Get Advice from a Vet

ASK A VET
Veterinarian, DVM, MBA
Get free advice on diet, health, fitness, and wellness questions within 3 business days via email.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections in Pets?

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Back to results
Enter Your Information All fields are required

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

*Please note: Questions submitted and the answers will appear on our website as a benefit to all pet owners. Please make sure not to include any personal information in the box where you enter your question.

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Thank you! Your question has been submitted.

You will receive an answer from Dr. Lindsay and our vet/tech team as soon as possible, usually the same day.

All answers are provided for informational or educational purposes only, and are intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your pet's veterinarian.

It may be necessary to consult your pet's veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your pet's symptoms or medical condition.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Oops! Your question has not been submitted.

An error has occurred, please reload the page and try again.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Got questions? Ask Dr. Lindsay & our Vet Team:

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

Do these answer your question?
Showing of | See All
Have another question, or can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
We're Sorry!

There is no answer related to your question

Can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
Category
Back

Urinary tract infections in pets are common. A urinary tract infection is defined as an infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The infection is usually caused by bacteria in the environment or the intestines that enters the urethra and proliferates in the urinary bladder. Urinary tract infections may lead to increased frequency of urination, urgency, bloody urination, and inappropriate urination in your pet. Urinary tract infections occur more often in dogs and less often in cats.
The most common source of urinary infections in pets is fecal contamination and subsequent spread of bacteria up the urinary tract. Common bacteria involved include staphylcoccus, streptococcus, proteus, and E coli.

Key facts about urinary tract infections in dogs and cats

  • Urinary tract infections are more common in dogs than cats.
  • Pet urine obtained as a first morning sample, or with a needle by your veterinarian, is the preferred method of diagnosis of urinary tract infections.
  • Urinary tract infections are best treated with a course of antibiotics.
  • Prognosis for a cure is excellent as long as predisposing factors are addressed.

Which pets are most at risk for developing a urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections are more common in dogs than in cats. Overweight pets with extra skin folds are at risk. Some female pets may have inverted vulvas that lead to bacterial buildup and secondary urinary tract infections. Very often, pets with weaker immune systems including geriatric pets as well as those with dental disease will more likely be prone to urinary tract infections. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, Cushing's Disease, cancer, and immune suppressive viruses in cats such as feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) may lead to urinary infections as well. Pets with a history of urine dribbling and involuntary urination also should be evaluated for urinary tract infection prior to starting medications such as Proin (for dogs) for urine incontinence.

Tip

Proin may cause restlessness, irritability, or loss of appetite. If you notice any of these side effects, contact your veterinarian.