perform a culture and sensitivity test. The urine culture reveals which bacteria are growing in the urine and the sensitivity test indicates which antibiotics are the most likely to be effective against that bacteria.
X-rays or ultrasound
In some cases, the vet may also recommend X-rays or an abdominal ultrasound to look for bladder stones or other abnormalities of the urinary tract that may be contributing to an increased risk for UTIs.
What is the treatment for a UTI in dogs?
Once the vet confirms your dog has a UTI, he or she work with you to create a treatment plan.
Antibiotics for UTIs in dogs
Since urinary tract infections are almost always bacterial, antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment. Typically, the dog’s clinical signs will resolve within about 48 hours of starting antibiotics. So if symptoms persist beyond that time, please check in with your veterinarian.
Choosing the right antibiotic to treat a UTI is extremely important. For a first-time infection or a simple UTI, some vets will empirically select an antibiotic. This means they base the antibiotic choice on their knowledge of which bacteria most commonly cause UTIs and the antibiotics that are typically effective against that organism.
In other cases, the vet will recommend a culture and sensitivity test to assist in antibiotic selection. This is because some bacteria have, unfortunately, developed resistance to certain antibiotics over time. By knowing which organism is growing in the urine and which antibiotics the organism is susceptible to, the vet can select the antibiotic that is most effective for that particular infection.
Antibiotic resistance continues to become more and more prevalent. A recent study indicated that almost 66% of bacteria isolated from dogs with bladder infections were resistant to multiple drugs. This is a big problem.
You can do your part to slow down the development of antibiotic resistance by only using antibiotics as directed by your vet. This means you should finish the entire course of antibiotics even if your dog seems to be feeling better. And you should never use leftover antibiotics from yourself or your dogs to try to treat your dog’s suspected UTI at home.
Pain medications
Since urinary tract infections can be quite uncomfortable, your vet may also prescribe a NSAID (i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to help reduce pain and inflammation. This can help your dog feel much better while the antibiotics are kicking in.
Are there home remedies for urinary tract infection?
You may be wondering what can you give a dog for a urinary tract infection or whether there are home remedies that cure a UTI in dogs. Unfortunately, the answer here is essentially “no.”
While cranberry extract may be useful for dogs with a UTI caused by one type of bacteria, E-coli, it is NOT a stand-alone cure for UTIs and should NOT be used that way. The best thing you can do for your dog is to get him or her to the vet if you think a UTI is brewing. And if it is a holiday or weekend when your regular vet isn’t open, consider an emergency vet visit.
Since this is so important, I’ll say it one more time. Not only are UTI’s distressing for your dog, but they can also be quite dangerous. That’s why it is important to seek treatment from a vet right away rather than trying to treat your dog at home.
What happens if your dog’s urinary tract infection goes undiagnosed and untreated?
Appropriately treating UTIs is important, not just because of the risk of pyelonephritis as mentioned earlier. If a bladder infection is left untreated, a dog can also develop struvite bladder stones. Not all bladder stones are related to infection. However, this specific type—which are quite common in dogs—are directly correlated to an infection in the bladder.
Bladder stones can then predispose your dog to more UTIs, and the cycle continues. In addition, they are quite uncomfortable for your dog. Imagine having a handful of rocks bouncing around in your bladder. It probably wouldn’t feel so good!
Finally, a small bladder stone can also get stuck in the urethra. When this happens, your dog may be unable to urinate, which is a medical emergency.
Additionally, untreated UTIs can also lead to an enlarged prostate in male dogs due to prostatitis (i.e. inflammation of the prostate). And unresolved bacterial bladder infections are also linked with infertility, lower urinary tract dysfunction, or emphysematous cystitis (i.e. gas in the bladder wall and/or bladder itself due to infection).
How can you help prevent urinary tract infections in dogs?
As a proactive dog parent, you’ll be relieved to know that there are practical steps you can take to ensure your dog’s urinary health.
General care strategies for urinary health in dogs
- Provide your dog with an abundance of fresh water.
- Switch your dog to canned food, which has a higher water content than dry food. Or, you can add water to your dog’s dry food.
- Offer your dog plenty of potty breaks so he or she doesn’t have to “hold it.” If you work long hours and can’t get home on your lunch break, consider asking a friend or neighbor to let your dog out at midday. Or, send your dog to doggie daycare.
- Talk to your vet about whether a cranberry extract supplement like CranMate® is right for your dog.
Suggestions for female dogs
- If your dog isn’t tidy going potty, use an unscented, sensitive-skin baby wipe to help keep your dog wiped clean. This will help prevent fecal contamination, which as mentioned above, can cause a UTI. Just like we tell our kids to wipe front to back, in this case you want to wipe from bottom (vulva) to top (anus) and not the other way.
- Keep the area around the vulva clean and groomed. This will help reduce the chances of bacteria moving up into the urethra.
- If your dog has a recessed or hooded vulva, ask your vet if your dog is a candidate for an episioplasty (i.e. surgery to remove excess skin from around the vulva to correct anatomical abnormalities).
Be observant and proactive to help recognize early signs of a UTI in dogs
- Keep a “mental journal” (or even an actual journal) of your dog’s bathroom habits. By watching for changes, you’re more likely to recognize early signs of a UTI.
