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Why does my dog keep getting UTIs that never seem to clear up?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 8 year old English bulldog has had recurring UTIS her entire life, this time for the past 3 months it doesn't seem to go away. Have done full blood work and there are no serious concerns with kidney function at this time. What could be the problem?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 12th, 2016

She should have an x-ray and/or ultrasound of her bladder to look for bladder stones. Dogs with stones tend to have chronic urinary tract infections. If your vet has already ruled out any stones than her urine should be cultured to make sure the right antibiotic is used. She may need to stay on an antibiotic for an exteneded period of time.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on July 14th, 2019
In my experience, I have sedated dogs to put in a catheter, but it may not have been necessary in Polo's case. I can't say if the vet did something wrong because I wasn't there. Depending on the type of stones, there can be urinary diets he can be put on to dissolve the stones, but again that is up to his vet. You can ask his vet about it. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 14th, 2016
No , I am afraid the only thing that would make her more comfortable would be a smooth muscle relaxant and pain medicine. Either is only available from your vet. Make sure she drinks plenty and ensure that she is seen by the vet tomorrow. Your vet will want to do a urinalysis, x rays and/or ultrasound exams and blood tests to make sure the kidneys are working properly. This could just be bladder stones, but they will need to be addressed urgently as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 3rd, 2016
Stones in the bladder (uroliths) cause damage of the lining of the bladder, which then gets inflamed and offers a great place for bacteria to cause more damage. So the stones caused a UTI which needs to be treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria and pain medicine to relieve the pain. Unfortunately, unless the stones are removed or dissolved (this will depend on the size and type of stones) she will keep getting UTIs. Ask your vet which type of stones Sandra has and if there is a diet to a) dissolve them and b) prevent more stone formation.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why is my senior dog's urine still pink/bloody after antibiotics?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It becomes concerning when an older dog develops blood urine that is non-responsive to antibiotics. Having blood in the urine with out bacteria can mean a bladder stone or a bladder tumor. Tests I would consider next would be a urine culture, one belly X-ray to look for a bladder stone and full blood work. If the culture is negative and the X-ray doesn't show a stone then I would worry about a bladder tumor. An ultrasound of her bladder would help diagnose if she has a bladder tumor. Another option before doing more testing is to try a more powerful antibiotic for 3 weeks. But if the blood is still present with out the presence of bacteria then I would go forward. I hope this helps!

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Why does my dog keep peeing blood after clear X-rays and meds?

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