A urinary tract infection can bring excruciating pain along with it. Here are the symptoms your pet may experience.
Extremely painful symptoms go hand-in-hand with most urinary tract infections. A lower urinary tract infection that centralizes in the bladder makes it difficult for your pet to urinate freely, resulting in pain and strain during each attempt. Because lower UTIs can create the sensation of constantly having to urinate, your pet may try to eliminate over and over, resulting in further pain and distress when only small amounts of urine are expelled.
In the case of upper urinary tract infections that affect the kidneys, your pet would exhibit different symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, and a disinterest in food. In some cases, your pet may not exhibit any symptoms at all, so it is important to keep up with regular trips to the veterinarian during which an infection can be detected.
Upper and Lower Symptoms
With lower urinary tract infections that centralize in the bladder you may see blood in your dog or cat’s urine, difficulty during urination (pets may cry or strain), frequent attempts at urination (cats may linger by the litter box and dogs the door), accidents in the house or dribbling of urine, licking near the urinary opening, and bad smelling, cloudy urine. With upper urinary tract infections that take place in the kidneys, your pet may exhibit weight loss, vomiting, and a disinterest in food.
More serious UTI symptoms that may be indicative of a greater problem include fever, tenderness in the lower abdomen, lethargy, and crying out while trying to urinate. These symptoms may mean that the infection has spread and become life-threatening.
If you observe any of these symptoms you should contact your veterinarian right away. The sooner that you begin treating an infection the sooner your pet will start to feel better.
Symptomless Infections
Some urinary tract infections will show no symptoms or may be more difficult to detect. This is just one of the reasons that regular veterinary visits are so important. Make sure that your pet is getting both a physical examination and any necessary lab work to detect abnormalities. The longer your pet’s UTI goes undiagnosed the more difficult it can be to treat, so stay ahead of the game with regular trips to the vet.
What causes UTI in Dogs and Cats? Your Pet's Urinary Tract Infection Explained
Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs, are painful infections taking place anywhere along the urinary tract. Most people think of UTIs as a human affliction, but both dogs and cats are susceptible to this type of infection. The most common cause of urinary tract infections in dogs and cats is bacteria that enters the urinary tract through the urethra when your pet’s immunity is compromised due to health conditions or other circumstances. UTIs are not only uncomfortable for your pet, they can also lead to serious health complications and even death if left untreated. If detected, most UTIs are treatable using medications such as Clavamox for cats and dogs, and you can take steps to reduce your pet’s risk of future infection.
What causes UTI in dogs is most commonly bacteria (usually E. coli), that gathers around your pet’s urethral opening and moves into the urinary tract and bladder when your pet’s natural defenses are down. In dogs, prostate disease may increase the risk of UTIs. Your pet’s diet and water intake can also have an impact on urinary tract health.
As with dogs, UTI in cats is usually caused by bacteria and is influenced by diet and water intake. Health conditions that can allow bacteria to develop in the urinary tract include bladder cancer, bladder tumors, kidney stones, bladder stones, debris caught in the urinary tract, injury, spinal cord abnormalities, incontinence (involuntary urination), stress, congenital (or inborn) abnormalities, diabetes, or other urinary tract dysfunction.
Your pet’s symptoms will depend on what type of UTI they have. With lower urinary tract infections that take place in the bladder, you may see blood in your dog's or cat’s urine, difficulty during urination, frequent attempts at urination, accidents in the house or dribbling of urine, licking around the urinary opening, and bad smelling, cloudy urine. Cats may scream or cry out when trying to urinate.
With upper urinary tract infections that affect the kidneys, dogs and cats can exhibit weight loss, vomiting, and a disinterest in food. More serious symptoms of urinary tract infections in dogs and cats that may indicate a greater problem include fever, tenderness in the lower abdomen, and lethargy. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms you should seek veterinary care right away. Especially in male cases, as a UTI can be life-threatening. In some cases your pet may not show any symptoms, so it is important to keep up with regular veterinary visits during which an infection can be detected.
Your veterinarian will perform a full examination and run tests to determine if your pet has a UTI. Many urinary tract infections in dogs and cats are successfully treated with a course of antibiotics while others may be treated with a change in diet, increased water intake, urinary acidifiers, or herbal remedies. Surgery or urinary catheterization may be implemented in cases of more serious or persistent infections.
