How to treat a uti in dogs

I'm sure that you, like me, have had a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point. Having to go to the toilet 35 times a day, does that remind you of something? It's a very common issue that we learn to live with, but what about our dogs? Are they safe from this kind of infection?

In this article you will learn about the important key elements that will help you recognize the signs of a UTI in your dog. And see the importance to act when you see blood in the urine.

With this knowledge, you will have the opportunity to take action against any early symptoms with an array of over the counter treatments and home remedies that you can prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen.

• Click to learn more : 👉 Natural product for your dog during his UTI 🐶 

What are the causes of urinary tract infections in dogs?

In most cases, UTIs are caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia Coli. They migrate from the outside through the urethra to the bladder. When the bladder is inflamed, this is called cystitis.

A dog that does not urinate often is more prone to bacterial urinary tract infections, as these bacteria have more time to migrate and develop in the bladder. That's why it's important to provide frequent wee breaks for your dog.

Some dogs are also more susceptible to UTIs and can have them repeatedly.

Diet plays an important role as well, as it influences the pH of the urine. A slightly acidic pH is preferred, as the bacteria develop more easily in an alkaline pH environment. See below how to help achieve this optimal pH level.

Other conditions can lead to urinary tract infections such as tumors or urinary crystals.

• RELATED ARTICLE: My Dog Has Diarrhea! What Can I Give Him?
  

What are the signs that might indicate that your dog has a urinary tract infection?

The classic signs of a UTI in a dog can be very subtle, so pay attention.

Here are some examples:

• Your dog has a harder time holding his bladder.
• They need to wee in small amounts, and more often.
• They start to have accidents in the house.
• Noticeable dripping after they have finished urinating (and not a solid stream).
• The urine looks darker and smelly.

In the case of a more advanced urinary tract infection, symptoms can change:

• Your pet seems in pain during urination, it seems forced.
• You notice blood in the urine.
• Your dog becomes incontinent (urine escapes more frequently).
• Your dog frequently licks its genitals.
• They become more apathetic in general.

When to see a vet?

At the first signs of a UTI in your dog, we suggest that you have your dog's urine tested at your vet’s.

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.

How to treat my dog’s urinary tract infection?

What can you give a dog for urinary tract infection?

Here a some natural treatments and home remedies over the counter that can greatly help your dog fight a bacterial UTI or blood in dog urine.

In early cases of the disease, these remedies may be particularly effective. For more advanced cases, they are an important asset in completing a vet treatment.

It’s important to act early, noting that a bladder infection can gradually evolve into a kidney infection.

 
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Home remedies for urinary tract infections in dogs (over-the-counter)

I will share with you here some natural home remedies that you can concoct in the comfort of your home.

Cranberries

It is well known that when we catch a UTI, we as humans are recommended to drink cranberry juice. But can our dogs do the same thing?

This has not been scientifically proven, but there is every reason to believe that cranberries can actually help your pooch. They could help lower the urine pH levels and therefore prevent bacteria from developing in the bladder.

Be careful not to provide cranberry juice that is too sweet to your pet, in order to prevent weight gain! Some cranberry ​​treats for dogs may be more suitable and safer.

Consult your vet to find out if this treatment is right for your pet. Cranberries may be advised against in some special cases.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar for dogs uti? Yes, this product that is both common and popular with sick humans would help to lower the pH of your dog's urine.

Therefore, this liquid will help relieve a bacterial urinary tract infection by neutralizing the bad bacteria in the bladder.

It is suggested, for small dogs, to add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to their water or food. For a big dog, one to two tablespoons can be added.

You can give this remedy up to twice a day for seven to ten days depending on the severity of the infection.

Be mindful to also provide your dog with a bowl of water or food without apple cider vinegar, in case they do not like the taste.

Vitamin C

You can also use a vitamin C supplement to acidify your dog's urine. Thus, preventing the development of bacteria in the bladder.

When living in a more acidic environment, bacteria is less able to adhere to the walls of the bladder and therefore their development is more difficult.

On the other hand, an acidic environment also promotes the formation of calcium oxalate crystals. It is therefore necessary to use vitamin C in moderation, as well as the two previous products.

