Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs

Urinary tract infection symptoms in some dogs may not be noticeable, while others may be in great pain. UTI signs may be noticeable right after its onset or may take weeks to appear.

Urination

Pay attention to a dog's habit when urinating. Signs a dog may have a urinary tract infection include frequent or less urination, spotting or dripping uncontrollably, or urinating in several places during one session. Dogs may attempt to urinate, but cannot, in some cases. Check for any signs of blood in the urine or dark urine color. Also, it may have a foul odor.

Habits

Pay attention to the dog's habits. Dogs with urinary tract infections may drink more water, have a decrease in appetite or become lethargic. Some dogs with a UTI may constantly lick around the urethral area, causing the area to become red or possibly inflamed. The bladder also may become inflamed.

Risk Factors

Urinary tract infections are more common in female dogs than males. Dogs who have been spayed or neutered are less prone to urinary tract infections.

Vet Exams

Veterinarians recommend a yearly urinalysis for dogs and, at times, blood tests. A yearly physical examination will not find a urinary tract infection. As the dog ages, veterinarians recommend two urinalysis tests per year.

Considerations

Untreated urinary tract infections can cause damage to a dog's immune system, kidneys, bladder and urethra.

References

• All You Need To Know
• Pet Wave
• Westwood Veterinary Hospital

Resources

• UTI in dogs