Senior dog -excessive thirst/urination

Question
My 12 year old German Shorthaired Pointer will not stop drinking and now gets up every 3 every to pee.  The vet rann all sorts of test, blood and urine, and the only thing testing positive was the urine test for a bacterial infection.  She has been on antibiotics for 12 days not but is not any better.  The only trigger I can think of is that  3 weeks ago she ate 12 sourdough rolls.  That is when this started.

Answer
Hi Dorothy,

It's not unusual for a dog to need to stay on medication for urinary tract infections for up to a month. If your dog doesn't stay on the medication long enough, the infection will return, because it was never really wiped out.

Speak to your vet, and let him or her know the status of your dog. Another medication may be needed, or you may simply be advised to "stay the course".

Drinking is important in treating a urinary tract infection, it prevents the urine getting very concentrated, and flushes bacteria from your dog's bladder. You actually want to you want to encourage your dog to urinate as often as possible, so give your dog frequent opportunities to relieve herself outside.

Bacteria doesn't thrive in an acid environment. In addition to the prescribed medication you can give your dog Cranberry Fruit Extract with Ester C. (because most dogs won't drink unsweetened cranberry juice). Give one capsule for every 20 pounds of pet.

I really doubt the sourdough rolls had anything to do with your dog's condition. It's not unusual for dogs (especially female dogs) to develop urinary tract infections.  

Best of luck,

Patti