If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know firsthand how painful and uncomfortable they can be. Unfortunately, UTIs aren’t limited to humans—our pets can get them, too.

In fact, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, a bacterial UTI is the most commonly seen infectious illness in dogs. Fourteen percent of dogs experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime.

Here is what you need to know about what causes UTIs in dogs, UTI symptoms to watch for, how dog UTIs are treated, and whether pet insurance covers the cost of treating a UTI.

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What Are UTIs in Dogs?

A urinary tract infection is an infection affecting any part of the urinary tract. This includes the bladder, kidneys and urethra. In male dogs, it also includes the prostate. UTIs in dogs are usually caused by bacteria that comes into contact with the urethra and travels up into the bladder.

How Do Dogs Get UTIs?

Normally, the urinary tract is able to defend itself against infections. Natural defense mechanisms include urine acidity, a strong immune system and the bladder’s ability to slough its lining and remove bacterial cells. But a breakdown in any part of this line of defense can allow bacteria to colonize and lead to infection.

UTIs in dogs typically occur when fecal matter or bacteria on the skin comes into contact with the urethra. Although UTIs can occur in both male and female dogs, females tend to get them more often, most likely because the urethra on females is in closer proximity to the anus than on male dogs.

“Dogs who have to hold their urine for a longer period of time than they are used to can develop a urinary tract infection as a result,” says Dr. Danielle Rutherford, V.M.D., associate veterinarian at Westside Veterinary Center in New York City. “Dogs who are not well groomed, who have dirt or matted fur around their genitals can also be prone to UTIs as bacteria from this debris can work its way up the urinary tract.”

Risk Factors of UTIs in Dogs

Other than being female, a number of factors can increase a dog’s risk of developing a UTI, including:

  • Excessive skin around the genitals
  • Anatomical abnormalities
  • Genetics
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Stress
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Underlying health conditions

Frequent or chronic UTIs in dogs are most likely caused by an underlying illness. Health conditions that can cause recurrent dog UTIs include:

  • Bladder inflammation
  • Bladder or kidney stones or crystals
  • Cancer
  • Cushing’s disease
  • Diabetes
  • Enlarged prostate

Additionally, some breeds are more prone to either developing UTIs, due to the excess skin folds around their genitals, or urinary stones, which can in turn increase the risk of UTIs. These include:

  • Pugs
  • English bulldogs
  • French bulldogs
  • Bichon frise
  • Shih tzus
  • Yorkshire terriers

Symptoms and Behaviors of Dogs With a UTI

When it comes to a UTI in dogs, symptoms may or may not be present. In the absence of typical UTI dog behavior or signs, UTIs are usually discovered in the process of examining the dog for other illnesses. This can cause treatment to be delayed, which can lead to more serious health complications.

Signs of UTI in a female dog, when they occur, are generally the same as with a male dog. Signs and behaviors typically include:

  • Cloudy urine
  • Blood in the urine
  • Straining to urinate
  • Whimpering when urinating
  • Indoor accidents
  • Frequent urination
  • Smaller amounts of urine
  • Licking the genitals more than usual
  • Fishy or smelly urine

Less common symptoms that might indicate a more severe UTI include:

  • Fever
  • Appetite loss
  • Vomiting

These latter symptoms could indicate that the infection has reached the kidneys. In male dogs, it could indicate a prostate infection.

Conditions That Can Resemble a UTI

Dog UTI symptoms can also be caused by several more serious health conditions, some of which could be life threatening. These include:

Complications of UTIs in Dogs

When you notice possible dog UTI symptoms, you should act quickly to have your pet examined by a veterinarian and begin treatment. Without proper treatment, UTIs in dogs can lead to serious health complications that include:

  • Kidney stones
  • Bladder stones or crystals
  • Lower urinary tract dysfunction
  • Prostate inflammation
  • Infertility
  • Blood poisoning
  • Kidney infection
  • Kidney failure

Are UTIs Covered by Pet Insurance?

Some pet insurance companies will reimburse expenses associated with diagnosing and treating UTIs in dogs. However, some pet insurance providers classify UTIs as a pre-existing condition and won’t provide coverage if your dog experiences a UTI within a year of having been previously treated for one.

Whether or not your pet insurance covers dog UTIs depends on your provider and the specific details of your coverage plan. If your dog is at high risk of developing a UTI, shop around for a provider that offers coverage for this condition. And be sure to review the details of your plan or talk to your provider to determine whether you have coverage for dog UTIs.

What Are the Stages of a UTI in Dogs?

