Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
· by Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics
UTI’s in Dogs – Preventative Solutions
Summary
This article provides an in-depth exploration of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in dogs, covering their causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention strategies. UTIs are common in dogs, with a significant prevalence rate, and can affect various parts of the urinary system. The article discusses different types of UTIs, including lower and upper urinary tract infections, and highlights several causes such as bacterial invasion, immune deficiencies, underlying health conditions, poor hygiene, and weight issues.
Symptoms of UTIs in dogs include frequent urination, straining, blood in the urine, and discomfort. Some dog breeds are more prone to UTIs due to anatomical or genetic factors. The role of diet in preventing and managing UTIs is emphasised, with a focus on maintaining an ideal urine pH and the risks associated with overly acidic or alkaline diets. The article provides detailed lists of foods that can help reduce urine acidity and alkalinity.
Treatment options for UTIs include antibiotics, pain relief, increased water intake, and special diets. Preventative measures include feeding wet food, low magnesium and phosphorus diets, cranberries or cranberry extracts, D-Mannose, and a balanced diet. The benefits of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in preventing UTIs are also discussed. Regular monitoring of urine pH and appropriate dietary adjustments are recommended to maintain urinary health in dogs.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common and often painful condition in dogs, involving the infection of the urinary tract by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. These infections can affect various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. UTIs are prevalent in dogs, with approximately 14% of dogs experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures is crucial for maintaining your dog’s urinary health and overall well-being.
What Are Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs?
A UTI in dogs is an infection that occurs within the urinary tract. The urinary tract is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Infections typically start in the urethra and can ascend to the bladder, causing cystitis. If untreated, the infection can travel up to the kidneys, leading to a more serious condition called pyelonephritis.
Are There Different Types of UTIs?
Yes, UTIs in dogs can be classified based on the location and type of infection:
Lower Urinary Tract Infections: Involves the bladder (cystitis) and urethra.
Upper Urinary Tract Infections: Involves the kidneys (pyelonephritis) and ureters.
Simple UTIs: Typically occur in otherwise healthy dogs and are confined to the lower urinary tract.
Complicated UTIs: Occur in dogs with underlying conditions such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or anatomical abnormalities, and often involve the upper urinary tract.
What Are the Causes of UTIs in Dogs?
UTIs are primarily caused by bacteria, with Escherichia coli (E. coli) being the most common culprit. However, other bacteria like Staphylococcus, Proteus, and Klebsiella can also cause infections. The main causes include:
Bacterial Invasion: Bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra.
Immune System Deficiency: Dogs with weakened immune systems are more susceptible.
Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or Cushing’s disease can predispose dogs to UTIs.
Urinary Tract Abnormalities: Congenital abnormalities or blockages can lead to recurrent infections.
Inadequate Hydration: Insufficient water intake can lead to concentrated urine, which promotes bacterial growth.
Poor Hygiene: Unsanitary living conditions can increase the risk of infection.
Weight: Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for UTIs. Excess weight can cause difficulty in maintaining hygiene around the urinary opening, increased folds of skin that harbour bacteria, and potentially altered urinary habits that lead to incomplete bladder emptying.
What Are the Symptoms of UTIs in Dogs?
Symptoms of UTIs in dogs can vary but commonly include:
Frequent urination
Straining to urinate
Blood in the urine (haematuria)
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Licking around the urinary opening
Pain or discomfort when urinating
Accidents in the house despite being house-trained
Increased thirst
Lethargy or changes in appetite
Are Certain Dog Breeds More Prone to UTIs?
Some dog breeds are more predisposed to developing UTIs due to their anatomical structure or genetic predispositions. Breeds with higher risk include:
Dalmatians
Bulldogs
Bichon Frises
Shih Tzus
Yorkshire Terriers
Miniature Schnauzers
Female dogs are also more prone to UTIs than males due to their shorter urethra, which allows easier bacterial access to the bladder.
The Role Diet Has on UTIs
Diet plays a critical role in preventing and managing UTIs in dogs. The composition of a dog’s diet can influence urine pH, the concentration of urine, and the formation of urinary crystals and stones.
Ideal Urine pH: The optimal urine pH for dogs is typically between 6.5 and 7.0. This slightly acidic range helps prevent the formation of struvite crystals, which thrive in alkaline urine, and calcium oxalate crystals, which form in overly acidic urine.
Dangers of an Overly Acidic Diet: A diet that excessively acidifies the urine can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones. These stones are difficult to dissolve and often require surgical removal. Diets high in animal proteins, which are acidifying, need to be balanced with vegetables and grains to maintain an optimal pH.
