Dogs and cats can suffer from bacterial urinary tract infections
(UTI), just like people do. UTI are commonly seen in dogs of all
ages and in older cats, but are relatively rare in young cats
without another predisposing condition. UTI most frequently
occur when fecal bacteria (always present in the region, even in
very clean pets) travel up the urethra into the bladder, and
host defenses aren’t sufficient to prevent colonization of the
bladder lining. Clinical signs associated with UTI in pets are
similar to those that humans experience: frequent urination,
straining and/or pain with urination, blood in the urine. Some
pets, especially cats, may cry or become less social; some dogs
may lick the genital region or scoot on the ground. That said,
many pets with UTI show no discomfort or altered
habits/behavior. Healthy dogs can develop UTI, but it is
uncommon for healthy cats. Most young cats showing signs of
lower urinary tract discomfort or blood in the urine actually
have a nonbacterial disease called feline