When bacteria enter a dog’s or cat’s urethra and bladder, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can result. The bacteria may remain in the lower urinary tract or spread to infect the kidneys as well. E. coli is the most common culprit. UTIs typically respond well to antibiotics, but if left untreated, they can cause serious harm. If your pet is showing urinary distress signs, let our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team diagnose the problem and prescribe an effective remedy. To help you better understand this condition, we address common pet owner questions.

Question: What signs suggest urinary tract infections in dogs?

Answer: Determining whether your dog is ill can be difficult. However, if your four-legged friend exhibits any of these signs, they may have a urinary problem:

  • Straining or whimpering while urinating
  • Bloody, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine
  • Urinating or drinking water more than usual
  • Licking the urethral area
  • Fever
  • Appetite changes

UTIs occur more frequently in dogs than in cats, and female dogs are more likely than males to contract these infections. However, older, intact male dogs with bacterial prostate infections have a greater UTI risk, as do dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or Cushing’s disease.

Q: How do cats with urinary tract infections behave?

A: Cat owners can often detect their pets’ urinary issues by monitoring the litter box. Your whiskered pal may have a UTI if they exhibit any of the following signs:

  • Urinating often but passing only a little urine at a time
  • Urinating outside the litter box
  • Straining to urinate
  • Passing blood in the urine
  • Crying out while urinating
  • Licking the urethral area

Cats seem better able than dogs to resist urinary tract infections; fewer than 3% of those showing urinary problem signs test positive for UTIs. Lower urinary pain and inflammation in cats usually have other causes, such as cystitis or urinary stones. Geriatric cats and those with suppressed immune systems or chronic conditions, such as CKD or hyperthyroidism, are more susceptible to UTIs.

Q: How do veterinarians diagnose urinary tract infections?

A: To determine whether your pet has a UTI, a urine sample is collected through a fine needle inserted in the pet’s bladder. The sample goes into a syringe, minimizing the contamination risk. A urinalysis is then performed to check for red and white blood cells and bacteria. A urine culture and sensitivity test may be performed to confirm an infection, identify the bacteria that caused the condition, and determine the best antibiotic to treat the infection. 

Q: What treatments are available if my pet has a urinary tract infection?

A: In addition to prescribing an antibiotic for your pet who has a UTI, our veterinarian may recommend feeding your cat or dog canned food for a while since such a diet produces less concentrated urine than dry kibble. Ensure you also provide your furry friend with plenty of clean water throughout the day. If your pet is experiencing extreme discomfort, ask our veterinarian to prescribe an anti-inflammatory pain medication. 

Q: Are home remedies effective if my pet has a urinary tract infection?

A: No. Before you decide to treat your pet’s UTI signs without consulting our veterinary team first, consider that you don’t know for certain that your dog or cat has a UTI or, if they do, the exact bacteria causing the infection. Only our veterinarian can confirm this. 

Although some home cures may help people with urinary tract problems, no scientific data prove that home remedies are effective for pets. In addition, veterinary professionals hesitate to recommend dietary supplements to prevent UTIs since manufacturers don’t need to prove that these products are beneficial or even safe. 

The only supplement with some scientific evidence to support its benefits is cranberry extract because it contains compounds that may help reduce dogs’ UTI risk by preventing E. coli bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. No supplement has been shown to minimize the UTI risk for cats or for dogs infected by other bacteria.

Q: What can happen if my pet’s urinary tract infection is left untreated?

A: Failure to get prompt medical attention for your pet if you suspect they have a UTI can have serious consequences. Female pets showing UTI signs for more than two days need to see our veterinarian as soon as possible. Untreated lower urinary tract problems in male dogs and cats can cause a urethral blockage that disrupts the urine flow and allows toxic waste to accumulate in their body.

Q: How can I keep my pet’s urinary tract infection from recurring?

A: You can support your pets’ urinary health by keeping them at a healthy weight and providing abundant fresh water, clean bedding, and daily playtime. If you have a cat, scoop their litter box twice per day, and change the litter weekly.

If you think your pet might have a UTI, call us to schedule an appointment, and our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team will help relieve your pet’s discomfort.