frequent urination

[Melissa Lowman]

My Australian Labradoodle puppy is now 12 weeks old and potty training has been going as I expect for  such a young puppy. She  uses  her poochy bells, and at times we  still experience accidents. However, I think there is now a problem. Do puppies get urinary tract infections? She presents with frequent, urgent urination, not using her bells, and accidents everywhere. She is also licking her privates often. Side note, that may or may not be relevant, is she has one toy, a zebra that she is now frequently "dominating". I'm not sure  if the sensation from one  is causing the  other or what. She was also an early spay. Vet doesn't open until 9am. Any insight with this issue would be so helpful.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Yes puppies do get UTI's and it sounds like yours may very well have one.  I would take a urine sample to the Vet this morning and have it checked.  Not sure if the zebra has anything to do with the UTI.

[Melissa Lowman]

Suggestions for collecting a urine sample?? I highly doubt she will let me place a container under her although I will try.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

The first time I had to do it I thought it sounded crazy too, but it really wasn't a big deal to do.  Use something fairly shallow or even a kitchen ladle with a long handle.  Take her out on a leash, don't let her see it.  When she goes to squat just stick whatever you are going to use underneath her from behind.  You don't need all that much urine.  

[Melissa Lowman]

Thank you! Fingers crossed that I'm successful.  

[Linda And Loo]

I use a ladle to catch urine! I passed that idea on to my Vet and now they use a ladle! I did mark mine with a permanent marker, dogs only!