Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: A dog with three or more UTIs in a year, or an infection that returns soon after treatment, usually has an underlying cause. Common ones include bladder stones, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, a recessed vulva, incontinence, bladder tumors, and prostate disease. A urine culture every time and a search for the cause are key. Prevention focuses on fixing the cause, keeping urine dilute, and sometimes prescription preventive medication.
Common underlying causes
- Bladder stones
- Diabetes and Cushing’s disease
- Recessed vulva or skin folds around the vulva
- Urinary incontinence
- Bladder polyps or tumors
- Prostate infection in intact males
- Long-term steroid use
Tests your vet may recommend
- Urine culture with every episode
- Bloodwork
- X-rays and ultrasound
- Cystoscopy in some cases
Prevention
- Treat the underlying cause
- Keep urine dilute with more water and wet food
- Frequent bathroom breaks
- Keep the genital area clean and dry, and consider surgery for a recessed vulva
- Prescription preventives like methenamine in some dogs
- Cranberry extract may help some dogs. See urinary supplements
What to avoid
- Treating repeated infections without culture
- Leftover antibiotics
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
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.