Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Dog Gets Reoccurring UTIs (March 9, 2026) – Dogster

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver skilled recommendation straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to assist our readers higher perceive their canine’s well being and well-being.

Whether or not you’re a brand new pet guardian or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can hold your furry pal completely happy and wholesome. Keep tuned for skilled steering on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care on your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Assist! My Canine Retains Getting UTI’s!

“My mastiff-lab, Honey, retains getting UTIs. We took him to a vet, they usually gave us a canine antibiotic to take each 12 hours (Amoxicillin 500mg) that he took for 30 days. Lower than per week after he completed the 30 days, his signs got here again. Perplexed! $179 vet invoice that mainly did nothing.“  – Shirley

Hey Shirley.

Recurrent urinary tract infections in a canine like Honey are irritating, and when indicators return rapidly after a full course of antibiotics, it normally means the underlying trigger has not but been recognized, slightly than the remedy being ineffective. In massive breed canines, particularly males, repeated infections are unusual and infrequently linked to one thing that permits micro organism to persist, comparable to bladder stones, prostate illness, anatomical abnormalities, endocrine situations, or an infection with micro organism which might be proof against the chosen antibiotic. Treating with no urine tradition is a bit like selecting a key with out understanding which lock you’re opening; typically it suits, typically the micro organism survive, and the an infection returns.

The subsequent step that actually modifications the end result is a sterile urine pattern collected by cystocentesis, a easy and well-tolerated process wherein a sterile needle is used to acquire urine straight from the bladder via the belly wall, for urinalysis and tradition with sensitivity testing. This strategy prevents contamination and permits the laboratory to establish the precise micro organism, choose the antibiotic that can eradicate it, and decide the suitable remedy size. Many recurrent circumstances additionally profit from imaging, comparable to radiographs or ultrasound, to search for stones or prostate enlargement. If Honey is displaying frequent urination, straining, blood within the urine, discomfort, fever, or decreased urge for food, immediate reevaluation is necessary, since urinary infections in males ought to all the time be taken significantly

Good luck!

Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Over Licks His Paws!

“My senior canine appears to overlick his paws. Typically it looks as if it could be out of boredom as a result of once I redirect him, he stops, however I additionally learn that it might need one thing to do with attainable yeast overgrowth. I don’t know. Please present any data you possibly can. Thanks a lot.“ – Wendy & Purdy Boy

Expensive Wendy,

Extreme paw licking in senior canines can have a couple of trigger, and it typically helps to think about it like an individual biting their nails; typically it’s a behavior or stress, and different instances there’s an underlying irritation that makes the habits onerous to disregard. Whereas boredom or anxiousness can contribute, particularly if he stops when redirected, the most typical medical causes embrace environmental allergic reactions, contact irritation from grass or surfaces, arthritis discomfort, or secondary infections with micro organism or yeast. Yeast overgrowth sometimes causes redness, a brownish saliva stain on the fur, a musty odor, or thickened pores and skin between the toes, however it normally develops as a consequence of underlying irritation slightly than as the first drawback.

As a result of Purdy Boy is a senior, it’s particularly necessary to rule out medical causes earlier than assuming that is behavioral. A veterinary examination can consider the paws for indicators of allergic irritation or an infection, comparable to redness, swelling, odor, or pores and skin modifications, and likewise assess the joints for ache or stiffness that may be driving the licking. Within the meantime, light administration helps, common walks and psychological enrichment cut back boredom, wiping paws after outside time removes allergens and moisture, and redirecting him to a peaceful exercise when licking begins prevents the behavior from changing into self-reinforcing. If the licking turns into persistent, causes redness, swelling, odor, or hair loss, it’s best addressed promptly, since continual licking can flip gentle irritation right into a cycle that’s a lot tougher to interrupt.

Type regards,

Dr. Paola