Why do Puppies get Urinary Tract Infections? [5 Reasons]

Many puppies are prone to UTIs in their first year of life, and owners must be aware of the risk factors.

UTIs are common in puppies, but they aren’t something you should ignore. If left untreated, they could lead to more severe health problems.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss all things related to UTIs in puppies.

What causes the infection? How to recognize the symptoms? and when it’s time to get professional help from your vet.

Key Takeaways

• Poor diet and dehydration are two risk factors developing UTIs in Puppies.
• A urinary tract infection is a common result of poor hygiene habits.
• Due to their smaller urinary tract and bladder size, making it easier to build up bacteria over time.
• Puppies have relatively weak immune systems compared to older dogs, catching infections more easily.
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or bladder stones can cause UTI infections in dogs.

Why do puppies get urinary tract infections?

The most common reasons for Urinary tract Infections in puppies are:

1. Poor diet and Dehydration

One of the most significant risks to a puppy’s health is a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Poor diet and dehydration are two risk factors that can increase the chance of puppies developing UTIs.

Foods high in sugar or starch, processed meals, and low-water diets increase the likelihood of infection.

To reduce this risk, owners should ensure their puppy is eating healthy amounts of nutrient-rich food and drinking clean water to stay hydrated.

While UTIs can still occur even with proper nutrition and hydration, doing these things helps protect your pup from painful infections in the long run.

2. Poor Hygiene Habits

Poor hygiene habits are never a good idea, especially when it comes to puppies.

Not taking a puppy outside enough to urinate can lead to severe health concerns associated with building up waste products in the bladder that leads to urinary tract infection.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common result of these poor hygiene habits and can be costly and time-consuming.

Proper bathroom training techniques for young puppies, helping them develop good hygiene habits.

3. Smaller Urinary tract and bladder size

Despite their small size, puppies are still at risk of developing such an infection due to their smaller urinary tract and bladder size, making it easier to build up bacteria over time.

If a UTI is left untreated, the infection can lead to discomfort, frequent urination, and even complications further down the road if not managed correctly.

4. Weak immune systems

Unfortunately, puppies are very prone to getting sick. One of the most common afflictions affecting young dogs is Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). 

Because puppies have relatively weak immune systems compared to older dogs, making them more susceptible to catching these infections.

Owners of small pups need to be aware that UTIs can be contagious, so they should take appropriate steps or seek veterinary advice if they suspect their puppy may be ill.

5. Certain Medical Conditions

Commonly caused by bacteria, a UTI may occur due to several issues, including an incorrect pH level in the dog’s urine, immune system weakness, and urinary blockage.

Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or bladder stones can make puppies even more vulnerable to UTI infections.

Pet owners need to know what signs they should look out for in determining if their puppy has a UTI.

Early detection and treatment of any infection is always the best course of action to help alleviate the puppy’s discomfort and protect against possible further health complications.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Puppies

Puppies may display any of the following symptoms if they have a UTI:

• Frequent urination or excessive licking of the genitals
• Blood in the urine
• Painful or difficult urination
• Discharge from the urethra
• Behavioral changes such as lethargy or excessive grooming
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

When To See A Veterinarian?

If you suspect your puppy has a UTI, it’s essential to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

Your vet can diagnose and treat the infection, preventing any further complications.

How do you prevent UTIs in puppies?

• Make sure your puppy drinks plenty of water to flush their bladder and reduce the risk of bacteria entering the urine.
• Clean up after your puppy quickly and frequently, as bacteria from feces can lead to UTIs.
• Feed your puppy a high-quality food formulated for puppies, as this will help provide the necessary nutrition to keep the urinary tract healthy.
• Take your puppy outside often for pee and poo breaks and clean up messes promptly to reduce contamination from bacteria.
• Have your puppy regularly checked by a veterinarian for any underlying health issues that can lead to UTIs, such as bladder stones or kidney disease.
• Consider supplementing your puppy’s diet with cranberry extract or probiotics, as these can help prevent UTIs by creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria in the urinary tract.
• Keep your puppy away from other animals and unhygienic environments that can increase its risk of catching a UTI.

What foods cause UTIs in dogs?

Foods that contain a high amount of sugar and foods that are high in fat or oils can cause a canine UTI.

Foods with high preservatives and chemicals can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections in dogs.

Other foods to watch out for include caffeinated beverages, asparagus, chocolate, grapes, aw carrots, raisins, onions, and dairy products.

Related Articles:

• Tips to stop Flies from Biting Dogs
• Why Do White Dogs Turn Red?

FAQ: