Investigation of bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs in Karaj, Iran.

Due to the growing interaction between humans and dogs, along with the potential transmission of urinary infections from pets to humans, and considering the insufficient resources available on bacteremia in dogs in Karaj, Iran, the present study aims to investigate the frequency of bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs experiencing urinary issues and explore associated risk factors. 
Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 86 dogs referred to the Baran Veterinary Clinic in Karaj city. Urine samples (10 cc) were collected via cystocentesis under sedation. Each sample was divided into two separate parts: one for complete urine analysis and the other for bacterial evaluation and urine culture.
In the study, 86% of the examined samples showed bacterial contamination. Among these, 40 samples were positive for E. coli, 18 for Enterococcus, 7 for Proteus, 5 for Klebsiella, and 4 for Staphylococcus. Breed (P=0.73) and gender (P=0.24) did not affect the incidence of bacterial infection, while the incidence of bacterial infection was higher in breeding dogs than in domestic dogs (P=0.03).
Escherichia coli and Enterococcus are the most common strains isolated in dogs with urinary tract infections. Given the high resistance of these bacteria to antibiotic treatment, it is recommended that future research focus on effective treatment and control strategies for these strains. Additionally, the present study revealed a very high frequency of bacterial infections in dogs with urinary problems, highlighting the need for proper follow-up of the health status of stray dogs in Karaj, Iran.