Your veterinarian may also suggest treating any underlying health condition, such as diabetes, that may be causing UTIs. Luckily, certain measures can be taken to decrease the risk of your pet getting this terrible infection. Evaluate your pet’s diet to ensure they are eating appropriate foods, provide plenty of clean drinking water, let dogs out often and make litter boxes accessible for cats, maintain proper hygiene, and visit the vet regularly to maintain overall health.
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
What are the symptoms of a UTI in a dog?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) in canines is a known condition that occurs when bacteria invade the urinary tract, which in turn leads to inflammation and discomfort. While dogs cannot verbally express their discomfort, they may exhibit several symptoms that indicate the presence of a UTI. An increase in urine frequency is one of the most obvious symptoms. When a dog has a UTI, it may feel the urge to urinate more frequently than usual and only produce a tiny amount of urine each time. This can be accompanied by straining or difficulty while urinating. Additionally, dogs with UTIs may display signs of pain or discomfort during urination, such as whining, whimpering, or unusual body posture. In certain situations, blood may be found in the urine, giving it a pink or crimson color. Another common symptom is a strong and foul-smelling odor in the urine. Dogs may also develop behavioral changes, such as heightened agitation, restlessness, or excessive licking of the genital area. Some dogs may experience general malaise, loss of appetite, or lethargy. It is necessary to visit a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis because these symptoms might potentially be a sign of other health problems.
What are the signs of a UTI in a cat?
Although cats are unable to express their distress verbally, there are a number of symptoms that could point to a UTI. An increase in urine frequency is one obvious indication. Cats with UTIs often urinate more frequently than usual and may have accidents outside the litter box. Additionally, cats may experience difficulty or pain while urinating, leading to straining, vocalization, or urinating in small amounts. Blood may also be present in the urine, giving it a pinkish or reddish color. Another sign to watch for is inappropriate urination, where cats may urinate in unusual places around the house. UTIs can cause discomfort and irritation, leading to behavioral changes such as increased restlessness, agitation, or excessive grooming of the genital area. Cats with UTIs may also exhibit signs of general malaise, decreased appetite, or lethargy.
Can a UTI spread from a dog to a cat?
No, it is generally uncommon for a urinary tract infection (UTI) to spread directly from a dog to a cat, nor from a pet to a human. UTIs are typically caused by specific strains of bacteria that are adapted to their respective host species. While there is some overlap in the types of bacteria that can cause UTIs in both dogs and cats, the transmission of these bacteria between the two species is unlikely. The anatomical and physiological differences between dogs and cats, particularly in their urinary tracts, make it less likely for bacteria to transfer successfully. However, note that certain bacterial species that can cause UTIs in dogs, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), can be present in the environment and potentially affect cats. For instance, if a dog with a UTI contaminates the environment (e.g., shared litter box, bedding), it is theoretically possible for a cat to come into contact with the bacteria and develop a UTI as well. Additionally, indirect transmission of bacteria via humans or contaminated objects can also be a potential source of infection.
Which antibiotic is best for UTI in dogs?
The choice of antibiotic for treating a urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs depends on several factors, including the specific bacteria involved, its susceptibility to different antibiotics, the severity of the infection, and the overall health condition of the dog. Veterinarians typically prescribe antibiotics based on their effectiveness against common bacteria known to cause UTIs in dogs, such as Escherichia coli, Proteus, or Staphylococcus. Commonly used antibiotics for UTIs in dogs include amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cephalexin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, enrofloxacin, and doxycycline. However, it is important to note that each case is unique, and the veterinarian will make an informed decision based on factors specific to the individual dog. The veterinarian may also consider the results of a bacterial culture and sensitivity test, which helps identify the specific bacteria causing the UTI and determine the most effective antibiotic for treatment. It's important to adhere to the veterinarian's recommendations for antibiotic dosage, frequency, and duration.
How can I treat my cat's UTI at home?
You can take a few supportive actions at home to ease symptoms and increase your cat's comfort. Encourage increased water intake by providing fresh, clean water in multiple locations, and consider using a water fountain to entice your cat to drink more. Make sure your cat has access to clean litter boxes in order to encourage frequent urination. You can also try offering wet food, which contains more moisture than dry kibble, to help increase your cat's overall water intake. However, it is crucial to note that these measures are supportive and do not substitute veterinary care. It's vital to seek professional advice from your vet to pinpoint the specific cause of the UTI and to obtain appropriate medication, such as antibiotics, if it is required.
