Why Your Dog Keeps Getting UTIs – And How to Stop Them for Good
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs can manifest with a range of symptoms.
Frequent Urination: Dogs may attempt to urinate more often than usual but often produce only small amounts of urine.
Straining to Urinate: Dogs may show signs of discomfort or straining while urinating, often accompanied by whining or pacing.
Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Urine may appear pink, red, or brownish, indicating the presence of blood.
Urinating in Unusual Places: Dogs with a UTI may start urinating in inappropriate places, like inside the house.
Foul-Smelling Urine: UTIs can cause the urine to have a strong, unpleasant odor.
Cloudy Urine: The urine may appear cloudy or murky due to the presence of pus or blood.
Painful Urination: Dogs may vocalize, whine, or appear to be in pain while urinating.
Licking the Genital Area: Excessive licking or grooming of the genital area can be a sign of irritation or infection.
Increased Thirst: Dogs with UTIs may drink more water than usual.
Lethargy: A dog with a UTI may become lethargic or less active.
Loss of Appetite: Can be gradual and subtle or have total anorexia.
Fever: Some dogs with UTIs may develop a fever.
If any of these symptoms are observed, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.
Understanding Bladder Stone Formation
Bladder stones form when minerals in urine become highly concentrated. Like making rock candy, the process starts with a “nidus” (a tiny particle), around which layers of minerals crystallize.
According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), surgical removal is often recommended for certain types of urinary stones in pets. For instance, stones causing a blockage in the ureter may require removal by a ureterotomy. Alternatively, procedures like ureteral stenting or subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) systems can be performed to allow urine to pass from the kidney to the bladder, bypassing the obstruction.
Some types of stones could potentially be dissolved with a special diet, but the process is slow and there is a risk of a stone(s) becoming lodged in the urethra and creating an emergency situation.
After surgical removal, the stones should be tested for their mineral composition and cultured to identify the organisms growing. This is critically important so a plan can be implemented to prevent stones from recurring.
The Bioregulatory Veterinary Approach (Integrative) Identifies And Addresses The Root Cause(s) Of Dis-ease
Diagnosing Urinary Tract Issues Involves:
- A thorough evaluation of diet and lifestyle to identify contributors to dis-ease. Highly processed diets that are high in carbohydrates and lack adequate moisture contribute to inflammation and concentrated urine.
- Urinalysis: Identifies infections, pH imbalances, blood, white blood cells and crystals. Ideally this sample should be taken directly from the bladder (cystocentesis) with ultrasound guidance. Urine collected from the ground could be contaminated, making it difficult to identify true infections.
- Imaging (X-rays and/or Ultrasound): Identifies stones, masses and abnormalities to the bladder wall.
- Culture and Sensitivity Testing: Determines the most effective antibiotics for bacterial infections.
Western Veterinary Approach To Diagnosing And Managing UTI’s
Often when a patient presents with signs of a UTI, a urinalysis is performed. If it is the “first time” a pet is diagnosed, the veterinarian often sends home an antibiotic without culturing the urine. The problem with this is the antibiotic may not be effective against the organisms present. Some infections are “sterile” and have no organisms contributing to the infection (thereby no need for an antibiotic). Antibiotics have side effects, and their usage should be prudent.
Many traditionally trained veterinarians may choose not to perform X- rays on a first visit, but the presence of bladder or kidney stones will be missed.
Sadly, during a conventional veterinary visit, the conversation of diet and lifestyle is rarely discussed or recognized for its contribution towards dis-ease, such as UTIs and bladder stones.
The Role Of Diet And Lifestyle In Health And Healing
Dogs are scavenger carnivores, designed to eat another animal in the state they killed it in. Because most pets are not hunting for their meals, it is the pet parent’s responsibility to create a diet that as closely as possible resembles what they were biologically designed to eat.
Though it may sound logical to change to a “urinary tract specialty diet”, these diets contribute to ongoing inflammation. These diets are highly processed, have exceedingly high carbohydrates, lack adequate moisture, lack digestive enzymes and if they are not organic, they are likely to have genetically modified ingredients, hormones, chemicals and pesticides. All these factors contribute to the ongoing inflammation that is at the root cause of the issue.
The Solution:
Diet: Feed a grass fed/grass finished raw meat diet (70% moisture) with the proper balance of meat, fat, bone and organ meat. The essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids are ideally supplemented separately with organic plant based bioavailable supplements. Click Here For More on Raw Feeding!
The Source Of Water Matters: According to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey, an official website for the US Government, At least 45% of the nation’s tap water is estimated to have one or more types of the chemicals known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS.
There are more than 12,000 types of PFAS, not all of which can be detected with current tests.
In addition, there are thousands of toxins, including heavy metals and glyphosate in tap water.
Tap water is not “structured”, a specific state that enables cell hydration.
Structured filtered water supports optimal organ function, aids in detoxification, improves cellular communication, and maintains a healthy pH balance. Click here for my recommendations on water systems!
3. Detoxification To Remove Toxins And Lower Inflammation: Toxins from food, the environment, or medications can accumulate in a pet’s body. Regular detoxification with herbal cleanses and detox foot baths can help reduce inflammation and improve organ function. Click here for more!
4. Stress Reduction To Calm The Mind, Soothe The Body: Stress plays a significant role in urinary problems. Incorporating calming supplements like pumpkin seed oil, or flaxseed oil, along with providing environmental enrichment like interactive toys, quiet spaces, and calming sound frequencies can greatly reduce stress and prevent stress-induced health problems. Click Here For More!
It is time to take action. The more you know, the better you can care for your pets. The Empowered Pet Parent Course is the first step for pet parents joining my family. This course is for YOU!
Take your pet’s health into your own hands and help them live longer, healthier lives.
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Read MoreReferences:
- https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/urinary-stones/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Veterinary Partner
- Veterinary Partner. (n.d.). “Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs.” Retrieved from Veterinary Partner
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2022). “Hyperuricosuria and Hyperuricemia or Urolithiasis (HUU).” Retrieved from Cornell University
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2022). “Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs.” Retrieved from Cornell University
- PetMD
- PetMD. (2021). “UTI in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and When To Call Your Vet.” Retrieved from PetMD
- PetMD
- PetMD. (2021). “Bladder Stones in Dogs: Symptoms, Prevention, and More.” Retrieved from PetMD
- Cranimals
- Cranimals. (n.d.). “Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs Linked to Diabetes and Struvite Stones.” Retrieved from Cranimals
- DVM360
- DVM360. (2019). “Diagnosing and Managing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.” Retrieved from DVM360
- American Kennel Club
- American Kennel Club. (2022). “Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in Dogs.” Retrieved from AKC
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- Merck Veterinary Manual. (2022). “Infectious Diseases of the Urinary System in Dogs.” Retrieved from Merck Veterinary Manual
- Small Door Veterinary
- Small Door Veterinary. (2021). “UTIs in Dogs.” Retrieved from Small Door Veterinary
- TVMF
- TVMF. (n.d.). “Bladder Stones.” Retrieved from TVMF
- https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/tap-water-study-detects-pfas-forever-chemicals-across-us
Disclaimer:
The content provided herein has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and reflects solely the professional opinion(s) of the author. It is not intended to serve as individualized medical advice, diagnose any condition, or endorse specific products or services for the treatment of illnesses. This information is strictly for educational purposes. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed healthcare professional of your choosing to pursue optimal health goals. Prior to initiating any changes mentioned herein or embarking on a new diet, exercise, or health regimen consultation with a licenced veterinarian is recommended. Any utilization of the information, resources, or recommendations contained herein is done at your own discretion and risk.
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