Ask your vet for the correct dosage of vitamin C for your pet, as it will vary according to their weight and even their diet.

Lots and lots of water!

This is my favorite tip! You will certainly have it at-hand and it is, in my opinion, the most effective thing to relieve a UTI in your pup.

You cannot go wrong with this remedy.

By drinking a lot of water, your dog dilutes his urine and will relieve himself more often. This can be seen as a cleansing of the bladder, as all the water carries with it the bad bacteria as it is expelled from the body.

You can use this trick even before you have a diagnosis of infection.

Regardless of your dog's condition, good hydration is always a positive thing. A well-hydrated animal has a more effective immune system and the latter is the most effective tool against any disease or illness.

But how to make your dog drink more water?

• Offer him several bowls of fresh water in the house.
• Mix some water with his kibble to make a porridge.
• Provide ice cubes, some dogs love them.
• Add a few drops of beef broth to the water.

Other natural products for urinary tract infections in dogs

We also offer these two natural products to help you with your dog's UTI.

A NATURAL URINARY DISORDERS PRODUCT

It’s suitable for all animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, etc.) suffering from mild urinary disorders.

This content was reviewed by veterinarian Dr. JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM.

To keep the lights on, we receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Our review process.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs are caused by bacteria that make their way into the bladder (and sometimes travel up to the kidneys). If your dog is prone to UTIs, you probably feel helpless at times.

What can you give a dog for a urinary tract infection? Is there a dog UTI treatment over the counter? How can you help prevent your dog from getting UTIs? We’ll answer these questions and more.

Dog UTI Treatment

First, you’ll want to be sure that your dog has a urinary tract infection. You should take your dog to the vet to diagnose the UTI (unless your dog suffers from regular UTIs and you have a game plan that you have gone over with your dog’s vet.)

Your vet will analyze your dog’s urine and may take some x-rays or perform an ultrasound to get a closer look at your dog’s urinary tract, especially the bladder. For treatment, your veterinarian will prescribe medication, such as antibiotics, to treat the infection.

Dog UTI Symptoms

What are the signs of UTI in dogs? Common symptoms include:

• Needing to urinate more frequently
• Accidents in the house
• Straining or crying out when urinating
• Urine that’s bloody, cloudy, or both
• Licking the genital area
• Urine with a strong odor
• Fever

Watch this video by Pets Best Insurance to help you know what to look for in a UTI.

Dog UTI Home Remedy

There are many dog UTI home treatment options to help your dog feel more comfortable and recover. Below are six dog UTI home remedy options.

Please check with your vet before administering a dog UTI treatment at home.

1. Add one teaspoon (for small dogs) or 1-2 tablespoons (for large dogs) of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water bowl. Repeat up to 2 times per day for up to 7 to 10 days, depending on how severe the UTI is. Be sure to have a second bowl of water without apple cider vinegar in case your dog doesn’t like the taste.
2. Have your dog soak in a hot bath (make sure it’s not too hot and the level isn’t too deep) for 10 minutes to help relieve the muscles. Wash your dog with a mild soap and pay attention to the genital area. Don’t leave soap on the area for too long, and be sure to rinse the area with clean, warm water. Do this every few days until the UTI is gone. Learn more about bathing your dog.
3. Encourage your dog to drink more water by placing extra water bowls around the house. Change the water once or twice a day to make sure it’s fresh.
4. Crush one 500mg Vitamin C tablet and sprinkle it over your dog’s food. Do this once per day for 7 days.
5. Give your dog 1-3 teaspoons of citrus juice. The juice should NOT be from concentrate and SHOULD be all-natural. Make sure there is no added sugar because it could aggravate your dog’s UTI.
6. Add about 2 teaspoons of chopped blueberries or cranberries to your dog’s food. Do this twice per day for 7 to 10 days.

Can I Give My Dog Cranberry Juice?

We have heard time and time again that cranberry juice can help get rid of a UTI for humans. But what about dogs? Is cranberry juice for a dog UTI safe? We recommend speaking to your dog’s vet about this. Each dog is unique, and what works for one may be dangerous for another. We strongly urge you to speak with your dog’s vet before administering any type of treatment.

Can I Give My Dog Cranberry Pills?

