Bringing a dog into your home and family's life can be fun and exciting. Unfortunately, your dog may develop health issues that are difficult to diagnose, since symptoms are more challenging to see. Urinary tract infections are common in humans, but your dog may also develop this uncomfortable condition at one point. Considering that it can affect all dog breeds, genders, and ages, understanding the signs of a urinary tract infection is important to help your dog get treatment. Using this guide and the help of your veterinarian, you will understand if your dog is suffering from a urinary tract infection.

Increased Consumption of Water

If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, especially in the heat, they may drink a large amount of water. In addition, living in warmer parts of the country can also cause your dog to have an increased thirst. However, if your dog's thirst has increased recently, it may be because they are dealing with a urinary tract infection.

Pay attention to the number of times you are refilling your dog's water bowl. If it seems to be more than usual, your dog is drinking more water in an attempt to flush bacteria out of their system. Unfortunately, this will not treat your dog's infection, so make sure the veterinarian tests the urine. If tests are positive for an infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.

Increased Frequency of Urination

Watch your dog on the next walk to determine the number of times they stop to urinate. You should also pay attention to the volume of urine each time. Many dogs will stop frequently to pee. They may be marking their territory, or they may actually have the urge to urinate. If they are stopping to urinate multiple times, it is most likely due to an infection.

On average, dogs will need to urinate every 4 to 6 hours. However, some dog breeds can go up to 12 hours without having to pee. To determine if your dog has a urinary tract infection, you must compare the current amount of urination to their past levels. If they are needing to urinate more frequently, consult your veterinarian.

Blood In Urine

If your dog is urinating and drinking more than usual, consider checking their pee for traces of blood. If your dog has an accident inside the home, inspect the urine for discoloration. Blood will not be bright red, in most cases; instead, you may notice a brownish tint.

Inspecting your dog's urine can be challenging on the grass, but using a paper towel can help. Before your dog urinates, place a white paper towel on top of the grass. This will help you determine if your dog has blood or dark discharge in their urine.

Change In Mood/Behavior

When you are sick, you will most likely be in a bad mood. You may feel slightly depressed, tired, and irritable, which are all normal feelings. Your dog may also show these same changes in their mood and behavior if they are sick or suffering with a urinary tract infection.

If your dog is normally active, but is now lying down and sleeping more, it may be because they have a UTI. Also, dogs with a urinary tract infection may not want to play or eat. Your dog may also feel ashamed after having accidents in the house. These accidents are common, since your dog will feel an increased urge to urinate.

Your dog is unable to speak up, telling you they have pain while urinating. Understanding these signs will help you determine if your dog has a painful UTI, allowing you to get them the treatment they need. Look at this for more information.