Only a veterinarian can tell you for sure if your dog has Urinary Tract Infection, or UTI. The tests are simple and you can get the results fast. There may be a need to get a urine sample from the dog through a catheter, which would cause the dog some discomfort.

The tests are also not very expensive. The sooner you can get your dog diagnosed, the sooner you can have the infection treated.

Treatments for UTI in dogs are quite straightforward:

1. Antibiotics

Your veterinarian may prescribe a regimen of antibiotics and the treatment should last about a week. Ask your veterinarian carefully about the dosage and the frequency of the antibiotics because improper administration can make things worse. It can make the bacteria causing the infection resistant to the drug. If the antibiotics are in the form of pills, you will have an easier time making them take it by sneaking it into their meals.

If it is in liquid form, ask for a syringe without a needle so that you get the measurement right, and it will also be easier to give it to the dog than using a spoon. You should also ask the veterinarian if there is a time frame in which to expect the symptoms to subside, so that you will have a benchmark in which to tell if the treatment is working.

2. Health Supplements

Cranberries have been scientifically proven to help aid in Urinary Tract Infections treatment in humans, and there have been studies indicative that it can work for your dog as well. But before trying this supplement, you should ask your veterinarian for an opinion.

3. Change in Diet

During the treatment period, it will be better to give the kidneys a rest from all the hard proteins like those from red meats, and avoid feeding your pet with animal organs like the liver or the tripe as these can contain substances that can form crystals in the kidneys or bladder. An easy protein to digest would be chicken breast or lamb.

4. Clean and Fresh Water

The dog will need to “wash out” the toxins in their bodies, and also to re-hydrate. Providing them with access to fresh and clean water (if it is something you would not drink, then do not let your dog drink it, either) will aid in making their recovery faster as well.

A Urinary Tract Infection will usually clear up in about a week or two, and you will be amazed by how fast a dog can recover from their illness.