I suspect my Lab girlie has a urinary tract infection and we have an appointment with the Vet this morning. I thought I might take a sample with me, but I don't have the proper sterile bottle for it, does that matter? Also, should I store it in the fridge until I go to the Vet?

Wash out a jar/sealable container with boiling water (no soap). Do not put the sample in the fridge.

My bridge girl had many weeks of urinary tract infection and lots of samples had to be taken in over that time - the testing was absolutely fine as long as the container was clean.

We eventually cracked the infection problem with a completely different set of antibiotics. She had 3 courses which cleared it up whilst she was taking the tablets but it came back as soon as she stopped the course. The infection only went completely when we changed antibiotics to a much stronger and different type. I hope you can get your girl sorted out quickly as it's so uncomfortable for them.

Thanks for that, I washed out a tupperware container in hot water (no soap) and have used that. She does look very sorry for herself poor girl. Glad you girl is sorted now.

When our little one kept getting infections, she was only a pup and i had terrible trouble getting a sample! I used to use a plastic sandwich bag !!
I would just dart it under mid stream and the vet thought it was a good idea...
Did feel a bit of a plonker walking in with a bag full of pee though
(I think some people thought i had taken 'clean up after your dog' to the extreeme!)

Well, my Vet agrees that my girl probably has a urinary tract infection and has been put on antobiotics. She seems a little brighter tonight so fingers crossed that's all it is.