- If you think your dog may have a urinary tract infection, please don’t wait or wonder. Make an appointment with your veterinarian. Catching UTIs early can help prevent them from getting worse and turning into a more serious condition.
- On a related note, take your dog to your veterinarian for yearly physical exams. And if your dog is a senior (seven OR MORE years of age), your dog may benefit from more frequent visits—at least biannually. Sometimes a UTI is found through a routine screening test. Other times your vet may find a UTI based upon little clues in the history or physical exam.
- If your dog has predisposing factors such as a neurologic condition or one of the diseases on the list I shared earlier, be extra vigilant. The same goes for dogs taking a medication that may make a UTI more likely.
Early detection + proactive pet parent + vet = The best care
By now, you’ve probably found a recurring theme running through this article. Through early detection, partnering with your veterinarian, and being a proactive pet parent, your dog has the best chance for the happiest outcome possible.
I believe in you. You know your dog better than anyone else. And with this information on the sneaky ways of UTIs, you’re prepared to help your dog live the happiest, healthiest life possible.
If you suspect your dog could have a UTI, or another urinary tract problem, please call your veterinarian. Like all medical issues, the sooner a UTI is diagnosed, the easier, cheaper, safer, and faster it can be resolved. And ultimately, that is the very best thing for our dogs.
What questions do you have about UTIs in dogs?
Please comment below. We can all learn from each other.
Hi! I have a 1.5 year old that has now had 4 UTI’s. It started by me noticing large amounts of smelly discharge on the bed. They did a urine test and found a UTI. She was put on antibiotics and eventually it came back. After more rounds of testing, E. coli bacteria was found. The discharge continues but it’s not everyday. Random times. She pees frequently when outside but isn’t whining to go out all the time. She is now on her 4th round of antibiotics. They have already done x-ray and ultrasound. No luck. The discharge is out of control.
Hi Stephanie,
Goodness, I am sorry you have been through so much with your pup over the last few months. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to have done so much testing and still be left with more questions than answers. Is your girl still intact? I am just wondering if this could somehow be hormone responsive. Also, it may be time to ask about a referral to an internal medicine specialist in your area. Praying you can get the answers you need to ensure your girl lives a happy and healthy life. Bless you both.
My pup was diagnosed with a UTI, and the vet prescribed medicine. The problem is she doesn’t want to eat. Is it okay to force-feed her? Also, do you have any food recommendations?
Hi Michelle,
I am sorry your pup is not wanting to eat and understand why this has you concerned. If you think force feeding is the only way to get nutrition into your girl, then I strongly recommend you contact your vet right away. It can be ok to give a liquid diet by mouth with a syringe, but I am not sure force feeding is a good idea. Also, your vet may need to hospitalize your pup for a few days until things improve. Baby food can be a good option and there are also specialized critical care canned food diets you can get from your vet. Hoping your girl can make a quick recovery and praying for healing. Best of luck to you both!
I have an 11 year old Labrador, when she was spayed (she was less than 1 year old) they couldn’t completely remove both ovaries, she was always in heat because of this, she recently had it again, but she is experiencing urinary incontinence, she had an ultrasound and was diagnosed with cystitis, the vet recommended some homeopathics and canned food, but she still has some incontinence, she has always been very polite, asks to go to the bathroom, but sometimes even though she has recently gone out, she can’t hold it back. I wonder if the vet made a mistake in not prescribing an antibiotic/anti-inflammatories, or if there is something natural that could help her, I’m cooking some vegetables, but I don’t know how to help her anymore. Any help would be welcome.
Dear Fabrizio,
I understand your concern for your senior Lab as she faces these chronic urinary issues. There are supplements made specifically for dogs that contain cranberry to help with urinary tract health, but I have received mixed reviews about their effectiveness. If your girl is truly dealing with cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) then I would highly recommend an anti-inflammatory. Also, was the possibility of a UTI ruled out? And older dogs are prone to developing dementia/cognitive dysfunction. Urinary incontinence can be a sign of this as it progresses. I am not sure if your girl is having any other symptoms of dementia at this point, but it would be good to discuss the possibility with your vet. Hoping you can find a way to offer some relief and keep your pup feeling her best. Keep up the good work and feel free to leave an update and let us know how things are going.
Hi, My female dog was diagnosed UTI 3 weeks before. Vet prescribed antibiotics and we conducted three blood and urine tests. Her creatinine value has become normal now. But the urine report shows +100 protein. Vet said no need to give saline but give water and other liquids orally. Will this be enough to completely cure the infection?
And since she is having low appetite and fever is it ok give 1 yoghurt (80 g) per day ?
And when we checked she was having fever of 104 F. Is there a tablet i can give her to reduce her fever?
Thanks
Hi Hiruni,
I am sorry your dog is having so many problems with her urinary tract. The fact that the fever is still present indicates that the infection may not be well controlled. It is not common to use medications to reduce fever in dogs, instead we try to treat the cause. It may be a good idea to talk to your vet about a urinary culture and sensitivity testing. I would be concerned that the type of bacteria present in your dog’s urine is not susceptible to the antibiotic that is being used. It might be time to do more in-depth testing (such as ultrasound) to make sure the kidneys are not affected as well. Yogurt should be fine and so is baby food although I can’t make specific recommendations on the amount of food your pup should be eating daily. Please make sure you stay in close contact with your vet and keep them updated. Hoping your girl will start to show some improvement and praying for a positive outcome.
