Dogs with UTIs generally attempt to urinate very frequently whenever they go outside. They also may strain to urinate, or cry out or whine when urinating if it is painful. Sometimes you might even see blood in their urine. Dripping urine, or frequent licking of the genitals, may also signal that a UTI is present.
The best antibiotic for UTIs in dogs is based on urine culture and sensitivity results. Amoxicillin, Clavamox®, trimethoprim sulfa, and enrofloxacin are the most common antibiotics used to treat UTIs in dogs.
Cranberries and blueberries are fruits that you can add to your dog's diet to support their urinary tract. Many high-quality dog foods will contain these ingredients already. Apple cider vinegar can be added to your dog's water bowl in small amounts and may ward off infection.
Can a dog's bladder infection go away on its own? Although in some cases bladder infections in people clear up without the need for medical care, this is unlikely to be true for your dog.
To diagnose a UTI, your veterinarian should collect a sterile urine sample from your pet. The best method to collect urine is by a technique called cystocentesis, during which a needle is inserted through the body wall into the bladder and urine is removed by a syringe.
Instead of taking your dog to the vet for at home dog UTI test, you can conduct one at home by purchasing a urine test for dogs. Then you can consult with your vet about the results and get the appropriate treatment and medication.
Even if you have medication at home for human UTIs, do not give it to your dog. Human medications are toxic to animals. If you suspect that your pet pal is suffering from a UTI, contact your vet. In some situations, your vet will want to perform a urinalysis to test for bacteria, crystals, and abnormal blood cells.
The most common cause of UTIs in dogs is bacteria, which enters upwards through the urethral opening. The bacteria can develop when feces or debris enter the area, or if your dog's immune system is weakened from lack of nutrients.
Yogurt is a very popular natural home remedy to relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infections in dogs. To get rid of the bladder infection quick, you need to combine a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to Organic or Natural Plain Yogurt and give it to your dog twice daily.
The Bottom Line
If your dog is displaying symptoms of a urinary tract infection it is essential to seek veterinary care. UITs can be a symptom of a very serious underlying condition, and left untreated a UTI could go on to cause more serious conditions such as kidney disease.
Urinary tract infections are fairly common in dogs, but may not show any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they often include frequent urination, passing little urine, and increased thirst.
The color of a dog's urine with a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) can vary, but it is typically cloudy or murky and may have a strong odor. It may also appear darker in color than normal, such as a dark yellow, orange, or even red-tinged if there is blood present.
Urinary tract infections, cystitis (bladder inflammation), bladder stones, kidney disease, or arthritis or age-related incontinence could all be causes of house soiling in dogs. In addition, pets with diarrhea or other intestinal illnesses may not be able to make it outside fast enough.
Foods that are known to aggravate UTIs include asparagus, spinach, raw carrots, tomatoes, and dairy products. Additionally, one of the largest determining factors in your dog's ability to fight off UTIs will be their hydration levels.
With upper urinary tract infections that take place in the kidneys, your pet may exhibit weight loss, vomiting, and a disinterest in food. More serious UTI symptoms that may be indicative of a greater problem include fever, tenderness in the lower abdomen, lethargy, and crying out while trying to urinate.
Once a urinary tract infection is detected, it is important that it be treated properly. Typically, pets will be treated for about 14 days with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This usually results in the patient feeling better within the first few days.
Cranberry juice is one of the most well-established natural treatments for UTIs. People also use it to clear other infections and speed wound recovery. 2020 research into the effectiveness of cranberries for UTIs has found it to be effective.
Urinary Tract Infection: This condition generally causes a dog's urine to smell like rotten fish or extremely sour. Kidney Disease: In general, a dog with kidney disease will urinate with a foul, metallic odor.
General Cost to Treat Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs
Urinalysis (testing and collection): $70-$95. Urine culture: $170-$200.
It's very risky to leave a dog UTI untreated.
UTIs can lead to serious and even life-threatening problems without treatment, including dysfunction of the lower urinary tract, prostate gland inflammation, blood poisoning, kidney infection, and kidney failure.
Urinary tract infections are serious enough on their own. If left untreated, they can lead to dysfunction of the lower urinary tract, kidney or bladder stones, inflammation of the prostate gland, infertility, blood poisoning, and even kidney infection and kidney failure.
Typically, green urine indicates late-stage kidney failure, cancer of the kidneys, or extremely severe urinary tract infection. Urine may turn green because bilirubin makes its way into the kidneys, where it is not supposed to be.
Dark yellow is typically normal in most pets. If the urine is more orange, it may be associated with a condition known as icterus or jaundice. Orange urine may be the result of: Damaged red blood cells.