Reoccurring UTI in puppy

[Karlakae]

Hello,
Sunny, age 5 months, female.. Not spayed. Golden Retriever. 40 pounds. BEAM is good, normal energy and naps for puppy, except drinks a lot of water. When given water, will drink the entire bowl. Diet is Stella & chewy with raw toppers such as raw milk, sardines, bone broth. Vax history is puppy shots before 12 weeks and parvo at 4 months. Had a UTI at 3 months. Found because tested urine because of excess peeing and drinking water. Was on clavamox,. Urine tested again after taking all of the antibiotics, and had rods, but no bacteria. I put her on a 1/2 tsp a day of d-mannose (only ingredient) Sunny urine tested a third time because of still drinking so much water. The vet was also concerned about her going to the bathroom so much, Sunny is able to hold it while in the kennel for 4-5 hours, but when out and playing goes about ever 30-45 minutes. Sunny was found to have another UTI, and is on clavamox 250mg again. The vet said the bacteria is different then the first UTI. My concern is, why does she have the reoccurring UTI? I know multiple rounds of antibiotics are not good for her. Is it the shape of her anatomy and something she will need to grow out of? Something else? Thanks. (No other symptoms besides drinking a lot and frequent bathroom use) attached file is Her latest urine sample from July 2, 2026.@drjeff

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi!

I'm sorry to hear about Sunny's urinary challenges. It sounds like you're on the right path, she's on a great diet, has a high BEAM. And she is being her best puppy self.

puppy shots before 12 weeks and parvo at 4 months. Had a UTI at 3 months. Found because tested urine because of excess peeing and drinking water.

How long after her last shot did you adopt her?

My concern is, why does she have the reoccurring UTI?

Now there's the million dollar question! It could be the extra hair around her vulva or, as you say, it may be anatomic.

If she has been shaved around her vulva, and if your vet confirms that she doesn't have a recessed vulva, then we are dealing with an issue with her energetic susceptibility to UTIs.

Do you have a qualified/traimed homeopth or TCVM practitioner on Sunny's health care team? If not, this is a good time to start working with someone.

They can help reduce the chances of her needing further anti-biotics.

And the HA! 101 class and urinary resources can guide you to other actions that improve her vitality, balance and reduce susceptibility (and increase resilience) to UTIs.

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

That was my first thought too, that there's a nook or cranny providing an external hiding place for bacteria, and they are then sneaking back up the urethra to the bladder. Agree with Dr. Jeff on how to go from here.