Hi! I have a 5 month old English bulldog who suddenly got diarrhea Tuesday and that was the last time he’d drink water on his own. I took to vet the next day and they found some bacteria in urine sample and in the yellowy discharge he has had on his penis. They suggested a bland chicken/rice diet and he has continued to pee every hour or two, all diluted pee that lasts for 30-60 seconds EACH time, and others 10-12 seconds. A steady almost clear urine and remember, he’s not drinking water on own. I have added 1/2 cup water to each serving of food since that’s the only way he will consume liquid. He gets approx 20 – 24 ounces a day. They said “it could be some type of infection or UTI” but didn’t diagnose for sure. He is acting 100% normal like a puppy, playful, energy, is crazy about eating his food, and his poops just started to become solid again after 2 days of bland diet. He’s been on Clavacillin for 3 1/2 days (1/2 pill given twice a day) and a probiotic powder. The constant peeing is bizarre to me, and how much he pees (he can hold it all night though still), and I’m scared and wonder if he ever will want to drink water on his own again ☹️ I’ve tried everything. We have his sibling sister, same age and litter and no issues on her end. Also to note, it doesn’t appear painful for him to pee at all. He overall seems very happy. I’m anxious to get him back to normal food, so he can continue to grow, as I feel at the moment, he’s underfed on this bland diet at 5 months old. He’s currently 29 lbs and 20 weeks old on Wednesday. Do you have any additional insight as to what this could be or if still sounds like UTI and I just need to be more patient and allow more days for antibiotics to do its job? Will he ever drink water again?? Nervous 🙁 Thank you!
Hi Melissa,
I understand your concern for your puppy with these strange urinary issues he is exhibiting. It sounds like it may be time to do some more in-depth testing. Your vet can get a urine sample and send it off to the lab to get a definite answer as to whether a UTI is present or not. Also, the lab can do culture and sensitivity testing to learn exactly what kind of bacteria is causing the problem and recommend the appropriate antibiotic (in case the current one is not working). Blood work could help rule out issues with internal organ function and screen for congenital problems. If a diagnosis is made, I would encourage you to contact the breeder you purchased the puppies from and make them aware of these issues in case they are genetic. Hoping you can find a way to ensure your sweet boy continues to thrive and grow. Wishing you all the best and praying for a positive outcome.
Are low-ride pups, like corgis, predisposed to UTIs? And does walking them in a neighborhood with lots of dogs along the same paths where those dogs are peeing and pooping increase likelihood of my boy pup coming into contact with those bacteria that cause the UTI? Thank you.
Hi Kelly,
These are good questions! The height of the dog does not seem to play a role in risk for contracting a urinary tract infection. Also, male dogs are at a much lower risk due to the extra length of their urethra. Any bacteria that wanted to try and migrate into the bladder would have a much longer journey having to travel from the tip of the prepuce all the way up the urethra. Unlike females that have a shorter length of urethra from the vulva into the bladder. If you are ever suspicious that your boy is having urinary issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet. Wishing you all the best and give your sweet boy a hug for me!
My Scottish terrier who is 10 has had a couple of accidents in the home urinating on the floor. I have also noticed she is squatting more when on her walks for the last two days. We have had a lot of rain recently and the park has lots of deep puddles, which she likes to walk in, Could she get a UTI from walking through this dirty water
Hi Munro,
I understand your concern for your senior girl with these recent changes to her urination habits. With what you describe, I agree this could be signs of a UTI and strongly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian. I would not think walking through puddles would put her at risk, but if the water level is high enough then I guess it is possible. Anything that allows bacteria to have access into the urethra and ascend into the bladder can lead to an infection. Hoping you can get some answers quickly and ensure your girl is happy and healthy. Wishing you all the best.
my dog Giget has never been sick she’s 12 drinking a lot of water and not feeling well she has a doggie door and can go as much as needed licking herself down there a lot cannot afford to go to vet started her on cranberry chews and she has gotten way better sometimes a little wobbly. also the first time a gave her blue berries and the cranberry chew watered down and injected in her mouth. after she seemed really sick didn’t eat or drink for almost 48 hrs after that she came back stronger than ever bought wipes and been giving her the chews everyday. but still drinking a ton of water. But eating really good.
Hi Marilee,
I am sorry Giget is having these urinary issues. While a UTI is definitely possible, I am also concerned these could be signs of kidney disfunction. I would encourage you to call your vet and ask for an estimate of what it could cost to work up this problem. That way you will know for sure if it is in the budget, and if not, you can start saving money to get your girl the medical attention she needs. Hoping you can get things turned around quickly. Wishing you all the best of luck.
Hi, we have a 13 year old female springer, before Christmas she had a seizure or possibly a stroke which has affected mobility on her left side. We’ve been told she probably has early onset of canine dementia as she wonders about aimlessly and seems to get “lost” indoors sometimes.
