You know your dog better than anyone else. If you notice your dog urinating more frequently, licking their genitals, or having accidents in the house despite previous house training, you might be concerned that your dog has a urinary tract infection (UTI).

UTIs are a common health issue in dogs, especially female dogs and older dogs with a weakened immune system, hormone disorder, or kidney disease. Although infections are less frequent in male dogs, they can still occur.

Left untreated, a simple infection can lead to more serious problems, such as bladder stones or a kidney infection. Recognizing the symptoms of a UTI and understanding its causes can help you know when to seek veterinary care.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A UTI occurs when bacteria, usually E. coli or other gut inhabitants, enter the tube leading from the bladder to the outside (i.e., urethra) and travel up the tube into the bladder. The infection can also spread to the tubes that connect the bladder and kidneys (i.e., ureters) or to the kidneys themselves.

Like human females, female dogs are at a higher risk of bladder infections because their urethra is shorter and closer to their rear end, where bacteria gather. When male dogs develop UTIs, they’re usually related to a complicating factor, such as prostate disease.

Common urinary tract infection signs and symptoms in dogs

Treating UTIs promptly is important for your dog’s health, but you first need to know how to identify the problem. Here are the most common signs to watch for:

• Frequent urination — Bacteria irritate the tissues in the urinary tract, making your pet feel the need to “go” more frequently.
• Straining to urinate — Your dog may squat often but pass only small amounts of urine, or cry out while urinating.
• Licking the genital area — Discomfort and pain in the dog’s urinary tract may cause them to lick the area.
• Discolored urine — Changes in your dog’s urine color can occur when blood, white blood cells, or bacteria are present.
• Strong or foul-smelling urine — A strong ammonia smell or other sudden odor change can indicate a bacterial infection.
• Urinary incontinence — Leaking or dribbling urine is common and often unrelated to infection, but a new or sudden onset should prompt a vet visit.
• Lethargy or behavior changes — Dogs with UTIs may experience pain or general malaise, causing them to sleep more or play less.
• Systemic illness signs — Kidney infections can cause signs of systemic illness, including fever, loss of appetite, or vomiting.

If your dog shows signs of a UTI, call your vet or visit an urgent care facility for diagnosis and treatment. If your dog shows signs of a kidney infection, seek emergency care.

Diagnosing urinary tract infections in dogs

After examining your dog, your veterinarian will likely perform a urinalysis. This diagnostic test includes three parts:

• A dipstick test to check for abnormal substances (e.g., glucose, ketones, blood, or protein)
• A microscopic exam to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, crystals, and bacteria
• A specific gravity measurement to test the urine’s concentration

Your vet may recommend additional tests if the infection is difficult to treat, severe, or recurrent. Additional testing may include:

• Urine culture – To identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection and determine the best antibiotic to treat it
• Blood work – To rule out related health conditions, such as kidney disease or Cushing’s disease
• Imaging tests – To check for bladder stones, tumors, or anatomical abnormalities

Collecting a clean urine sample is crucial for accurate results. Your vet may obtain urine directly from your dog’s bladder using a needle and syringe, or may ask you to collect a sample by catching it in a clean container.

Causes of urinary tract infections in dogs

UTIs are caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract. The bacteria involved typically live on a dog’s skin or in their gastrointestinal tract, rather than coming from the environment or another dog.

Some dogs are more prone to UTIs than others. Although dogs sometimes develop infections for unknown reasons, you can usually trace them to one or more risk factors, including:

• Female anatomy (shorter, wider urethra)
• Recessed or hooded vulva (females)
• Urinary incontinence
• Neurological conditions that cause inadequate bladder emptying
• Underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing’s disease)
• Bladder stones or tumors
• Weakened immune system due to age or disease
• Prostate disease (males)
• Poor hygiene or grooming around the genital area
• Allergies and skin infections around the genital area
• Immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., corticosteroids, chemotherapy)

Some dogs exhibit minimal symptoms of a UTI, especially older dogs with a poor immune system. As a result, your vet may incidentally discover an infection while investigating another health issue or performing routine screening tests.

If your dog develops unusual urination habits that get better on their own, you should still mention them to your vet and ask for a urine test to be safe.

Treating urinary tract infections in dogs

A course of antibiotics is the usual treatment for a urinary tract infection. Your vet will choose the drug and length of treatment based on the bacteria causing the infection and your pet’s health history. For some dogs, treatment may also include:

• Pain medication to relieve discomfort.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce bladder inflammation (i.e., cystitis).
• Supplements (e.g., cranberry extract) to support urinary tract health.
• Dietary changes to normalize urine pH and reduce the formation of crystals or stones.
• Skin disinfectants (e.g., wipes or foams) to reduce bacteria in the genital area.

Always complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian, even if your dog starts to feel better after a few days. Stopping medication too soon, before all bacteria are eliminated, may allow the infection to return and can contribute to future antibiotic resistance.

Preventing urinary tract infections in dogs

While not all UTIs are preventable, you can take steps to help reduce their incidence if your dog has predisposing factors.

Try the following to avoid dog UTIs:

• Encourage hydration — Ensure your dog has access to clean water to help flush out the urinary tract.
• Feed a healthy diet — Feeding high-quality, balanced food supports overall health. Fresh food may support kidney and urinary tract health because it contains more water than processed diets.
• Practice good hygiene — Keep fur around the genitals clipped short and clean the skin regularly to limit bacterial growth. If your pet has allergies, follow your vet’s recommended treatments.
• Provide bathroom breaks — Let your dog out regularly to empty their bladder, as holding urine for too long can increase the risk of bladder infections.
• Follow veterinary advice — Talk to your vet about cranberry, probiotic, or anti-inflammatory supplements to support urinary tract health. If your dog needs a special diet, the JustFoodForDogs nutrition team can create a custom diet tailored to their needs.

If your house-trained pup suddenly starts peeing indoors, acting restless, or licking obsessively, don’t wait to schedule a check-up with your veterinarian. Bladder infections are treatable, and treating them early helps prevent complications, such as kidney infections.

At JustFoodForDogs, we believe that what goes into your dog’s bowl should support their entire body, including their bladder. Contact us or visit our website to learn about our diets, custom formulations, and science-backed nutrition to help your dog thrive.

This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.

Chou, Hsin-I, Kuan-Sheng Chen, Hsien-Chi Wang, and Wei-Ming Lee. 2016. “Effects of Cranberry Extract on Prevention of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs and on Adhesion of Escherichia Coli to Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cells.” American Journal of Veterinary Research 77 (4): 421–27. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.77.4.421.

‌“Can Diet Prevent or Treat Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs? – Petfoodology.” 2023. Tufts.edu. August 14, 2023. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/2023/08/14/can-diet-prevent-or-treat-urinary-tract-infections-in-dogs/.