Urinary Tract and Kidney Health for Pets

Protect cats and dogs from infection and disease.

Your pet's urinary tract is made up of their kidneys, bladder, and ureter, which work together to flushes wastes from their body. Infections and diseases of the urinary tract are common in pets, especially as they enter their senior years.

One of the most common reasons dogs and cats see their vet is to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Almost all UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), bacteria that's normally found in the intestines. It can enter the bladder and cause an infection, especially in female dogs and cats, whose urethra is shorter and wider than that of a male. The typical uncomplicated UTI is easily treated with a round of antibiotics. Left untreated, a UTI can spread to the kidneys and cause complications like sepsis (blood infection) and scar tissue buildup, and can be life-threatening.

For cats, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, affecting over 10% of cats over age ten. In cats over 15 years old, as many as 80% suffer from CKD.

CKD is irreversible, and symptoms usually do not appear until the kidneys have lost more than 75% of their function. However, medication, supplements, and dietary modification can help slow the progression and manage symptoms. Cats with CKD can live months, even years, especially if diagnosed early.

Uroliths or bladder stones are another common urinary tract issue in pets, especially in cats. Recurrent UTIs can play a role in their formation, as well as diet, inadequate hydration, and genetics, though they can occur with no known cause. Struvite stones are more commonly linked to UTIs and can sometimes dissolve on their own with dietary changes, while calcium oxalate typically need to be surgically removed.

Bladder stones can cause a partial or complete obstruction of the urethra, preventing the cat from urinating. An obstruction or blockage is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.