Over the past few nights she’s been extremely unsettled during the early hours, keeps scratching to go out, when we let her out she wanders around like she would normally do when she needs a wee but doesn’t actually go. She chews on the grass and whines. She’s been starting to dribble in her sleep and seems to have lost control of her bowels as she’ll run to the front door but usually defecates on her way. Since her seizure she’s been having trouble squatting so often she sits in her wee and we have to wipe her, she also has a oily like discharge that really smells (like ammonia) around her genitals and underside of her tail. Is it worth asking her vet to check for a UTI? Many thanks…
Hi Chris,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with your senior girl. From what you describe, most (if not all) of these symptoms sound like dementia or what we call canine cognitive dysfunction. Dogs with dementia can also exhibit sundowners where they become more active or restless at night. I am suspicious that the bad smelling substance you are noticing around her genitals may be coming from her anal glands. I do think it would be a good idea to rule out a UTI just because that would be treatable and need to be addressed quickly. You could schedule an appointment to have her urine checked and your vet can also do a quick rectal palpation to see if your dog’s anal glands are overly full or impacted. I will attach links to other articles with more information. Hoping you can find the answers you need to help maintain your pup’s quality of life. Wishing you all the best of luck. Take care!
1. Signs of Dementia in Dogs: Stages, Symptoms & Treatment
2. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
3. Sundowners in Dogs: A Veterinarian’s Guide
4. Dog Anal Glands: Everything Your Vet Wants You To Know
Hi there, is there any suggestion that a history of UTIs following significant surgery as a puppy could lead to other health conditions later in life? Particularly wondering if there could be a link with pancreatitis and then subsequent diabetes? Thanks for your help
Hi Cher,
Yes, both of these instances are true. Chronic UTIs can lead to other urinary issues. And if the pancreas becomes inflamed (pancreatitis) then it can stop functioning properly and it is the organ responsible for making insulin. Any chronic inflammation anywhere in the body can cause more serious issues over time if the inflammation is not treated and allowed to wreak havoc.
Hello! I have a 6 year old border collie mix that had a fibrocartilaginous embolism in 2021. Since her stroke she has reoccurring UTIs. We used to express her bladder — she seems to have recovered in some degree — we take her on three walks each day and she will “mark” (quite a bit) on these walks. We used to try to express her after these walks but stopped getting any urine. She does occasionally have some incontinence in the house and sometimes requires a diaper inside. Our vet has started her on Incurin to help with her incontinence. Hoping to get her out of diapers! We also have her on a probiotic and cranberry extract. We wipe her with chlorohexidine before bed (she always wears a diaper at night). Do you have any other recommendations. I feel like I’m failing her.
Thank you
Hi Kristen,
I am sorry your girl has endured so much since her stroke two years ago. I wish I had some great advice to offer but it sounds like you are already doing everything I would normally recommend. You are absolutely NOT failing her, and she is very lucky to have you advocating for her health and well-being. Try to give yourself some grace and focus on the wonderful life you are giving your sweet girl. Praying for your continued strength and comfort for your heart. Keep up the good work!
My chihuahua was diagnosed with a UTI and given an antibiotic and ant inflammatory. She had a problem first of all of pooping. Well they told me it was a UTI . She all of the sudden pees all over the house and has problems pooping by sounding like she is crying trying to poop alone with peeing often ie in my house and while she is sleeping on my couch. What to do?
Hi Janice,
I am sorry your little pup is painful and not doing well. Unfortunately, without examining her myself I can’t make specific conclusions. Please make sure your vet is aware of these ongoing issues and that the medications are not resolving the problem as they hoped. There may need to be some more in-depth investigation in order to get a diagnosis and find the right treatment. Wising you and your sweet girl all the best and praying for a positive outcome.
Hello,
One of our dogs has just undergone spinal disc suregry after suffering a prolappsed disc. She is now back on 4 legs and walking but suffering from a recurring UTI. She has also gone off drinking water. We currently soak her dry biscuits and give those to her with additional water and wet food. We also mash a little wet food in water and give it to her in the morning and afternoon. She is now on her fourth round of antibiotics in 5 weeks. Any suggestions of how we can help her get ovr this infection and prevent it from coming back?
Hi Andrew,
This is a difficult question for sure. Without being personally involved with your dog’s medical care, it is hard to make specific recommendations. Has a urine sample been sent to the lab for a culture and sensitivity testing? If not, that would be my next step. You need to know what bacteria is causing the problem in order to pick the most appropriate antibiotic to treat the infection. It also may be a good idea to do abdominal x-rays or ultrasound to rule out bladder stones, kidney changes, or the presence of a tumor in the urinary tract. Don’t forget you can always ask for a consultation with a specialist if needed. Hoping you can partner with your vet to get to the bottom of this puzzling situation. Wishing you and your girl the best of luck for a complete recovery.
Can a UTI cause death to an unspayed female dog?
Hi Linda,
Any unresolved infection is potentially deadly. An infection (anywhere in the body) left untreated has the potential to lead to septicemia or shut down vital organs if it becomes severe enough. I am not sure the reproductive status of a dog plays a role in the severity of a UTI.
My female Boston terrier had a uti has taken 7 days of antibiotics today she started peeing in floor again very out of character.
