Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Have you noticed that your dog’s pee smells like a skunk? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. It’s scary when your pet all of a sudden has a change like this.
We’ve put together an article with information about what may cause a dog’s pee to smell like skunk and what you need to do to help your dog. Let’s get started!
What Causes a Dog’s Urine to Smell Like Skunk?
There are many reasons a dog’s urine may begin to have a strong odor. For instance, a UTI can make a dog’s pee smell like a skunk. A UTI is a urinary tract infection, which may be caused by bacteria or even fungal infections.
Some dogs have a higher chance of coming down with a UTI. For instance, male dogs have a higher chance of getting UTIs, as do dogs who have certain health issues. These include kidney disease, diabetes, and Cushing’s disease.
Other conditions that can cause a dog’s urine to smell strong include hypothyroidism, cancer, trauma (injury), and more. Bladder cancer is another issue that can cause smelly urine; however, this is a rare condition in dogs.
Symptoms of UTIs in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has a UTI:
- Fever
- Needing to go outside more often to go potty
- Straining/crying when urinating
- Blood/cloud urine
- Licking urinary opening
- Accidents in the house (in a dog that has been potty trained)
- Strong smelling urine
If you notice these symptoms in your dog (or any combination of these symptoms), then be sure to call the vet right away.
Urinary tract infections are painful and can even spread to other parts of the body. An untreated UTI can even lead to septicemia, kidney issues, and more. This is why it’s essential to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowTreatment of UTIs in Dogs
The vet will test your dog’s urine to see if he has a UTI. The vet may find bacteria or fungus in the dog’s urine. If the vet makes a diagnosis of a UTI, then they will prescribe your dog a round of antibiotics. In most cases, this will successfully clear up the infection.
For dogs that have chronic UTIs, then the vet may run other tests. They may look for kidney/bladder issues such as stones, cancer, and more.
The good news is that in most cases, antibiotics or antifungals will clear up the problem. Then your dog will feel better, and his pee will no longer smell like a skunk!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now