Dog > Urinary Tract Infection
Information
Urinary tract infection in dog occurs in 2% to 3% of all dogs. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection that has entered the body through the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. If the infection is able to take hold, it colonizes in the urinary tract, eventually making its way to the bladder causing bladder infection.
Infection in the urinary tract causes inflammation which reduces the size of the urethra and makes the tube narrorwer, making it more difficult to urinate. Since less urine passes through the body, other problems can set in such as urinary or bladder stones. The urine contains crystals which form into stones. As these crystals attach to one another forming stones, addtional blockages and urination problems can occur.
The urine itself is natures way of keeping the urinary tract infection free. If your dog isn't urinating enough, or there are other problems in the body that changed the PH balance or composition of the urine, it reduces the urine's bacteria killing effectiveness.
Symptoms of Canine Urinary Tract Infection
As indicated above, symptoms of urinary tract infection are usually related to problems with urination due to inflammation of the urinary tract. These include:
- Difficulty Urinating
- Pain when urinating
- Frequent urination
- Urine leaking
- Urination in unacceptable places
- Urine odor
- Licking of the area where your dog urinates
Diagnosis of Canine Urinary Tract Infection
Your veterinarian will do a urinalysis to test the composition and PH and of the urine. Testing will be done to look for the presence of blood in the urine as well as crystals that could form stones. Bacteria levels will be tested as well.
What you can do to help:
To keep the canine urinary tract infection from returning there are several steps you can take:
1. Fresh Water: The more your dog drinks, the more he or she will urinate. As mentioned urine is natures way of keeping the tract clean.
2. Fruit Juices: Even during treatment, fruit juice can help improve the acidity or PH of the urine. While not liked by all dogs, if your dog will drink some cranberry juice, give it a try. You can mix it with their food or provide in a bowl.
3. Herbal Remedies: Several natural products have a long history of helping to support the urinary tract and the PH of urine. One product for additional research that is made specifically for this purpose is Uro Solution for pet urinary tract infections.
4. Frequent Walks: Dogs will naturally urinate more when walked. If they only are walked 2x per day, urine remains in the bladder where bacteria can take hold. Urinating outdoors flushes the urine.
It is possible for a canine urinary tract infection to resolve itself on its own by taking the steps indicated above. However, if you don't see it getting better, a trip to the veterinarian is called for.
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