Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog pees frequently, but nothing works. What's the next step?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | spayed | 11 years old | 17 lbs

My dog has been urinating in short, frequent bursts for over a year. She has had blood draws, urinalyses, and an x-ray. I have been told it’s a UTI, struvite crystals, a skin irritation, and other things. Treated for all of these with antibiotics, mild steroid creams, prescription cleansing wipes, a dietary change, and all but the dietary change have briefly relieved symptoms. Does not urinate inappropriately and there is no indication that she is in pain. What are the next steps?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Daniel Fonza, DVM

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 2nd, 2020

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concerns! My next concern is are we dealing with some predisposing factor leading to these UTIs or is there a resistant bacteria in the urine that is not responding to the current rounds of medications? I would recommend ultrasounding the bladder and obtaining a sterile urine sample for culture and go from there. Have the crystals resolved yet? If there are still crystals in the urine, then these need to be resolved as the presence of crystals will lead to recurrent UTIs and symptoms. I hope this helps!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on February 26th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Symptoms commonly seen with urinary tract infections include urinating in small amounts frequently, painful urination and urinating blood. Please have Barkley evaluated if these are seen. Good luck!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button