How to Test Dogs for Urinary Tract Infection & Excessive Thirst

Lethargy is one sign of a urinary tract infection in dogs.

According to Vet Info, 2 to 3 percent of all dogs will suffer a urinary tract infection. The infection is usually caused by bacteria in the urethra. Symptoms include frequent urination, difficulty or pain when urinating, urination odor, increased thirst, skin irritation in genital area, bloody urine, lethargy and incontinence. These types of symptoms will be present in 64 percent of younger dogs with a urinary tract infection. A urinalysis by your veterinarian can help identify if your dog is suffering from a urinary tract infection and can help with the prognosis if an infection is present.

Things You'll Need

• Dry, clean container
• Cooler

Instructions

1. Collect a urine sample from your dog. Use a clean, dry container to collect the sample such as a plastic bowl. Cover the container with a lid, foil or plastic wrap.

2. Take the urine sample to your veterinarian immediately. If this cannot be done immediately, refrigerate the sample. According to Pet Education, urine samples sitting at room temperature longer than two hours start to undergo significant changes that may affect the results of a urinalysis. Do not freeze the sample.

3. If the temperature is warm outside, put the sample in a cooler during the drive to the veterinarian.

4. Give the sample to your veterinarian, who can perform a urinalysis. A urinalysis consists of the following steps: a) checking the color, cloudiness and concentration of the urine, b) doing a chemical analysis of the urine and c) examining a small portion of the sample under a microscope. There are some medications that could interfere with the results of a urinalysis, so let your veterinarian know about any medications your dog is taking.

5. If a sterile urine sample is needed, your veterinarian may recommend you bring your dog into the clinic to undergo a cystocentesis. This procedure involves using a small needle placed directly into the bladder. Your veterinarian may also choose to use a urinary catheter to obtain a sample.

References

• Pet Education: Urinalysis
• Vet Info: Testing Procedures for Canine Urinary Infection