Urinary tract disease is uncomfortable for dogs, and can be the first sign of other underlying diseases.

When a dog has a UTI, any of the following symptoms may be present:

• Straining
• Frequent urination
• Blood in the urine
• Licking of urine

Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria when they gain access to the bladder. Antibiotics generally clear UTIs with little fuss, but it is important to test a urine sample in case there is a more serious condition going on, for example bladder stones, or bladder cancer.

Urine samples are easiest to collect first thing in the morning, using a clean container or ladel. The sample can be poured into a pot, provided by us, and handed in for testing.

Recurrent bladder problems will need further investigation in case there is a resistant infection or another condition is present.

Once diagnosed correctly most urinary tract diseases are medically managed using either tableted medication or dietary change – the remainder (such as growths or bladder stones) require surgical intervention.