Secrets to Preventing a Dog Urinary Tract Infection

Updated: January 19, 2024

For some, preventing a dog urinary tract infection can be a challenge. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary problems a dog can have over their lifetime. And as pet parents, when our dogs have a UTI, we feel helpless.What can I give? How do I prevent a UTI? What causes this?The questions are endless

UTIs in dogs are pretty much the same with the UTIs in humans. The pain is there and the feeling of uneasiness. Since our furbabies can't literally tell us how miserable they are, it's up to us (as pet parents) to help ease UTIs and for us to be one step ahead in preventing a dog urinary tract infection.

"Drinking water is very vital and important to your dog's overall health."

Signs of a urinary tract infection

You'll know that your furbaby is having a urinary tract infection whenthe show two or more of the following signs

  • Sudden frequent urination
  • Breaking house training, frequent accident
  • Bloody urin
  • Pain or discomfort when urination
  • Straining to urination
  • Excessive licking of the genital are

If you notice these signs and changes in your furbaby, it's best to keep in touch with your veterinarian so they can perform exams confirming it is a UTI and not a symptom of an underlying health problem.

To get an examination, your vet will necessitate examining your furbaby's urine sample for the presence of white blood cells, which indicate infection, or for the presence of crystals, which hint that your furbaby may have bladder stones.

Once your dog’s veterinarian has confirmed a urinary tract infection, here are some things you can do to manage it and prevent a dog urinary tract infection from recurring

UTI prevention tips

Below are easy steps you can do anytime to prevent UTIs from happening or recurring in your furbaby.

Hydrate

Drinking water is very vital and important to your dog's overall health. In fact, it is essential for a dog's survival that's why you should always provide your furbaby with fresh water. But what if your dog doesn't drink water that much? How can you get your pup to drink

Keeping in track of the amount of water your furbaby consumes every day will help you discover if your furry friend is drinking too much or too little. Dogs typically need 1/2 to 1 ounces water per pound of bodyweight every day

Here's how you can keep your dog hydrated, even if the d no want to drink that much:

  • Place water bowls everywhere. Whether it's in their cage, crate, beside their bed, in your living room, on your yard, and basically anywhere your dog hangs out
  • Consider putting up a dog drinking fountain. Some dogs prefer drinking water while standing up. Dog drinking fountains also eliminate any taste or odor from water that might be preventing your dog from drinking water.
  • Create frozen water-based treats. Come up with doggy ice pops as your furbaby will love to lick and chew on ice cubes.
  • Use bigger dog bowls. Use bowls bigger than your furbaby's food bowls and bigger than how much your furbaby drinks every day so that it will never be empty.

Your furbaby drinking enough water helps flush the kidney and the urinary tract. It is also one way to prevent crystals from forming and to keep dogs healthy

Change your dog food

Poor quality dog foods are one of the main reasons for UTIs in dogs as these dog foods produce urine that's high in alkaline and more acidic urine is good breeding of bacteria.So one of the major steps in preventing a dog urinary tract infection and helping treat a UTI in your furbaby is to change your dog food into a high-quality one that's healthy and properly balanced.

Also, according to Modern Dog Magazine, foods that are known to trigger UTIs include spinach asparagus and dairy products. If your dog is prone to having UTI avoid giving the these food as much as possible

Provide supplements

Adding Pet Parents® Bladder SoftSupps® into the healthy and balanced diet of your furbaby (especially the ones coping with a UTI) is very helpful in preventing a dog urinary tract infection

These supplements contain a branded form of cranberry extract, Pacran®, & D-Mannose that helps promote bladder health by not allowing bad bacteria to stick to the uterine walls and flushing them out to help avoid any UTIs from happening to your furbaby.

how to prevent UTI in dogs

According to The American Kennel Club, you can also give your dog probiotic supplements to encourage the growth of healthy bacteria With this you can provide your furbaby withPet Parents®Probiotic SoftSupps. These supplements provide Natural Digestive Enzyme Support and supports Intestinal & Immune Health. Pet Parents® Probiotic SoftSupps® contain M99®,a clinically studied Bacilluscoagulan that aids in maintaining gut flora in the digestive tract and offers a source of advantageous intestinal bacteria.

Stay on top of your furbaby's hygiene

Female dogs are more prone UTIs than male dogs. This is so because the anatomy of a female dog includes a relatively short urethra meaning bacteria from the outside can easily travel up to cause an infection.

UTIs can happen when your dog frequently sits on muddy areas where bacteria is high, or when his or her private area frequently gets in contact with the ground. To avoid this, you can

  • Wipe your furbaby whenever they get dirty. Use a soft towel and lukewarm water, making sure the private area is focused on.
  • Bathe them whenever they are extremely dirty. Take note that constant bathing can lead to dry and dull skin and coat as this can wash off the body's natural oils
  • Let your furbaby wear Pet Parents® Washable Dog Diaper or Pet Parents® Washable Belly Bands these cover the area doesn't come in contact with the ground. Keep in mind to change the diapers or belly bands every 4 hours or when necessary to avoid any skin allergies or urine burn

A urinary tract infection in dogs is definitely an uncomfortable and stressful situation to be in, not only for your furbaby but also for you.

Use the tips mentioned above in preventing a dog urinary tract infection in your furbaby and always seek for veterinary help when needed. Because a happier and healthier life is what we want for our furbabies, right?

"UTIs can happen when your dog frequently sits on muddy areas where bacteria is high."