These are also referred to as bladder infections, and when a pet gets a urinary tract infection it is almost the result of bacteria getting into the body via the urethra. The E.coli bacteria is the one that is the culprit most often and because female dogs have a shorter urethra there are more instances of female dogs with bladder infections than male ones. The high sugar levels in urine for diabetic dogs provide an ideal environment for UTI-causing bacteria to multiply, and bladder stones and prostate disease can also increase the chance of a pet having this type of infection.

USMI stands for urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence, and this is a condition that is common for older female dogs and the closed urethra that results from it may also lead to a urinary tract infection. Long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs can also be behind what causes urinary tract infections.

Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections

A veterinarian will almost always prescribe an antibiotic to get rid of a UTI in dogs or cats, and it is standard for the veterinarian overseeing the animal to need to change the antibiotic if it is not effective for neutralizing the bacteria causing the infection. If pain is resulting from inflammation in the urinary tract caused by the infection then you may be given a prescription for an NSAID anti-inflammatory painkiller for pets too. Another approach to treatment for urinary tract infections is to give the pet cranberry extract, but this is something you should discuss with the vet before trying.

How Do Cats Get Urinary Tract Infections?

The ways that a cat can get these infections are the same as detailed above here, although with cats there is one possible cause that is unique to them in a way that won’t apply for dogs. If a cat’s litter box is especially unclean it may refuse to use it, and holding in urine can also be a possibility with how do cats get urinary tract infections. The good news is that most cats will get over a UTI within 7 to 10 days but if recurring UTIs become the situation for your pet you will need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

How Do Dogs Get Urinary Tract Infections?

The same possible causes will apply for dogs too, and the entry of bacteria into the urethra is going to be the basic explanation for how do dogs get urinary tract infections. But there can be factors that increase the likelihood of that happening, and chronic kidney disease and certain neurologic or hormonal diseases can make some dogs predisposed to having urinary tract infections. Some breeds are more likely to have them, and having UTIs that lead to urinary stones is something that is seen more often with Shih Tzus, Bichon Frise dogs, and Yorkshire Terriers.