Yes, a severe UTI can indirectly cause a dog to limp due to radiating flank/back pain or general discomfort, but it's more common for limping to signal other issues like injuries or joint problems, so a vet visit is crucial to diagnose the real cause, which might be a spreading infection or stones. While typical UTI signs are frequent urination, straining, or blood in urine, severe pain can make a dog move stiffly or avoid using a leg, especially if the infection reaches the kidneys.

Can UTI affect dogs walking?

More Frequent Urination

You may notice that you have to open the door for your dog more often to let your dog out or take them for more frequent walks.

What infection causes a dog to limp?

Infections and Diseases: Certain infections, like Lyme disease, can cause limping. Additionally, paw or nail bed infections can be painful and lead to lameness. Congenital Disorders: Some dogs are born with congenital issues that can affect their gait. These conditions often become apparent as the dog grows.

Can a UTI make a dog wobbly?

A normal urine infection shouldn't cause a dog to be unsteady of her feet. However, if the urine infection is left untreated or becomes severe, it can lead to more serious complications, such as a kidney infection.

What are signs a dog's UTI is serious?

• A urinary tract infection
• Difficulty urinating
• Unable to urinate
• Bloody urine (hematuria)
• Depression
• Change in appetite
• Vomiting
• A distended belly

Vet Minute: Dog Urinary Tract Infection and Bladder Infection in Dogs

What happens if a dog has a UTI for too long?

If a dog's UTI goes untreated for too long, it can escalate from painful inflammation to severe complications like kidney infections (pyelonephritis), painful bladder stones, lower urinary tract dysfunction, and even life-threatening sepsis (blood poisoning) or kidney failure, requiring urgent veterinary intervention for proper diagnosis with antibiotics and monitoring. 

How to tell if a dog has UTI or kidney stones?

They also may strain to urinate, or cry or whine when urinating, as it can be painful. Sometimes blood may be visible in their urine. Dripping urine, or frequent licking of the genitals, may also signal that a UTI is present. Urine that has a very strong odor can also be a sign that your dog has an infection.

Why is my dog wobbly and off balance all of a sudden?

Loss of balance in dogs can stem from many causes, including ear infections, IVDD, hypothyroidism, toxin exposure, or neurological conditions. Other warning signs—like head tilt, vomiting, or rapid eye movement—can help your vet pinpoint the problem.

Do dogs limp when they have a UTI?

Your dog's limping and sudden urination problems could be signs of discomfort or a medical condition such as a urinary tract infection. Observing these changes is important as they can be interconnected or separate issues. Monitor your pet's behavior for any additional symptoms.

Can UTI cause unsteadiness?

Dizziness linked to UTIs is not common, but it occurs in certain scenarios. This symptom might result from the body's systemic response to infection. An untreated UTI can affect the whole body, sometimes causing unexpected symptoms. Dehydration often exacerbates the feeling of dizziness.

Why did my dog go limp all of a sudden?

Dogs limp on their front legs due to various issues ranging from minor paw injuries to serious bone or joint problems. Common causes include cuts or objects stuck in the paw pad, broken nails, muscle strains, arthritis, or fractures.

What are the first signs of sepsis in dogs?

When sepsis does develop, signs include shaking, fever, weakness, confusion, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other signs can also be present depending on the type and location of the initial infection.

What are signs your dog is going to pass away?

Loss of appetite and decreased thirst

It is common for dogs to lose interest in food and water in their final days, particularly if they are experiencing nausea or pain. In some cases, your dog's loss of appetite and decreased thirst may be accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea.

Can UTI cause inability to walk?

If the infection moves upstream to the kidneys, additional symptoms are likely, such as fatigue, weakness or feeling faint, and difficulty walking or thinking clearly. Other symptoms could include a fever of 101 F or greater, shaking and chills, upper back and side pain, and nausea or vomiting.

How do dogs react when they have a UTI?

The most common symptoms of a UTI in dogs include frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, foul smelling urine, and urinating in inappropriate locations. Other signs may include lethargy, loss of appetite, licking at the penile or vaginal area, and a fever.

What are signs of a complicated UTI in dogs?

But when signs of a urinary tract infection do present themselves, they may include the following:

• Excessive drinking.
• Incontinence/inability to hold urine for a normal amount of time.
• Bloody and/or cloudy urine.
• Lack of appetite.
• Licking around genitals.
• Fever.
• Passing small amounts of urine very frequently.

Can an infection make a dog limp?

Infections: Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can affect the bones, joints, or muscles, causing pain and lameness. Orthopedic Conditions: Conditions like hip dysplasia, luxating patella, or cruciate ligament tears are common problems of limping in dogs.

How long can a dog last with a UTI?

A UTI in dogs typically lasts for seven to 14 days. The go-to treatment for dog UTIs is a course of antibiotics, and most dogs start feeling better 48 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment.

Why is my dog walking like he's drunk and shaking?

These alarming symptoms often signal vestibular syndrome in dogs, a condition affecting the balance system that can make your normally coordinated pet appear drunk or dizzy. Understanding whether vestibular syndrome requires emergency care can save precious time and unnecessary stress.

Can a UTI make my dog limp?

As a nurse, and someone with an occasionally severely sick dog, I will offer my educated opinion. If it IS uti related, it could have spread to her kidneys, causing flank and back pain that is radiating and making it difficult to walk. Did they offer pain meds?

How to know the difference between a UTI and kidney stone?

Kidney stone symptoms include severe back pain, frequent urination, and blood in the urine. UTI symptoms, on the other hand, include a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation, and bloody urine. Consulting with a doctor is essential for accurate identification and treatment.

Can I check my dog for a UTI at home?

Why PetTest - Our UTI Strips are specially formulated for accurate and early detection of a UTI in your dog or cat. They give you accurate results at home, fast, using urine test strips for infection detection. Then see your vet to treat early and help prevent health complications.

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