Our answer is the same as above. Please check with your dog’s veterinarian before giving cranberry pills to your dog.

Pet Insurance Can Help You And Your Pup

If you’d rather leave UTI treatment to the experts — especially if you’re worried about your dog developing a bladder or urinary tract ailment, you’re not alone. Bladder/urinary tract disease is one of the top 10 most vet-treated conditions for dogs,1,2 and continued treatment can hit your finances.

You may want to consider signing up for pet insurance as a proactive measure to lower your financial risk for potential health threats during your dog’s lifetime. Why? Pet insurance is one of the best things you can do for your dog — not only for the health of your pup, but to save you from financial trouble should an accident, illness, or pet emergency arise.

Humans have health insurance, so our furry friends should too. That way you’ll never have to choose between an expensive treatment and your pet’s suffering or even his life. Pet insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can make better and less emotional decisions in the face of a crisis.

Read about the best pet insurance providers to learn more.

Does My Dog Have An Inherited Urinary Disease?

Some inherited diseases can cause chronic urinary problems in dogs — and you can test your dog to see if he’s at risk. EasyDNA has an at-home DNA test kit that you can give your dog, mail it in, and get results in just a few weeks. Diseases tested for include:

• Hyperuricosuria: a genetic disorder that involves elevated levels of uric acid in the urine, which can cause the formation of stones in their bladders and sometimes kidneys. This EasyDNA test is available for all dog breeds.
• Cystinuria: another autosomal recessive disorder that causes the kidneys to fail to reabsorb amino acids (cystine). This can lead to the formation of cystine crystals and stones in the urinary tract, leading to possible blockage of the urethra. This EasyDNA test is available for Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands.

Below are three tips for preventing bladder infection in dogs.

1. Make sure your dog is drinking plenty of fresh water
2. Keep your dog well-groomed, especially around the genital area
3. Encourage potty breaks for your dog; the longer urine sits in the bladder, the more opportunity there is for harmful bacteria to multiply and cause an infection

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions our readers ask most often about UTIs in dogs.

How Do Dogs Get A UTI?

The most common cause of a UTI in dogs is bacteria that enter the urethral opening and travels up the urethra and into the bladder, where it then multiplies and causes infection. This bacteria can come from feces or debris that enters the area. Bacteria is also more likely to develop if your dog has a weakened immune system.

Can Male Dogs Get A UTI?

Female dogs are more prone than male dogs to getting UTIs, but male dogs can still get them. Older female dogs, dogs with diabetes, and dogs who have bladder stones are most at risk. But other health problems, such as Cushing’s disease and chronic kidney disease, can also contribute to increased UTIs.

Often, veterinarians will prescribe an antibiotic to help provide immediate relief to a dog with a UTI. It’s common for vets to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, and potentiated sulfonamides. These antibiotics target a wide array of UTI-causing bacteria.

Your vet may decide to do a urine culture to determine the specific type of bacteria that’s causing your dog’s UTI. This will allow your vet to prescribe the antibiotic that most effectively targets that bacteria.

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.

Can A Dog UTI Cure Itself?

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.

Are UTIs Contagious In Dogs?

No, UTIs are not contagious from pet to pet or from pets to humans.

Why Does My Dog Keep Getting UTIs?

Unfortunately, some dogs are more prone to recurrent UTIs. This could be due to an underlying health condition, like diabetes, bladder stones, or a weakened immune system. In some female dogs, chronic UTIs can occur if there are excessive skin folds around the vulva or vagina. These folds can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

If your dog has had several UTIs in close succession, it could be that the infection never totally cleared up. Relapse UTIs usually occur because the infection didn’t respond to the antibiotic (or a least it wasn’t completely eliminated). Signs of a relapse infection can take anywhere from a week to a month or longer to appear.

Dog UTI Test

Did you know you can find out if your dog has a UTI without visiting the vet? Try one of these dog UTI tests to detect a urinary tract infection in dogs as well as other illnesses. It could save you time and money at the vet’s office, especially if your dog is prone to UTIs. If the test comes back positive, you can then call your vet to get advice on how to proceed with treatment.

Sources: [1] Nationwide Pet Insurance, [2] Healthy Paws Pet Insurance