Urinary tract infections in dogs generally follow this trajectory:

  • Stage One: Bacteria—usually E. coli—comes into contact with the dog’s urethra and enters the urinary tract.
  • Stage Two: The bacteria travels up the ureter to the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract and colonizes.
  • Stage Three: Dog UTI symptoms may or may not appear. Mild UTIs might clear up on their own, especially in dogs with strong immune systems. Otherwise, if left untreated, the infection can spread and result in health complications.

How To Test for a UTI in Dogs

Because UTI symptoms in dogs could also indicate a more serious illness, it’s important to have them examined by a veterinarian and not try to diagnose it on your own. Your vet will do a thorough examination to check for any underlying conditions that could have caused the UTI, especially if they recur often enough to warrant concern.

In addition to a physical exam, diagnosing a dog UTI typically involves a urinalysis to check the following:

  • Urine concentration levels
  • pH levels
  • Ketone levels
  • Glucose levels
  • Bilirubin levels
  • Protein levels
  • Whether blood or crystals are present

Depending on the findings, your vet may also perform these tests:

  • Urine culture
  • Blood tests
  • Ultrasound
  • X-ray

Treating a UTI in Dogs

Straightforward UTI cases in dogs are typically treated with antibiotics. Amoxicillin is the most common form of treatment, and can be prescribed by the vet in either liquid or pill form and given by the pet parent at home. For dogs who don’t take oral medication well, the vet can administer an antibiotic shot.

In addition to antibiotics, your dog will likely also be given pain medication. Your vet might also recommend a probiotic supplement to help prevent diarrhea and stomach upset that might be caused by the antibiotic destroying healthy bacteria in the gut.

If your dog is found to have a more complicated UTI or an underlying condition, treatment will focus on trying to resolve the underlying issue as well as treating the infection. Depending on the complexity or underlying cause, treatment might also include:

  • Prescription dog food
  • Repeat vet visits and labs
  • Surgery

Treatment Costs for Dogs With a UTI

Costs of treating a dog urinary tract infection will vary based on these factors:

  • Location
  • The vet or clinic providing the treatment
  • Size and weight of the dog
  • Severity or complexity of the UTI
  • Whether there’s an underlying cause

According to Great Pet Care, here’s what you can generally expect to pay for diagnosing and treating a dog UTI:

  • Vet visit and examination: $45-$105
  • Urinalysis: $75-$115
  • Urine culture: $170-$350
  • Amoxicillin: $35-$75
  • Pain medication: $30-$75
  • Probiotic supplements: $15 and up

Additional forms of treatment for more complex UTIs in dogs generally cost on average:

  • Prescription dog food: $40-$100 per bag
  • Corrective surgery: $1,000-$3,000
  • Veterinary follow-ups and rechecks: $50-$150 per visit

You might also incur additional expenses if an underlying condition is present. Additional treatment costs will depend on the diagnosis and on what’s needed to treat the issue.

Preventing UTIs in Dogs

A number of steps can be taken to help prevent UTIs in dogs.

“If your pet is not prone to these infections, keeping to a regular walking schedule and practicing good hygiene can help,” Rutherford says. “This can include things such as keeping hair trimmed to prevent urine and debris from accumulating in their fur, drying pets well after baths, and wiping females with baby wipes as needed to prevent debris from building up after urination.”

Additionally, you can help prevent dog UTIs by doing the following:

  • Provide access to fresh, clean water
  • Give your dog regular potty breaks
  • Avoid pet obesity, which can deepen skin folds around the genitals
  • Don’t skip regular veterinary checkups
  • Treat health conditions that increase the likelihood of UTIs

Are UTIs Common in Senior Dogs?

UTIs commonly occur in dogs of any age, but they occur more frequently in dogs who are over the age of seven.

“Certain medical conditions which are more likely in senior dogs, including diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing’s disease as well as being on immunosuppressive medication can make older pets more prone to urinary tract infections,” Rutherford says. “These conditions can cause pets to have more watery urine which is not as good at killing bacteria.”

Senior dogs should get health checkups twice a year to check for UTIs and other health issues that could cause them to develop a UTI.

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Bottom Line

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs are caused when bacteria enters the urinary tract. Female dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with excess skin are more prone to UTIs, as are dogs with health conditions like diabetes or urinary stones. Symptoms include cloudy, bloody or smelly urine. Untreated UTIs can cause serious health complications. If you suspect a UTI in your dog, they should visit the vet right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Other Common Health Conditions in Dogs: