Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs & Cats

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when germs, usually bacteria, get into the urinary tract and multiply. The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, the bladder and the tubes that carry urine. Most infections stay in the bladder, but some travel up to the kidneys, which is more serious.

UTIs are common in dogs, especially female dogs. Cats are different. Many young cats with bladder problems have no infection at all, while older cats, and cats with kidney disease or diabetes, get infections more often. Bladder stones and crystals can cause the same signs, and in dogs some stones form because of an infection.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Passing small amounts of urine often
• Straining or crying while passing urine
• Red, pink or cloudy urine, or a strong smell
• Accidents in the house, or a cat peeing outside the litter tray
• Licking the genital area a lot

Some pets show no signs, and the infection is found on a routine urine test.

Which lab tests help

A Urine Routine is usually the first step. It checks how concentrated the urine is, tests for protein, sugar and blood, and uses a microscope to look for white cells, bacteria and crystals. These findings can point to an infection, but they cannot always confirm one.

A Urine Culture & Sensitivity is the main test to confirm a bacterial UTI. It grows the bacteria, identifies them and shows which antibiotics may work. Urine for culture must go into a sterile (germ-free) container. A sample your vet takes straight from the bladder with a fine needle is the most reliable, and it should ideally be taken before any antibiotic is started.

The Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio (UPC Ratio) shows whether protein is leaking through the kidneys. An active infection can raise urine protein, so your vet may repeat it once the infection has cleared. If a stone is passed or removed, Stone Analysis shows what it is made of. For pets with repeated infections, your vet may look for a hidden cause with a Kidney Function Test (KFT), Glucose Random (RBS) or the Vital Panel.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with your pet's signs and history.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if your pet shows any of these signs. A dog or cat that strains but passes little or no urine needs a vet the same day, because a blocked bladder can quickly become life-threatening, especially in male cats. Fever, vomiting or a painful back may mean the kidneys are involved.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is in Shahpura, Bhopal, and provides free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. Ask how to collect and store urine when you book, because culture samples should reach the lab quickly. From other districts, samples can be sent by courier, by bus parcel or through your local vet; the lab coordinates by phone or WhatsApp on +91 88175 01118. Reports are shared on WhatsApp, by email and in My Reports.