Hi Pat,
I am sorry your girl is having urinary issues. Please make sure your vet is aware her symptoms have returned. It is possible the infection was not cleared completely and needs a longer course of antibiotics. Your vet may also decide to check for urinary crystals or stones. I am certain you and your vet can partner together and get your sweet girl feeling her best again soon. Best of luck to you both!
hi I have a senior dog she’s about 12 years old she was fixed at a very young age and lately she has been humping on things she’s never humped on things before I read on Google that it could be a sign of an infection is that true or is it just her playing around after reading this article she doesn’t have any of the other symptoms mentioned please help I’m financially strapped right now not sure if I can really afford a vet trip but if it’s dire I will please respond ASAP
Hi Nancy,
I understand your concern for your senior girl and these strange new behaviors she is displaying. I wish I could tell you what was best, but there are just too many possibilities. Without examining your dog, myself, I can’t say if this issue is something serious or not. They only way to get answers is to have her evaluated by your vet. I hope you can find a way to get the answers you need to make sure your sweet girl is ok. Wishing you the best of luck!
Our 14 yr. old Bella has a UTI. We began meds. yesterday. I was wondering could the infection be what has been making her sleep more & not wanting to eat.
Hi Linda,
I understand your concern for Bella and these worrisome symptoms you have noticed. Without examining your dog myself, there is no way for me to make specific conclusions. The symptoms you describe are common to MANY conditions. How is Bella feeling today since starting her medications? If you aren’t seeing the improvement you expected, please reach out to your vet and let them know. They may need to do some more testing to rule out other issues. Hoping for a positive outcome for your senior girl!
Hi there, I have a 5 year old male standard Dachshund, called Lennie. He is know for drinking lots of water and taking a long time emptying his bladder – but it’s always just seemed in relation to the amount of water. However, recently he sat beside me and was whining and then just peed beside me. He has had other ‘accidents’ and then one morning, when I went to get him up, he had peed in his crate! We took him to the vet, they tested his urine and there was no infection. They suggested he might have had an infection and is now over it. Unfortunately, he is still occasionally leaving small puddles – this is unusual behaviour and I’m worried. Otherwise, he’s eating well … any ideas?
Many thanks,
Audrey
Hi Audrey,
I understand your concern for Lennie and these urinary issues he is dealing with. Unfortunately, without examining him myself, there are just too many possibilities to give you specific recommendations. I am glad there was no sign of an infection on his urinalysis. Has he had any lab work to check for possible endocrine disorders like Cushing’s disease? He may need some x-rays to rule out the possibility of bladder stones. You can always ask for a referral to a specialist if you need an expert or second opinion. In situations like this, I always think there needs to be some more investigation. I hope you can find some answers and figure out the best way to resolve these problems for Lennie. Wishing you both the best!
Hi,
I have a female Goldendoodle that had a UTI the first time I took her to the vet. She noticed that she had extra skin over her vulva but wanted to wait to see if she grew out of it as she grew. She unfortunately didn’t and had 3 UTI’s in that time so she had a Episioplasty at the same time she was spayed. That was last March. She started not eating normally two days ago and I can now smell she’s been having accidents on the carpet rug in the living room.
Ever since her surgery I’ve noticed she has to pee more often than any other dog I’ve had and it’s rare when she pees for a normal amount of time. It’s usually pretty quick like she doesn’t have much in there. Is it normal for her to get another UTI after that surgery? I’m going to call her vet in the morning but is there anything I can do for her tonight to help feel a little more comfortable? I feel horrible because I have no idea how long this one has been going on. She hasn’t been licking down there, she’s been drinking water, but everything just now clicked when she wouldn’t even eat a treat and I walked by the living room and smelled something that’s stronger than urine. I don’t know how to describe it. I just want to make her as comfortable as I can tonight until I can get her into her vet.
Hi Carrie,
You are right to be concerned about these UTI-like symptoms in your Goldendoodle. The Episioplasty is not a 100% guarantee that your dog will never have a UTI again, but it should reduce the risk and frequency of future issues. I am also concerned about her decrease in appetite and the frequent urination you have noticed ever since the surgery. I do think you should contact your vet right away. Were you able to take her in for an exam? It might be a good idea to have her evaluated by a specialist if urinary issues are still causing problems. I hope you have been able to get some answers and find a treatment to resolve these worrisome symptoms. Wishing you both the best and feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
My 19mth old English Cream Golden Retriever was diagnosed with anUTI and she is on antibiotics, also her PH levels are high. I have read that Apple cider vinegar cans help, what is your opinion.
Hi Anne,
There are many people that swear by Apple Cider vinegar and say that it has been extremely helpful for their dogs. Unfortunately, this has not been proven with scientific studies and experiments. So, the bottom line is we really don’t know for sure. It is non-toxic, so it shouldn’t cause a problem it just also might not have an added benefit. As long as the infection is uncomplicated, the antibiotic should clear it relatively quickly. Once the infection has been resolved, the pH should also return to normal. I hope your girl will have a speedy recovery and this does not become a chronic issue. Best wishes to you both!
My dog seemed fine when I walked her this morning, if I work for too long she vomits on occasions, I walked again around 2pm she seemed fine til her legged was wobbly? I thought maybe the weather is too hot so we came back home, she started acting a bit odd when we came back home but then she fell asleep, I walked again around 6pm and I noticed she peeid blood? Her energy was normal she was walking and running normally but i noticed the blood, I took her home gave her a shower and something came of her vagina? I think it was poop stuck in her parts… Now she seems normal, but I think this must be a UTI due to her poop stuck in her parts for idk how long 😭 I took her to the groomer recently but her hair seems to get longer in her butt area… One time I noticed before she had poop stuck in her vagina but caught it on time… This time I’m late 😭 I’m gonna take her to the vet to see what they say
Hi J M,
You are right to be concerned about the blood you noticed in your dog’s urine. I am glad you are planning a visit to your vet. I hope you were able to get some answers and find a treatment that resolved the issue. Try not to let guilt be a burden. You are making the best decisions you can for your sweet girl. Is everything ok now?
My puppy was diagnosed with a UTI should I take her on a 2hr drive to a place she’s only been to once? UTI and some stress probably. I probably know already but need reinforcement
Thanks in advance
Hi Vera,
I am not sure I completely understand your question. Are you worried about the stress of being in an unfamiliar place causing the UTI to become more severe? While extreme stress can lower the response of the immune system, I would not think that a car ride to a new place would be in that category. That is to say, unless your puppy has a severe phobia of being in the car. Also, if the UTI is being treated with an antibiotic, the infection should respond appropriately and resolve. If you have any lingering doubts about the safety of your puppy on this trip, I highly recommend you consult your vet. They can let you know if the trip should be avoided.
My 13 1/2 year old chocolate lab has common UTI’s. He just got treatment for a UTI 3 weeks ago. This morning, Nash woke me up by his shaking. When I turned on the light in the bedroom, Nash was in a state of delirium. He acted as if he had no idea where he was. When I tried to get Nash off the bed, I realized he cannot walk. Is this a sign of a severe UTI? I am waiting for the Dr to call me, but this is my emotional state of impatience kicking in.
Hi Mary,
I hope you were able to talk to your vet and get medical care for your pup. The symptoms you are describing definitely do not sound like what would be expected with a UTI. If you haven’t had your dog examined, I recommend you get him to your vet as soon as possible! Praying he is ok, and you have found some answers.
Thank you for this great information. I am in the midst of attempting to figure out what exactly the issue is for my 5 yo female English Lab Grace. Since the age of 2 she has intermittent incontinent episodes. She is always treated empirically for UTI and it is effective. Concerned for the number of times this keeps happening I took her to a Vet school Internal medicine program for assessment. They put her on hormones in case that was the issue but also found that her vulva was not properly formed. The hormones did not work but I have been unable to connect with them the past two weeks due to the school’s vacation over the holiday. Today I took a urine sample in to her regular vet but when I asked them to run a C&S they said it won’t work with a clean catch. If the problem is bacteria in the urethra, continued needle catches will continue to show nothing with the condition left untreated. How do we know if bacteria in the urethra is the issue? I am fine having her have surgery but am concerned about continually; 3-4 times per year, on antibiotics. Hope this makes sense and thank you.
Hi Vicki,
I am sorry Grace is having so much trouble with these recurrent incontinent episodes. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to feel like you are running in circles and getting nowhere with a treatment. I feel like you are on the right track with wanting to have a C&S performed. Bacteria are normally present in the vulva and urethra. The problem occurs when the bacteria ascend up the urethra and into the bladder. This is why your vet recommended getting a urine sample via cystocentesis to use for the C&S. You want to know what bacteria is actually living in the bladder causing the symptoms instead of possibly culturing a bacterium that is only a contaminate from the skin or vulva. So, we aren’t worried about bacteria in the urethra, only bacteria in the bladder or further up the urinary tract. Hopefully you and your vet can get the ball rolling on a C&S while you wait for the veterinary school internal medicine program to open back up from the holidays. Maybe Grace, would benefit from surgery to correct her underdeveloped vulva. Some dogs have the surgical procedure performed and then never suffer with UTI’s or incontinence again. I hope you can find the answers you are looking for and can help Grace live her life to the fullest. Best wishes to you both. Keep us updated!
My cute little toy poodle Ginger Rogers is licking her private and seems distressed as she will quickly go after it! She seems uncomfortable laying down changing positions frequently and when I hold her she wiggles to get confortable. She has been fixed at about 1 year old she will be 3. She cannot eat people food gets bloody stool as she’s on Royal Canin Gastrointestinal she got a hold of some people food . I had a sonogram recently and she the diagnosis was pancreatitis and interitis . She is very uncomfortable and I’m very worried maybe UTI or worse! She tries hard and acts well at times! I’m so scared!
Tonight she woke me up at 2:30 I took her out tried to get pee sample and she threw up a little. I waited a while and she seemed better gave a little tip of tsp of yogurt plain no fat she loved it! Then perked up and was very hungry so gave her four tiny tip if teaspoon gastro wet dog food and added a little water to bowl. She’s not drinking much.
She’s sleeping now in a weird position right next to me! Sometimes lately outside she’ll walk a few steps and quickly just sit in front of me and look at me! I’m heartbroken. She is also doing some humping on my arm at times. I was also wondering if the vet who neutered her may have missed something?
Thank you for any advice! Planning to go to vet when it opens.
Hi Diane,
I’m glad to hear that you are making a vet appointment to get to the bottom of Ginger Rogers’ symptoms. It definitely sounds like there is something bothering her, but without examining her it is hard to say what it is exactly. I hope that you were able to find some answers and get some relief for your sweet girl!
I enjoy your articles so much! I have a senior girl who had a blockage from bladder stones a couple of years ago. Thankfully, we were referred to an excellent specialist who was able to remove all stones and she recovered really well. She is on Prednisone for a couple of immune mediated diseases, so I am very diligent about watching for any suspicious behavior. I am so glad you mentioned the baby wipes. I started that right after her surgery. I wasn’t told to do so by the vet, but I thought, “What can it hurt?” Due to her arthritis, she has a hard time cleaning herself, so now I do it for her! She also takes CranMate daily. So far, fingers crossed, she is doing great! Thanks again for all the interesting and informing articles. I can relate to many of them!
