Can a Dog Get a UTI? Everything Pet Owners Need to Know

Bacterial infections affecting your dog’s urinary system are more common than many owners realize. According to veterinary data, approximately 14% of dogs will experience at least one urinary tract infection during their lifetime. Understanding whether a dog can get a UTI, what triggers these infections, and how to respond could make a significant difference in your pet’s health and comfort.

Understanding Canine Urinary Tract Infections

When bacteria colonizes any part of a dog’s urinary system—including the bladder, kidneys, or urethra—infection develops. In male dogs, the prostate can also be affected. The condition typically emerges when bacteria from fecal matter or skin surfaces makes contact with the urethra and travels upward into the bladder, bypassing the body’s natural protective mechanisms.

Dogs possess built-in defenses against urinary infections, including acidic urine composition, a functioning immune response, and the bladder’s ability to shed its lining and expel bacterial cells. However, when these protective barriers weaken, infection becomes possible.

Who Is Most Susceptible?

Certain dog populations face elevated risk:

Female dogs develop UTIs more frequently than males, primarily because their urethral anatomy places the opening closer to the anus, creating a shorter pathway for bacteria migration. Extended periods without urination opportunities also increase vulnerability. Dogs with inadequate grooming—particularly those with matted fur or debris accumulation around genital areas—are similarly at higher risk.

Additional susceptibility factors include excessive skin folds around the genitals, spinal cord injuries, immune system stress, and various health conditions. Specific breeds like Pugs, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers experience higher infection rates due to their anatomical characteristics.

Underlying health conditions that increase recurrent infection risk:

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

Recognizing the Warning Signs

UTI symptoms in dogs may be subtle or entirely absent in early stages, which is why infections sometimes go undetected until complications arise. When symptoms do manifest, watch for these indicators:

Common signs include:

• Discolored, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine
• Blood present in urine samples
• Straining or difficulty during urination
• Audible whimpering or pain responses while urinating
• Unexpected indoor accidents from previously housetrained dogs
• Increased urination frequency with smaller volumes
• Excessive licking of genital areas

More serious indicators suggesting advanced infection:

• Fever
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting

These latter symptoms may signal that infection has progressed to the kidneys or, in males, the prostate gland.

Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches

Veterinary diagnosis typically begins with physical examination followed by urinalysis, which measures urine concentration, pH levels, glucose, protein, and the presence of blood or crystals. Depending on initial findings, your vet may recommend urine culture, blood work, ultrasound, or X-ray imaging.

Standard treatment for straightforward cases involves:

Amoxicillin remains the most frequently prescribed antibiotic, available in liquid or tablet formulations for home administration. For dogs resistant to oral medication, injectable antibiotic options exist. Pain medication accompanies antibiotic therapy, and probiotic supplements often prevent gastrointestinal upset caused by antibiotics eliminating beneficial bacteria.

Complex infections or underlying conditions require expanded treatment protocols, potentially including prescription dietary modifications, multiple veterinary visits with repeat laboratory work, or surgical intervention.

Typical treatment expenses:

• Veterinary examination: $45-$105
• Urinalysis: $75-$115
• Urine culture: $170-$350
• Antibiotic medication: $35-$75
• Pain relief medication: $30-$75
• Probiotic products: $15 and upward

Corrective surgery for complicated cases may range from $1,000-$3,000, with follow-up veterinary visits costing $50-$150 each visit.

Prevention and Long-Term Management

Maintaining a consistent outdoor potty schedule significantly reduces infection risk. Regular grooming—including hair trimming around genital areas and thorough drying after bathing—prevents bacterial accumulation. Female dogs benefit from gentle wiping with pet-safe wipes following urination.

Additional preventive measures include consistent access to fresh water, maintaining healthy body weight to minimize skin fold deepening, and avoiding obesity-related complications. Regular veterinary checkups catch early-stage infections before symptoms worsen.

Special Considerations for Senior Dogs

Dogs over seven years old experience higher UTI frequencies. Aging-related conditions including diabetes, kidney disease, and Cushing’s disease increase susceptibility. Immunosuppressive medications further compromise urinary tract defenses. Senior dogs warrant twice-yearly veterinary examinations specifically screening for urinary infections and related complications.

Potential Complications Without Treatment

Delaying veterinary care when a dog shows UTI symptoms can result in serious health consequences including kidney stone formation, bladder dysfunction, prostate inflammation, infertility, bloodstream infection, and ultimately kidney failure.

Final Considerations

Can a dog get a UTI? Yes—and the consequences of untreated infection can escalate rapidly. Female dogs, seniors, and breeds with excessive skin demonstrate heightened vulnerability. Recognizing symptoms, seeking prompt veterinary intervention, and implementing preventive hygiene practices represent your best defense against this common infection affecting canine health.