Be Alert: Yellow, Low Urine in Dogs May Indicate Urinar

If your dog displays symptoms such as yellowed urine, decreased urination, sudden inappropriate urination, or red blood stains or clots in their urine, it's crucial to sound the alarm—these could be signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI)!

Just like humans, a dog's normal urine should be a light yellow color. If they aren't drinking enough water or their diet is too salty, their urine may appear darker temporarily. However, as long as you ensure they have access to plenty of water and maintain a mild diet, their urine color should return to normal quickly. But if your dog's urine remains yellowish and they exhibit discomfort during urination, reduced urine output, or dribbling, be on high alert. These are early signs of a potential UTI!

Early Signs of Urinary Tract Infection:

1. Frequent urination, decreased urine output, painful urination, dribbling, or difficulty in urination.

2. The dog may frequently lick their genital area, with redness or yellow discharge around the urethra.

3. They may frequently assume a urination posture but produce very little or no urine.

4. The urine may have a strong, unpleasant odor.

LateStage Symptoms:

1. Cloudy urine, hematuria (blood in urine), and pus in the urine.

2. Increased abdominal circumference, loss of appetite, and a general lack of energy.

3. Vomiting and difficulty breathing.

4. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to kidney failure.

What to Do About Dog Urinary Tract Infection?

In clinical settings, dogs with UTIs are typically treated with antiinflammatory, painrelieving, and diuretic medications. In cases of urinary tract obstruction, surgery may be necessary.

1. Antibiotics: Administer oral Augmentin (amoxicillin clavulanate potassium) or enrofloxacin, once daily, or consider an injection of Baytril at your vet's recommendation.

2. Diuretics: Take oral Hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril) to promote urine output and protect the urethra.

3. Topical Irrigation: Use 0.1% Rivanol or 0.1% Chlorhexidine for urethral irrigation to fight inflammation and bacteria, preventing and reducing side infections, once or twice daily.

There are many causes of urinary tract infections in dogs, including bacterial infections, stones, immune deficiencies, and secondary infections due to inflammation in nearby organs. If you notice your dog's urination is abnormal, you can initially try giving them amoxicillin clavulanate and hydrochlorothiazide at home. If these don't improve the situation, it's essential to seek veterinary care promptly.

Remember, while urinary tract infections can be easily contracted, treated, and even recur, they are preventable. After treatment, maintain daily preventive measures by ensuring your dog stays wellhydrated, avoids spicy foods, maintains a clean environment, and doesn't hold their urine for extended periods.

Important Note: Should you notice symptoms like yellowed urine, reduced urination, painful urination, or frequent licking of the urethral area in your dog, act promptly to administer medication. Early treatment is key for the best outcomes. Severe UTIs can lead to the formation of inflammatory clots, causing urinary tract blockages, which can complicate treatment.