Hi Jenny,
Thank you for your kind words! I am so glad that the articles have been helpful to you and that your sweet senior girl is doing so well after her bladder stone surgery! It sounds like you are doing a great job taking excellent care of her. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for such a well written and clear article. My question is about my 3 year old female poodle mix. She has always (from an 8 week old puppy) cleaned’ herself after urinating (unless we’re on a walk, then she just carries on until we get home), and she has a light coat which has slight staining from her saliva (it’s at the corners of her mouth and her vulva). I see these are the first 2 symptoms in your list. But she shows none of the other symptoms and has fresh filtered drinking water constantly available. She gets a CBC and wellness exam every 6 months, which hasn’t shown anything abnormal, but not had a urinalysis. Should I be concerned? Thank you again for all your great articles.
Hi Deborah,
This is an excellent question! If your poodle mix has always cleaned herself after urinating then I would probably not be as concerned as if she had just recently started to do that. However, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to ask for a urinalysis at her next wellness appointment (or sooner if you notice any other changes) just to be on the safe side. Hopefully this is just her being fastidious about her hygiene but it would be good to know for sure that she doesn’t have a hidden UTI or some very mild incontinence issues that cause her want to clean up the few extra drips of urine that leak out after she is done urinating. Great job being so observant and proactive about her health!
Hi!
My dog has started to urinating inside at NIGHT time only and I couldn’t understand why. Then I noticed his urine is very smelly, more than usual.. So I looked online and saw a few articles regarding bladder infection. I took my dog to the vet with a urine sample and they look with the microscope but couldn’t see anything. I am going back on Monday for my dog to get a sample with the needle in the bladder. I am not a vet but I do think that he’s got something as he has been potty trained for month now and everything was going well he could hold at night for 10h. Now he can’t even hold at night for 2-3h. I hope they’ll find something 🙁
Hi Margaux,
It can definitely be worrisome when a previously house trained dog can’t hold his urine for more than a few hours. It sounds like your vet is doing a good job with the workup, and I would agree that getting a fresh, sterile sample straight from the bladder with a needle (i.e. cystocentesis) makes sense as the next step. I hope that they are able to find some answers for your pup!
Hello,my dog Yogi had blood in his urine and we took him to the vet to run tests. The UA came back negative for bacteria and the ultrasound showed some small calculi, but no stones or tumors. We put him on antibiotics still and it cleared up within a day. I’m wondering if perhaps the infection was in the urethra since the urine sample was taken from his bladder, not free catch. Is that possible? Im trying to figure out what it may be because in the ultrasound they noticed thickening of the bladder wall so we did a BRAF test as well to check for cancer which came back negative. Are there other tests that I should look into or if it’s most likely to have been an infection in the urethra and that’s why the UA didn’t show infection?
Thanks!
Margaret
Hi Margaret,
I am glad your dog’s urinary issues resolved quickly once an antibiotic was started. What a blessing the screening tests were negative for cancer and stones. Obtaining a urine sample via cystocentesis (needle aspirate into the bladder) is the gold standard when looking for bacteria. If there are bacteria in the urethra, then there are also bacteria in the bladder. The thickened bladder walls on ultrasound confirm the bladder is where the blood is coming from and where the most active inflammation is located. Bacteria doesn’t have to be present to cause infection like symptoms. Inflammation by itself can cause these exact issues (this is called a sterile cystitis). Crystals or calculi can also cause issues since they are very irritating to the bladder lining. My guess is the antibiotic probably also had anti-inflammatory properties which helped to quickly resolve your dog’s symptoms. If you are worried about this happening again in the future or want more details, it may be a good idea to schedule a consult with a specialist. There are also many options for prescription urinary diets to help prevent calculi from forming and make sure the urine pH is optimal to prevent infections. I hope Yogi is doing well and living his best life. Wishing you both the best of luck!
I have a female Catahoula leopard whose 8/9 year old. she started squatting more outside when she pees and this started around 4 or 5 months ago. our vet said she has uti so he put her on antibiotics for a week. she still squats but playing and act normal as usual. about a month ago I noticed spots of pinkish when I wipe her after her bathroom and made an appt with the vet. he said she has uti again and put her on antibiotics for 2 weeks. she finished her round came back and he said there was still high wbc so he changed her antibiotics. she refuse to eat her dinner knowing there’s meds. and I noticed she’s not eating her usual hard snacks anymore. so I decided to take her to a different vet for a 2nd opinion. they did an x ray and did her urine analysis again. nothing on her xray beside osteoarthritis in one hip. and her urine came back clean with slightly elevated protein but no high wbc. he said he noticed some slug in her urine. he recommended ultrasound which is schedule and change her antibiotics. occasionally she would be panting and has been attached to me. a tad aggressive and tired out faster I have an unneuter dog that keeps sniffing her and near her vagina part. she is already spayed years ago. what do you think is happening?
