Signs of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs

A dog that has a urinary tract infection in its early stages may show no symptoms. As the infection progresses, so will the symptoms. While urinary tract infections can occur in dogs of any age, according to Pet Alive, older non-neutered and spayed dogs are more likely to develop them. Knowing the signs of urinary tract infections in dogs can help you determine if your dog should be taken to the vet for testing and treatment.

  1. Potty Behavior

    • If your dog has a urinary tract infection, you may notice that his bathroom habits change. If he is an inside dog, he may indicate that he needs to go outside more often. Both inside and outside dogs may drip urine and/or start urinating small amounts in multiple areas. If your dog seems to be in pain, is straining or makes painful noises when he is urinating, he may have a urinary tract infection.

    Urine Appearance

    • If your dog passes urine on tile or an area where you can see it, look at it to see if it appears normal. Dogs that have urinary tract infections may have cloudy urine or urine that has blood in it. If your dog's urine has blood in it, it could be a sign that an infection has moved to his kidneys.

    Odor &Licking

    • Excessive licking of the genital region is another sign of a urinary tract infection in dogs. Dog urine will have a stronger than normal odor when a urinary tract infection is present. This excessive licking is your dog's way of trying to rid his fur of the odor and to ease the pain he feels in his urethra.

    Personality &Eating

    • A change in your dog's personality and eating habits is a sign that your dog is feeling ill. A dog that has a urinary tract infection may seem tired and depressed. Things that would normally interest your dog may no longer interest him. He may also lose interest in food and develop diarrhea and vomiting.

    Tender Abdomen

    • If your dog has other symptoms along with a tender abdomen, this is a sign of a urinary tract infection. If your dog yelps when you are stroking his abdomen, or he no longer will let you touch his abdomen, take him to a vet for diagnosis and treatment.