An UTI test for dogs can be performed at a vet’s office. Even if there are several at home kits for use in humans, these will not give conclusive results in pets. You have to pay attention to any changes in your dog’s urination schedule, as well as changes in his mood and notify the vet when needed.
Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common in dogs and may be due to various bacteria that multiply in the urinary tract. The bacteria are more likely to gather when the dog doesn’t urinate for several hours. However, an UTI may also be due to the dog’s diet. For instance, when the dog eats a low amount of proteins and more vegetables, the urine will be alkaline and this will make possible for the bacteria to multiply.
Female dogs are more likely to be affected by UTI, as they have a shorter urethra.
Symptoms of UTI
The symptoms of UTI depend on how advanced the infection is. During the first phases of the infection, there may be subtle symptoms such as increased thirst and a higher amount of urine, but these symptoms often pass unnoticed. Other possible symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine
- The dog may hesitate to urinate, as this is painful
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- The dog may be licking his genitals, due to the pain
- Hiding behavior
- Irritability
- The dog may become aggressive if you touch him in the stomach and genital area
Some dogs may even refuse to eat and drink water, which could aggravate the condition. The water intake is extremely important, as liquids can flush out some of the existing bacteria and facilitate the recovery. If the bacteria remain in the urinary tract, these will develop and multiply and the infection may be more difficult to treat.
UTI Test for Dogs
The symptoms of UTI may often be mistaken for signs of other diseases, so a test will be needed. The vet will require a urine sample, which will be analyzed. The vet will find the type of bacteria that cause the infection and will establish the best course of treatment to eliminate the infection. X-rays may be needed to see if the infection is not caused by a growth in the urinary system.
There are human UTI tests on the market, but these cannot be used in your pet, as a human UTI is different from canine UTI. There are no UTI tests for canines that you can purchase over the counter. You will need a vet examination.
Dog UTI Complications
If left untreated, a urinary tract infection can be potentially damaging for the kidneys or the reproductive system. The bacteria can travel to the kidneys and bladder or affect the uterus in female dogs and these infections will be extremely painful.
Recurrent or untreated infections can facilitate the formation of kidney and bladder stones in canines.