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My dog has a UTI, on meds, barely peeing. Is it serious? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

Our dog has a UTI and has only peed once today. Taking pain meds and antibiotics from vet. Should we be concerned and what can we do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on February 20th, 2018

Is she trying to urinate but can’t? If so this could be an emergency and she should be seen immediately. It is also possible that she is dehydrated and doesn’t have much urine to produce. Either way I do think that this is concerning and she should be evaluated as soon as possible. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 4th, 2017

    Poor Shelby! Frequent urination and straining is certainly not normal, and I agree with your concern - a UTI seems possible, as well as crystals in the urine or bladder stones. Even though she seems fine today, I would still take her to the vet for an exam and urinalysis to assure that everything looks okay. Better to catch and start treating a UTI sooner rather than later! I hope that all goes well!

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 24th, 2016

    I am sorry to hear this. It can take 48-72 hrs for antibiotics to reduce the bacteria load enough to improve clinical symptoms. However the straining is concerning to some degree because pets can strain from either cystitis (inflamed bladder) or from a urinary bladder stone blockage. With Chichi carefully for signs of a true urinary blockage, which would involve a lack of any urine output, a swollen abdomen, and discomfort. If you have any question whether she could be blocked or not, then it is best to have her evaluated by your veterinarian, or anyone that is open today, immediately! However if she is still able to urinate small amounts and going frequently (more than once an hour) then there are more likely signs of cystitis (inflamed bladder), which should improve within the time frame mentioned earlier, and should resolve completely after 7-10 days if this is an uncomplicated UTI.

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