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Does my dog have a bladder infection (UTI)?
Common signs of a urinary tract infection in dogs are straining to pee, peeing small amounts often, new accidents in the house, blood in the urine, a strong smell and licking the genitals. UTIs are more common in female and senior dogs. Straining with no urine coming out is different: it can mean a blockage and is an emergency.
Checklist
Peeing changes
- Straining or squatting for a long time (Posing to pee several times with only a little coming out)
- Peeing small amounts more often (Asking to go out more than usual)
- New accidents in the house (In a dog that was reliably house-trained)
- Pink, red or cloudy urine (Blood in the urine)
- Strong or foul-smelling urine
- Licking the genitals more than usual
- Whimpering or crying while peeing
- Dribbling urine
Red flags
- Straining, but no urine comes out at all (This can mean the urethra is blocked)
- Also has a fever, vomits, will not eat or is unusually tired (Signs the problem may be more than the bladder)
More common in female dogs, in seniors 7 and older, and in dogs with diabetes, Cushing's disease, kidney disease, bladder stones or incontinence.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs of a UTI in a senior dog?
Straining or crying while peeing, frequent small pees, accidents in the house, bloody or cloudy urine, a strong urine smell, dribbling and licking the genitals. Some dogs also have a fever.
Is a dog UTI an emergency?
Usually a UTI needs a vet visit within a day or two, not an emergency room. Straining with no urine coming out is an emergency, because a blocked urethra can become life-threatening within 1 to 3 days.
How does a vet diagnose a UTI?
With a urine test (urinalysis). The urine is often collected with a fine needle straight from the bladder (cystocentesis) to avoid contamination, and a urine culture identifies the bacteria and the antibiotic that will work.
Why do older dogs get more UTIs?
UTIs are more frequent in dogs 7 and older, and in dogs with conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing's disease, bladder stones or incontinence. In male dogs a UTI often points to another problem.
Related care guides
More free senior dog tools
- Dog age in human years: Human-age chart, life stage and when your dog becomes a senior, by size.
- Weight and calorie calculator: Normal weight by breed and age, ideal weight, daily calories and a safe weight-loss pace.
- Water intake calculator: How much your senior dog should drink a day, and when it is too much.
- Sleeping breathing rate counter: Tap along while your dog sleeps to get breaths per minute and see if it is in the usual range.
- Leaking urine? Incontinence check: Sort leaking from infection, thirst, memory or mobility problems, with next steps.
- Is my dog overweight? Body check: Three quick hands-on checks to estimate the body condition score.
- Dog dementia (CCD) checklist: Confusion, night pacing, accidents and memory changes in older dogs.
- Arthritis and pain checklist: Everyday signs that an older dog is sore, and what helps at home.
- Quality of life scale: is it time?: Score 7 areas of daily life, track good and bad days, and know when to talk to your vet about euthanasia.
- Printable weekly health tracker: Log weight, appetite, water, sleep and accidents for your vet. No sign-up.
Sources: Cornell Riney Canine Health Center: Urinary tract infections · AKC: Urinary tract infections in dogs · Merck Veterinary Manual: Urethral obstruction in small animals · VCA: Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) in dogs
Educational only. Not a substitute for your veterinarian. Updated October 2026. SILVERPAW is operated by ILYESHOPI LLC.