What is a urinary tract infection?
Your dog’s urinary tract is composed of the kidneys, the bladder, the ureters which link the kidneys to the bladder and the urethra which forms the passageway for urine to travel from the bladder to outside of your dog’s body. A urinary tract infection (UTI) may occur in any part of your dog’s urinary tract, but it usually occurs in the bladder.  

What will a urinary tract infection look like in my dog?
Your dog will likely have to urinate more frequently and may not be unable to hold his or her urine. When your dog urinates only small amounts may be produced but this is not always the case. Your dog might also be excessively thirsty. Abdominal pain and pain during urination is also associated with this condition. Abnormal smelling urine can also result. Sometimes, if the urinary tract infection is associated with a growth, obstruction, or urinary tract stone, you may notice blood in your dog’s urine.

How does my dog get a urinary tract infection?
The infection is most often caused when bacteria from the external areas around your dog’s genitals travels up into the urinary tract and proliferates. However urinary tract infections can be ascending from the bloodstream and seed the kidney to cause a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections may also be associated with urolithiasis (urinary tract stones) and growths or obstruction such as a tumor.  

How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will take a urine culture and a urinalysis to analyze your dog’s urine.
Bloodwork may be performed to evaluate kidney functions, and x-rays may be employed to rule out urinary stones or other conditions.

How is a urinary tract infection treated?
Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment. A potential risk with urinary tract infections is that the infection can spread into other areas of your dog. Thus, prompt treatment is necessary.

How is a urinary tract infection prevented?
Ensuring that your dog’s external genital area is kept clean and groomed can help prevent a urinary tract infection. In addition, as urinary tract infections tend to occur more frequently in un-neutered males, neutering your dog can help prevent the development of a urinary tract infection.

Can I get a urinary tract infection from my dog?
No, you cannot contract urinary tract infection from your dog.