{"id":44210,"date":"2025-11-28T09:51:54","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T08:51:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dermoscent.com\/nos-conseils\/infections-urinaires-du-chien-et-du-chat-comment-mieux-les-controler\/"},"modified":"2026-06-16T10:57:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T08:57:34","slug":"urinary-infections-in-dogs-and-cats-how-to-better-control-them","status":"publish","type":"nos-conseils","link":"https:\/\/dermoscent.com\/en\/our-advice\/urinary-infections-in-dogs-and-cats-how-to-better-control-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Urinary infections in dogs and cats: how to better control them?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Like humans, dogs and cats can have urinary disorders. Urinary tract infections are the most frequent infections after skin infections<\/a><\/strong>. Sometimes difficult to detect, these urinary problems must be taken seriously, since they can become recurrent and have an impact on the general wellbeing of your pets.<\/div>\n
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Urinary infections in dogs and cats: what are they?<\/h2>\n

Known as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in veterinary medicine, these ailments include infections of the upper urinary system (kidney and ureter) or lower urinary system (bladder and urethra). UTIs<\/strong> are characterized by the presence and proliferation of bacteria in the urinary system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Urinary infections \u2013 causes and risk factors<\/h2>\n

In cats:<\/h3>\n

Urinary tract infections are relatively uncommon<\/strong>, and often follow catheterization for urethral obstruction in male cats. These blockages in urine flow are associated with the presence of calculi or mucus plugs<\/strong> in the urethra.<\/p>\n

In dogs:<\/h3>\n

Urinary tract infections are predominantly \u201cascending\u201d urinary infections<\/strong> (proliferation of organisms from the intestine or skin that move up through the urethra), which are more susceptible to occur in females (shorter urethra).
\nIn both species<\/strong>, long-term treatment with corticosteroids (for recurrent skin conditions) or with other immunomodulators (for autoimmune diseases) can promote the occurrence of urinary infections, as a consequence of a decline in the body\u2019s defenses.<\/p>\n

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Symptoms and diagnosis<\/h2>\n

There are many symptoms of a urinary tract infection: the animal urinates in small amounts but more often<\/strong>, there is occasional blood in the urine<\/strong>; he\/she may feel pain and lick<\/strong> at the genital area. Sometimes general signs<\/strong> are also present: weakness, loss of appetite, fever\u2026particularly with upper urinary tract (kidney) infections.
\nIn order to diagnose the condition and identify the causes, the vet will take a urine sample<\/strong> for analysis in order to detect bacteria, crystals and\/or blood. Radiography and ultrasound<\/strong> will help to show the presence of calculi, tumours, etc. A blood test<\/strong> can indicate whether certain diseases favoring UTIs, such as diabetes and Cushing\u2019s disease are present.<\/p>\n

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Treatment and prevention of urinary infections<\/h2>\n

Immediate treatment<\/strong> will involve prescription of appropriate antibiotics, and if necessary, the administration of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. If there is an underlying cause (tumor, malformation, diabetes\u2026), it will be treated insofar as this is possible.
\nTo limit recurrence<\/strong>, it is important that the pet has access to fresh water at all times, drinks enough, and can urinate as often as necessary (keep the cat\u2019s litter tray clean and odor-free, and let the dog out regularly). Certain food supplements<\/strong> may also prove very useful by strengthening the defenses of the urinary tract, and thus helping to prevent infections<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Dr. Isabelle Mennecier, veterinarian<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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