possible UTI? peeing in the house

[LauraT]

Kirin is almost 5 years old (april) and recently in the last 2 weeks or so she has been peeing in the house. We take her out before bed, right when she gets up and usually we make it home at lunch - haven't had problems till now. Over the past 2 weeks she has had multiple accidents with them occuring more frequently and during the night. When i let her out I've also noticed her circling to pee which is abnormal to her usual walk and squat.

I've been doing some research on UTIs and even called our vet tech. Her pee isn't bloody nor foul smelling and there is no response to pain when i touch her abdomen area.

We prefer to not jump and put her on antibiotics so we are trying Cranactin and i will sent my alarm at night to wake up @ 4am to let her out since she seems to hold it at least 6 hours but not much more. I feel so bad for her since she clearly is upset when she pees as she knows its frowned upon.

Is this a possible onset of an UTI?

Any other suggestions or possible things we might be overlooking?

It was suggested by a colleague to take her temp, what should it be normally?

Thanks in advance for any advice!
GSDinSD

[WVGSD]

If she is spayed, you might be seeing some spay incontinence.

[stealthq]

Yes, there are a couple of things I can think of off of the top of my head.

I think the most likely would be a UTI. It's not unusual that the only symptom if its a very mild infection is a change in urinary habits.

Cystitis. Less likely this would be the case without other symptoms, but still possible.

High urine pH or crystals in the urine can be an irritant and cause more frequent urination. Could have a dietary cause, or be the only signs of a sub-clinical UTI. Just had this problem with my dog (the sub-clinical UTI part).

Less likely, but possible other issues - diabetes, kidney disease

I'd get a urinalysis done and if indicated, a culture. That would sort out kidney function, and numbers 1 - 3. If that came back clean, then look into behavioral issues, maybe a blood test to check for other possible issues.

[LauraT]

never thought of spay incontience...she is spayed

do i need to bring the dog in for a urinalysis or can i just provide the sample? she had a physical recently so i'd prefer to not bring her in and cause her undo stress if i don't need to.

i also read about apple cider vinegar (if it is indeed a UTI)....anyone know the dosage or have any luck with this method?

[Jax08]

I would call your vet in the morning and ask if you can drop off a sample to check for a UTI. They'll probably let you. Try to get a sample from the first pee of the day.

[LauraT]

i made a vet appt for friday to have her pee tested for an UTI, unfortunately i have to take her in physically (oh well). now i just have to try and 'catch' her pee....any suggestions?

[Jax08]

Go get a tin pie dish and slide it under her when she pees in the morning. Works like a charm! No mess!

[Gilly1331]

Has her drinking increased? I'd have a urine and blood test done just in case. Our guy started that along with increased drinking and he ended up fighting for his life from Leptosprosis. I wouldn't wait and have the dog checked.

[GSDAlphaMom]

I use a ladle. Leash the dog, go out for a potty break and when she squats put the ladle underneath her.

[LauraT]

i used a long tupperware dish and it worked great - thanks for the ideas!

of course, i get to the vet and they said they needed a sterile sample and did a cytocentesis and took a culture too

they recommended we start her on antibiotics (amoxycillin) until we get the results back from the urinanalysis tomorrow. will know more about the culture early next week (72 hours). if it comes back clean we will do a full blood test.

fingers crossed its just a UTI and nothing more serious!