Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: There’s no evidence that vaccines cause urinary tract infections in dogs. Urinary signs after a vet visit are usually coincidental, or sometimes due to stress or changes in routine. The leptospirosis vaccine actually protects against a bacterial infection that can seriously damage the kidneys. Any new urinary signs should be checked with a urine test.
Why urinary signs may appear after a visit
- Stress or excitement causing accidents
- An infection that was already developing
- Changes in routine or water intake
Vaccines and the kidneys
Leptospirosis spreads through wildlife urine and contaminated water, and can cause kidney and liver failure. The vaccine is recommended for many dogs based on lifestyle and location.
When to call your vet
- Frequent urination, straining, or blood in the urine
- Accidents in a house-trained dog
- Straining with little or no urine (emergency)
More: UTI symptoms in dogs.
Sources
- Weese JS, et al. ISCAID guidelines for the diagnosis and management of bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs and cats. Vet J. 2019
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Bacterial cystitis in small animals
- Sykes JE, et al. 2010 ACVIM small animal consensus statement on leptospirosis. J Vet Intern Med. 2011
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.