Take a dog to an emergency vet for a UTI if they are straining to urinate with little/no output, passing significant blood, or acting lethargic, vomiting, and in extreme pain. A suspected blockage—especially in males—or signs of a kidney infection are critical emergencies requiring immediate, rather than next-day, care.

Should I take my dog to the emergency vet for a UTI?

I do not advise that you delay treatment for urinary issues like this; failure to promptly treat a bladder infection can lead to more serious issues, such as an infection in the kidneys. If your family veterinarian is closed over the weekend, then you should seek treatment at an urgent care or emergency facility.

How long can I wait to take my dog to the vet for a UTI?

A UTI should be treated promptly to prevent the disease from getting worse. If a dog is having difficulty urinating or cannot urinate, seek veterinary care right away. It's important to contact a vet if your dog is experiencing changes in its physical health or behavior.

What are signs of a worsening dog's UTI?

Take your dog to the vet if you notice the following signs: Frequent urination. Breaking housetraining. Blood in the urine. Dribbling urine. Crying out while urinating. Straining to urinate. Frequently or obsessively licking the genital area. ^this was my source.

What can I give my dog for UTI at home?

For a dog's UTI at home, focus on increasing water intake (with broth or a fountain) to flush bacteria, adding dog-specific cranberry or D-Mannose supplements, and ensuring hygiene, but always see a vet for proper diagnosis and antibiotics, as home remedies only support treatment, not cure, and untreated UTIs can become severe.

Urinary Tract Infections

What happens if a dog's UTI is left untreated?

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. 

What can be mistaken for a UTI in dogs?

Pyometra is often mistakenly confused with urinary tract infections (UTIs) by pet owners. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus, usually caused by a hormonal imbalance created by alterations in the normal heat cycle. A dog suffering from pyometra may display signs of vaginitis and discharge coming from the vulva.

How fast can a dog's UTI cure itself?

Dog UTI Treatment at Home

Allow frequent bathroom breaks and keep bedding clean. Track symptoms, accidents, and changes in urine, as this helps your veterinarian evaluate progress. If symptoms don't improve within 24–48 hours, schedule a veterinary visit.

Do dogs act weird if they have a UTI?

Signs & symptoms of UTI in dogs

Incontinence/inability to hold urine for a normal amount of time. Bloody and/or cloudy urine. Lack of appetite. Licking around genitals.

How do vets rule out UTI?

Diagnosing UTIs in Pets

Your veterinarian may perform the following tests: Urinalysis: Detects bacteria, crystals, blood, and pH imbalance. Urine Culture: Identifies the specific bacteria for targeted antibiotic treatment. Blood Tests: Help rule out underlying systemic diseases like kidney disease or diabetes.

How painful is a UTI for a dog?

Bladder infections and urinary tract infections are very uncomfortable and often painful for your dog. When caught and treated early these infections can often be cleared up quickly and easily.

Are UTIs in dogs life threatening?

The prognosis for a UTI in dogs is generally good with appropriate treatment. Most dogs respond well to antibiotics and show improvement within a few days. However, if left untreated, a UTI can progress to a more serious kidney infection, which can be more difficult to treat and potentially life-threatening.

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.

What are signs of a complicated UTI in dogs?

Dogs with UTIs generally attempt to urinate frequently, whenever they go outside. 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.

How to soothe a dog with a UTI?

Pain Medications or Anti-Inflammatories: A UTI can be very painful. It can also cause significant stress due to the constant urge to “go” even when the bladder is empty. These medications provide relief and help the bladder calm down so it can heal.

How to confirm if a dog has a UTI?

Testing for a UTI in dogs primarily involves a veterinary urinalysis to check urine for bacteria, blood, and white blood cells, often followed by a urine culture to identify the specific bacteria and guide antibiotic treatment, with a sterile urine sample often collected via cystocentesis (needle aspiration) for accuracy. Your vet may also use blood tests or imaging (X-rays, ultrasound) to rule out other issues like kidney disease or stones.
 

What will a vet do for UTI?

Treatment. UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Initially, an antibiotic may be prescribed that targets the most likely bacteria causing infection. After the culture finalizes (which may take a few days), your veterinarian may need to change the antibiotic if the results indicate the first antibiotic is not ideal.

Is a UTI painful for a dog?

If your dog is suffering from a bladder infection you will likely notice signs of pain as well as difficulties urinating, blood in their urine or, in some cases, your pup might only urinate in very small amounts but frequently.

Is cranberry juice good for dog UTIs?

Small quantities of fresh cranberries mixed in with dog food can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and provide nutrients that support your dog's immune system and promote bladder health, such as vitamin C and potassium.

Can a UTI make a dog act weird?

Besides causing pain and discomfort, UTIs in dogs can also affect their biological functions and behavioral patterns. If you notice any symptoms of a UTI in your dog, the vets at Animal Care Center of Castle Pines can help you get a diagnosis and treatment.

---