Best Foods to Reduce Acidity: Incorporating alkalising vegetables and fruits can help balance an overly acidic diet.
Raisins (do not feed to dogs as they are toxic for them)
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Tangerine
Tomato
Plums
Watermelon
Although it might seem that citrus fruits would have an acidifying effect on the body, except for oranges, the citric acid they contain has an alkalising effect in the system.
Possibilities of an Overly Alkalinising Diet: Conversely, a diet that makes the urine too alkaline can promote the formation of struvite stones. Diets high in vegetables and grains can lead to higher urine pH, necessitating careful dietary planning to avoid this issue.
Best Foods to Reduce Alkalinity: Certain foods can help to acidify the urine and maintain a balanced pH.
Testing Dog’s Urine: Regular testing of a dog’s urine pH can help in monitoring and maintaining optimal urinary health. This can be done using urine test strips available from veterinary suppliers or by taking regular urine samples to a veterinarian for analysis.
What Are the Treatments for Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs?
Treatment for UTIs in dogs typically involves:
Antibiotics: The primary treatment to eradicate the bacterial infection.
Pain Relief: Medications to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Increased Water Intake: Encouraging the dog to drink more water to help flush out the bacteria.
Special Diets: Prescription diets designed to promote urinary health and prevent stone formation.
Regular Monitoring: Follow-up urine tests to ensure the infection has cleared and to monitor for recurrence.
What Are the Best Preventative Foods for Dog UTIs?
Certain foods and dietary adjustments can help prevent UTIs in dogs:
Wet Food: Increases water intake, which helps dilute the urine and flush out bacteria.
Dry Food: Add warm water and soak dry dog kibble to increase moisture content when fed.
Low Magnesium and Phosphorus Diets: Reduces the risk of stone formation, which can contribute to UTIs.
Cranberries or Cranberry Extracts: Contains compounds that can prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. (1, 2, 3)
D-Mannose: A natural sugar that can help prevent bacteria, particularly E. coli, from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract and causing infections. (4,5)
Role of Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics in Preventing UTIs
Prebiotics: These are non-digestible fibres that feed beneficial gut bacteria. They help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which can enhance the immune system and prevent infections.
Probiotics: These are live beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, which in turn can support the immune system and urinary tract health.
Postbiotics: These are the by-products of probiotic bacteria. They can help enhance the immune response and provide additional antimicrobial properties to prevent UTIs.
In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures of UTIs in dogs is essential for their health and comfort. By maintaining proper hygiene, ensuring adequate hydration, providing a balanced diet, and incorporating beneficial supplements like prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, you can significantly reduce the risk of UTIs and promote a healthier urinary system for your dog. Regular monitoring of urine pH and appropriate dietary adjustments are also critical components in the prevention of urinary tract infections.
Scientifically formulated by expert veterinary canine nutritionists, it contains a carefully selected balance of acidifying and alkalising ingredients to support the maintenance of a balanced urinary pH – including acidifying ingredients oats, chickpeas, quinoa, fava beans, rapeseed oil, and olive and alkalising ingredients including peas, sweet potato, a variety of the best herbs (sage, oregano, parsley, rosemary and basil), mushroom, carrot, seaweed and spinach.
About Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics
I have had dogs from the day I was born. Much to my Mum's amusement, my Dad bought home Zetta, a beautiful corgi puppy on the day, as his contribution to our new family!
Fast forward to 2018 and Catherine, my wife, and one of our dogs Poppy, were both diagnosed and treated for cancer within months of each other
Diet and its impact on health, cancer particularly, led me down a rabbit hole of discovery.
I consumed information voraciously - on our diets, our dogs' diets and the impact these have not just on health but also the health of our increasingly fragile planet.
I was humbled by the time and expertise given so freely by doctors and vets, canine nutritionists and scientists, academics and agronomists. The more I learned the more I understood there had to be a better way to improve not just our health but also our dogs and the planet's.
The result of my trip down that rabbit hole is Bonza, a plant-based dog food that elevates our dogs' diet beyond simple nutrition to a diet that inspires a healthier everyday life for our dogs and the planet.
I am continually researching the nutritional impact our dogs' diets have on their health and wellbeing and the ingredients and nutrients we should include in, and exclude from, their food to deliver longer, healthier lives.
I am delighted that my trip down the rabbit hole has led to me completing a Diploma in Canine Nutrigenomics and a Diploma in Canine Nutrition being awarded a Distinction for both my coursework and theses!
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