Dog UTI Symptoms: Signs in Female and Male Dogs, and What Else It Could Be

Common Signs of a UTI in Dogs

• Peeing often, in small amounts, and asking to go out more^1,2,8
• Straining or whimpering while urinating^3,8
• Blood in the urine, often at the end of the stream, or cloudy urine^7,9,8
• Accidents in the house, or dribbling urine^3,2
• Strong-smelling urine²
• Licking the genital area²

Some dogs, especially those with diabetes or Cushing's disease, have infections without obvious signs.^7,10

Signs of a UTI in Female Dogs

Female dogs get UTIs more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus.³ Signs are the same as above. Also look for redness, irritation or a bad smell around the vulva, scooting or licking, which can point to a recessed (hooded) vulva, a common cause of repeated infections.^11,12

Signs of a UTI in Male Dogs

UTIs are less common in male dogs and often point to another problem. Vets check intact males for prostate infection.^1,8 Males are also more prone to urinary blockage from stones because their urethra is longer and narrower, so straining with little urine in a male dog is an emergency.⁴

Signs the Infection Has Reached the Kidneys

A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is more serious than a bladder infection. Signs can include lethargy, a poor appetite, vomiting, drinking and urinating more, and sometimes fever or pain in the belly or back. Some dogs show only increased thirst.^7,13,1 See your vet promptly.

What Can Be Mistaken for a UTI?

• Bladder stones: cause the same signs and can block the urethra.^4,6 See bladder stones in dogs.
• Bladder cancer: repeated "UTIs" can be a warning sign, especially in breeds such as Scottish Terriers.⁵ See bladder cancer in dogs.
• Prostate disease in male dogs^5,1
• Diabetes, Cushing's disease and kidney disease, which cause more drinking and peeing, and can also make UTIs more likely^5,2
• Urinary incontinence, where a dog leaks urine without knowing. See urinary incontinence in dogs.

Can I Test My Dog for a UTI at Home?

Home urine test strips can't confirm a UTI in dogs: the white-blood-cell pad is inaccurate in small animals, and a voided sample is often contaminated.^3,14 Your vet will test a clean sample, ideally collected straight from the bladder, and may send it for culture.^1,14 If you're asked to bring a sample, collect it in a clean container and get it to the clinic quickly, refrigerating it if there's a delay.^14,1

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dog has a UTI?

Watch for frequent small pees, straining, blood in the urine, accidents and licking. Only a urine test can confirm it, so see your vet.

What are the signs of a UTI in a female dog?

The same as in males: frequent urination, straining, blood in the urine and accidents, plus sometimes licking or redness around the vulva.

Do male dogs get UTIs?

Yes, but less often, and a UTI in a male dog often means another problem, such as prostate disease or stones. Straining with little urine in a male dog is an emergency.

Will a dog stop eating if it has a UTI?

Most dogs with a simple bladder infection keep eating. A poor appetite, vomiting or lethargy can mean the infection has spread to the kidneys or that something else is wrong, so see your vet.

Is blood in a dog's urine an emergency?

Call your vet promptly. Go right away if there's a lot of blood, your dog is straining without passing much urine, or seems unwell.