Hi DA,
I understand your concern over these recurring urinary issues in your Catahoula girl. I think the recommendation to do ultrasound sounds like a great idea. Without examining your pup, myself, I can’t make specific conclusions, but is sounds like your vet is on the right track and doing everything they can to get some answers. Your male dog may be picking up on the scent of trace amounts of blood in the urine from your female. His interest in sniffing her vulva may have nothing to do with her reproductive status. If there is any concern she is actually showing signs of “heat”, there is a blood test your vet can send out to check for the presence of estrogen. Although rare, it is possible for a tiny remnant/piece of an ovary to be left behind after a dog is spayed. When this happens, it is possible for the ovarian remnant to regain blood flow and start producing hormones which can make the dog have “heat cycles”. Since the uterus was removed, there is no chance for a pregnancy to occur, but the behavioral aspect and hormone related changes will still happen as if she was never spayed. I doubt this is the case with your dog, but it is definitely something to discuss with your vet. Has the ultrasound been performed? I am curious to know if you have found any answers. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Best wishes and good luck!
How long does it take to get the urine test results back usually? I noticed blood in my dogs urine this morning and dropped off a sample at the vet 2 hours later. Can dogs wait days for results? She is eating and drinking and seems normal expect for the blood. Shes 12.
Dear Bridgette,
Sorry to hear your dog is having some blood in her urine. The turnaround time for urine tests can vary depending on the type of test and whether it can be run at the clinic or needs to be sent to a reference lab. Some times you will have results the same day, other times it may be a few days or even a week or so (in the case of a urine culture). The best way for you to find out when to expect results would be to call your vet clinic since they know what test(s) they are doing and where they are run. An uncomplicated urinary tract infection may be uncomfortable for your dog but typically not life-threatening, so in answer to your question, yes dogs can generally wait a few days for results if necessary. However, I can’t examine your dog so I can’t really say for sure if she falls into that category. If you have concerns, definitely talk to your vet sooner rather than later. I hope you get to the bottom of her bloody urine easily and she is on the mend soon!❤
I have a senior toy poodles, Toodles, and she is experiencing UTI issues, in conjunction with arthritis in her back. I took her to her regular vet and after a round of antibiotics and a Urinary Culture that came back negative, the vet told me she was senile….BUT meanwhile, she is going in and out the dog door almost continually to go pee without any results. I decided it was time for a second opinion! I took her to my aunt vet and I’m glad I did! The vet and I are trying a different antibiotic for the UTI and Gabapentin for her back pain. The UTI doesn’t seem to be any better so I am discussing this with the Vet again today. My question is this: Since the 1st culture came back negative, could what we ‘think’ is a UTI actually be pain from the arthritis instead??? If so, what would be your recommendation on how to start treating for QUICK help for my Toodles?
Hi Vickie,
So sorry to hear about the difficulty Toodles is having with her arthritis and possible UTI. I am glad that you had a recheck for her today and hope you were able to work together with the vet to find a concrete plan for Toodles moving forward. Without being able to examine her and look at the results of her diagnostic tests, I can’t really give you any concrete answers about why she is having such a frequent urge to urinate. Arthritis can sometimes make it difficult for pets to posture to urinate or defecate or cause anxiety due the pain component, but I don’t know that that fully explains what you are seeing. It is possible you might have to keep seeking an answer with follow up diagnostics if suggested by your vet (such as blood work or x-rays) or seek a third opinion from a vet who can examine her and look at what has already been tried with fresh eyes. In terms of the arthritis component, there are so many options for medications, supplements and environmental modifications that may help, but there often isn’t one quick fix. If you haven’t already, I would recommend asking your vet if he or she thinks Toodles needs additional pain medication that can be used in conjunction with the gabapentin and thinking about starting her on a joint supplement such as Encore Mobility. Here are a few articles that might also help:
How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
8 Ways to Help a Senior Dog with Arthritis at Home,
Do Joint Supplements for Dogs Work? A Vet Oughta Know….
I hope you are able to find some solutions for your Toodles! ❤
Hi, I have a 13 yr old female black lab (Belle). This past year she suffered through passing a kidney stone that went undetected despite the X-rays, ultrasound, blood work and other tests etc. Thankfully it passed and she seemed to get better. Unfortunately during all of the testing it was discovered that she has metastatic carcinoma and is now on prednisone for comfort. My reason for reaching out is she now seems to have bacteria, rods, blood and in the latest UA kidney cells. We’ve had her on 4 different antibiotics and nothing seems to help. The vet will be sending for a c&s this week and feeling hopeful they find an antibiotic that works. In the meantime I’m at a loss at what to do for her. She seems to me that she’d be great if she could just get rid of this discomfort. Is there a test that we’re missing or something that stands out to you that you’d recommend testing? Thanks in advance, I enjoyed reading everyone’s stories followed up with your medical knowledge.
Warm regards
Julie
Hi Julie,
I am so sorry Belle has received a cancer diagnosis and is also battling urinary issues. The culture and sensitivity testing is definitely the best way to go. The lab will identify the specific strains of bacteria that are present in your dog’s urine and test them against every class of antibiotic. The results will let you know which antibiotics are effective against these bacteria and which they are resistant to. Without this information you would have to keep trying different medications and wait to see if they work or not. I am confident these results will be a game changer and help guide the treatment process for your girl. If at any point you want more information or an expert opinion, don’t hesitate to request a consult with an internal medicine specialist. Wishing you both the best of luck!