This time of year is such an exciting one, with parties, graduations, back-to-school, and the holidays coming up. Lots of change, lots of people, lots to celebrate!
One thing that we see often that accompanies these busy times of year is urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cystitis in cats and dogs.
Are the two related? Can stress and change cause UTIs in cats and dogs?
In this article we’ll explore:
The relationship between change, stress, and busyness and UTIs
The common signs to watch for
Natural ways to reduce stress and support urinary tract health
The planning, cleaning, preparing, and hosting all these fall events is stressful! And since your animal companion is so tuned into you, it’s stressful for them, too. Let’s cross off a UTI or cystitis from your list of things to worry about.
Cat stress cause a UTI in cats?
Absolutely. We definitely see an increase in complaints from people who are dealing with cats who seem “off” during busy times of the year.
Cats seem particularly sensitive to stress and change in their urinary system. Stress doesn’t directly cause a bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) in cats, but it sets up the perfect conditions for one to brew. It can lead to inflammation in the bladder lining (feline idiopathic cystitis), a non-infectious condition that shares many symptoms with UTIs.
How is stress linked to UTIs?
When a cat is stressed, their body releases stress hormones, which can disrupt normal bladder function, cause pain, and make the urinary tract more vulnerable to infections.
When a cat feels stressed, it can lead to:
reduced water intake,
changes in litter box habits, and
decreased immune function
…all of which create a perfect storm for urinary problems. Stress can even cause spasms and inflammation in the bladder, making the lining more prone to infection even if bacteria aren't initially present. No fun!
What are the signs of a UTI or cystitis in cats?
Since cats are masters at masking their discomfort, you may not even suspect a UTI or cystitis.
Here are the signs to watch out for:
Frequent attempts to urinate with little or no urine
Crying or showing signs of pain while urinating
Blood in the urine, which indicates inflammation or injury in the urinary tract
Urinating outside of the litter box, which is often a sign of distress rather than misbehavior
Excessive grooming of the genital area, a cat’s way of self-soothing due to pain or irritation
Cat stress cause a UTI in dogs?
Yes. Stress induced urinary infections are more common in cats, but dogs can get them too. As in humans and cats, it’s not the stress itself that causes UTIs but it significantly contributes to the conditions that make UTIs more likely.
When a dog is stressed, their body produces increased levels of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can suppress the immune system. This suppression makes it easier for bacteria to invade the urinary tract, resulting in an infection. Stress can cause a dog to drink less water, making the urine more concentrated, irritating the bladder lining creating a cozy environment for bacterial growth.
Anyone who’s had a UTI knows that the infection makes urination uncomfortable. When a dog avoids urination because it’s painful, that allows more bacteria to grow and make the issue even worse.
What are the signs of a UTI in dogs?
Symptoms of a UTI or stress-induced bladder issues in dogs include:
Frequent urination with little output, often showing signs of urgency
Straining or discomfort while urinating, which may be accompanied by whining
Blood in the urine, indicating irritation or inflammation in the bladder
Licking around the urinary opening, which is a sign of discomfort
Accidents in the house even if the dog is usually well-trained
How do I prevent a UTI in my cat or dog?
If you suspect your animal companion has a UTI, get them to the vet right away. The sooner treatment begins, the sooner your cat or dog will feel better.
Most UTIs don’t get better on their own. Mild cases may show temporary improvement, but the root cause of the infection won’t go away without medical intervention.
The good news is that you can keep UTIs at bay by doing a few simple things.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Cats aren’t typically thirsty animals, so dehydration is common.
Follow these tips to keep your dogs and cats hydrated:
Provide multiple water sources around the house. Some cats prefer drinking from different locations. Make sure you have clean water accessible outside if your dog spends time outdoors.
Consider using a pet water fountain. Many cats prefer to drink from moving water as compared to a stagnant bowl. A good quality recirculating water bowl with a filter will keep water fresh and enticing. DON’T buy one with a plastic bowl – plastic harbors bacteria, the very thing we don’t want!
Feed your a fresh, raw diet which is much more hydrated than other foods. Click HERE for your free Complete Guide to Feeding Raw.
Add a splash of water or low-sodium broth to their food for extra hydration.
Keep the water bowls clean and filled with fresh water daily.
Use Natural Supplements to Support Urinary Health
At The Healthy Animal Healing Center, we carry an herbal tincture called Tinkle Tonic that helps maintain a healthy urinary tract and promotes comfort during urination. It can be used daily as a part of a holistic approach to preventing UTIs in both cats and dogs.
Its gentle, organic formula is easy on your pet’s stomach and can be administered regularly as part of their wellness routine. We’ve seen tremendous results with this all-natural product.
Manage Stress and Create a Calm Environment
You can’t keep your home completely stress free at all times, but when you anticipate changes in your routine, more frequent visitors, parties, and more time alone, do your best to provide ways for your animals to chill out when needed.
Provide a stable, predictable routine when possible, create quiet spaces for relaxation, and consider natural calming aids or supplements if your pet shows signs of stress.
Maintain Good Hygiene and Litter Box Practices
For cats, keeping the litter box clean and accessible is essential in preventing urinary problems. A dirty or difficult-to-access litter box can cause a cat to avoid urinating, leading to urine retention and an increased risk of infection.
For dogs, regular bathing and grooming, especially around the urinary area, helps minimize the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract. Make sure your dog is able to have frequent potty breaks as holding in urine can promote bacterial growth.
Are there other causes of UTIs in cats and dogs?
Stress, especially in times of change, is a big contributor to UTIs, but it’s not the only cause. Be on the lookout for these, too:
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are one of the most common causes of urinary tract infections in both dogs and cats, and being under stress or undergoing change makes the body fertile ground.
These infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder, leading to inflammation, pain, and discomfort during urination. Older pets, female pets, and those with compromised immune systems are more prone to these infections.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones, or uroliths, are hard mineral formations that develop in the urinary tract and can cause blockages, pain, and recurrent infections. Bladder stones can result from dietary factors, genetic predisposition, or certain metabolic disorders. They can irritate the bladder lining, leading to symptoms similar to UTIs, such as frequent urination, straining, and blood in the urine.
Nutrition and Diet
The number one thing you can do for the health and wellbeing of your animal companion is to feed a fresh, raw diet. A good quality diet that your animal is biologically designed to eat will support all their bodily functions including urinary system health.
For more information on how to transition your dog or cat to a fresh, raw diet, click HERE and HERE.
Obesity
Being overweight, even just being “extra fluffy,” is also a major factor in urinary issues. Overweight cats and dogs have decreased mobility and, in some cases, increased pressure on the bladder. Obese pets may have difficulty grooming themselves properly, leading to a higher risk of bacterial infections in the urinary tract. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is crucial for urinary health.
For more information about helping your companion achieve and maintain a healthy weight, click HERE.
There are other causes including chronic kidney disease and anatomical abnormalities to consider. To be on the safe side, any time you suspect your companion is dealing with any health issue, please visit your vet.
We know keeping your animal companion happy and healthy is your top priority! The Healthy Animal Healing Center is here to help. We carry the finest products available and provide all-natural, safe products and foods to help keep your little buddy in tip-top shape, body, mind, and soul.
Contact our professionals today. We’re here to answer your questions. If you’d like a deep dive into your pet’s unique needs, schedule a Total Wellness Consultation.
Comments