This post is sponsored by 1-800-PetMeds®. I am being compensated to help spread the word about 1-800-PetMeds®, but Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs. UTIs are painful infections that take place along the urinary tract. The common cause of UTIs in dogs is bacteria that exist in the environment or the intestines. UTIs are uncomfortable, which can lead to other health complications if left untreated. UTIs are treatable under the care of your dog’s veterinarian.
Sugar’s UTI started last October 2014 when she kept on going out to pee. One evening when she peed about 20 times in a short span of time, and I found blood in her urine, I rushed her to an emergency vet hospital. She was on antibiotics for weeks, and her UTI cleared up. However, after weeks being off her antibiotics, Sugar’s UTI is back.
I’m a pet parent who gets involve with my dog’s health. I ask a lot of questions of Sugar’s vet, and I also do my own research. One of the sites I look at for pet health education is 1-800-PetMeds®, which provided a simple explanation. I’ve learned
4 Pet UTI Key Facts
1. Urinary tract infections are more common in dogs than cats.
2. Pet urine obtained as a first-morning sample, or with a needle by your veterinarian, is the preferred method for diagnosis of urinary tract infections.
3. Urinary tract infections are best treated with a course of antibiotics.
4. Prognosis for a cure is excellent as long as predisposing factors are addressed.
Sugar had gone through several urine tests. Urine testing at the vet is expensive. At 1-800-PetMeds®, it is interesting to know a product called Cranimals Pet UTI Home Test is available. This UTI Home Test Kit is good to use for a pet that’s exhibiting common UTI symptoms such as:
Increased frequency of urination
Urgency of urination
Straining to urinate
Inappropriate urination accidents
Blood in the urine
Offensive odor to urine
In some cases, affected dogs may not show any symptoms.
Last month during Sugar’s senior wellness exam, her urine test showed that she had a UTI again. I was surprised with the urine test result because Sugar had no symptoms of a UTI. To have an accurate diagnostic of the bacteria, Sugar had a needle inserted into her bladder. This procedure is also known as cystocentesis. From the test, it was determined E. coli bacteria was the cause of Sugar’s UTI.
Urinary Tract Infections Treatment
Sugar is on the right track for treating her UTI. From 1-800-PetMeds® UTI education, “antibiotics are the main form of therapy for pets with urinary tract infections. In pets with recurrent or prolonged urinary tract infections, therapy with antibiotics may last for three to four weeks or even longer. In these cases, it is especially important to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, as well as which antibiotics will kill the bacteria.”
Sugar had gone through several antibiotics. Due to her digestive sensitivity, her vet made the appropriate changes. Sugar also started to use cranberry supplements as recommended by her vet. At 1-800-PetMeds®, I discovered two products 1) Proin and 2) NaturVet Cranberry Relief Plus Echinacea supplement for urinary incontinence in dogs.
Early this year, Sugar was on Proin (available only by vet prescription) for about two weeks. Sugar did well and did not have any bad side effects. However, her vet was concerned about the prolonged use and recommended to discontinue. Alternatively, her vet concentrated on why her UTI keeps on reoccurring.
The NaturVet Cranberry Relief Plus Echinacea is an over the counter remedy to help normalize a pet’s bladder health. With Sugar’s vet’s guidance, she will begin on this supplement after she finishes her current antibiotic treatment.
On Sugar’s last vet visit, I was reminded that UTIs in dogs are treatable. Her vet also informed me that due to Sugar’s age, she’s more susceptible to urinary tract infections and treatment might take longer. Additionally tests were recommended but I am not considering them due to the risk. Currently, I continue to be vigilant about Sugar’s behavior and help alleviate any discomfort she may have.
Pet Health Reference, Questions & Shop at 1-800-PetMeds
1-800-PetMeds® has been a great resource for me as a pet parent. I invite you to check 1-800-PetMeds® Education Pages. Each pet health condition is explained in detail and will provide you with guidance on choosing treatments and products. 1-800-PetMeds® also has veterinarians and pharmacists to answer your questions.
Stay up to date with 1-800-PetMeds®. Sugar and I invite you to sign-up for updates from 1-800-PetMeds® by entering your email address below.
Does Your Dog Have a Urinary Tract Infection?
Thanks for a very important post. Is that common that dogs show no symptoms? And is it recommendable to do such a home test from time to time, just to be sure?
Good information to know. Thanks!
A very informative post today!!! We hope that the current plan of treatment will put an end to Sugar’s UTI’s . You are such a good Mom to take such wonderful care of her.
Woos- Ciara and Lightning
It can be hard at any time to tell when dogs are in discomfort – especially if they are really the stoic kind – we have found this with Reilly and even watching his moods for subtle changes can be really hard
Sophie can be prone to UTI’s if we’re not careful…. she’s a “low rider” 🙂
When we took our female dog to the vet she told us that dogs don’t get UTI’s. I can’t believe she told us this but she did Now I’m beginning to wonder if she knows what she’s talking about?!?
Sugar we surely hope the UTI is gone and stays AWAY!
Mom told me they can be very uncomfortable
Hugs madi your bfff
Horrible UTIs. We hope they go.
Shiner’s never had one before, thank dog. I was surprised to see #1 on your list. Sounds like Sugar has a good plan. Stay healthy girl!
I had a bad UTI as a tiny pup because it was cold and wet out and I was so low to the ground. Last year I got one and it was nasty as well. Hopefully it will be at least another seven years until I get one again. They are no fun.
I didn’t realize the first morning urine sample is better for detecting an infection. That’s good to know in case Haley gets another UTI. I hope Sugar makes a quick recovery! 🙂
This is very useful information. Thanks for a great post!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Very good information. I hope Sugar’s supplement after antibiotics keeps her from having another painful (and expensive) UTI. She’s so sweet!
Great post, I hope Sugar doesn’t get any more infections, they aren’t fun.