Dogs can develop bladder infections and other bladder problems, which can be just as painful and uncomfortable as they are in people. The causes, signs, and treatments for canine bladder infections are discussed by our Citrus County veterinarians today.
Dog UTI Prevention: At-Home Options
Although there is no surefire way to prevent UTIs in dogs, there are some things you can do at home to lessen your risk. For instance:
Additionally crucial is a yearly examination to keep your dog healthy and prevent problems like UTIs
The information in this article is provided solely for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to replace or act as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
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You and your dog might disagree on how many treats they should receive each day. However, you must admit that urinary tract infections (UTI) are annoying. Urinary tract infections are at best uncomfortable and at worst extremely dangerous.
Most of the time, these infections are treatable and do not result in long-term harm. In other instances, a dog’s purported UTI symptoms might be a sign of a more severe condition, like poisoning or cancer. Any dog owner should be aware of the symptoms and remain knowledgeable about them.
As with humans, a UTI in dogs refers to an infection of the urinary tract. The most common causes of UTIs in dogs are bacterial. In fact, bacterial urinary tract infections are the most commonly occurring infectious disease in dogs, period. Bacterial UTIs affect 14 percent of all dogs throughout their lifetimes. That means the odds are comparatively high that your dog could experience a UTI at some point in their life.
The majority of dogs develop UTIs when the urinary tract’s defenses are breached by common skin and gastrointestinal (GI) tract flora. Once these bacteria have colonized the urinary tract, an infection results. E. Although several bacteria and even some fungi can cause infections, coli is the most frequent bacterial cause of UTIs.
Some elements may raise your dog’s risk of developing a UTI. Male dogs may still develop UTIs, but female dogs are more likely to do so. In addition, dogs with other health issues, such as chronic kidney disease and Cushing’s disease, have a higher incidence of UTIs.
Some common UTI symptoms include:
But occasionally, dogs don’t exhibit any UTI symptoms at all. In these situations, your veterinarian may find the infection while performing other tests.
These symptoms in symptomatic dogs may indicate a potential UTI. Your veterinarian will first want to rule out some more serious conditions, though.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Puppies
Each puppy may exhibit different signs of a UTI, if any. But just like a UTI in a person, the infection hurts your puppy, and you’ll probably notice it when he tries to go potty. Other symptoms can include:
Your puppy should be taken to the doctor for a proper diagnosis if any of these symptoms are present in him.
Although your puppy’s urinary tract infection hurts and is uncomfortable, it is typically not life-threatening. However, misdiagnosis can hinder housebreaking and cause uncontrollable accidents for the puppy.
Rarely, a UTI might also be a symptom of an underlying condition like canine Cushing’s disease, bladder stones, canine kidney failure, canine diabetes, or even bladder cancer. A UTI can also permanently harm your puppy’s kidneys if it is not treated. So it’s crucial to have your puppy examined and properly diagnosed by a veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will conduct a urinalysis to check for an infection and assess kidney function in order to identify a UTI. To identify the type of infection and rule out other health issues, additional diagnostic procedures like a culture or bloodwork may also be carried out. Additionally, your puppy’s x-rays may be ordered by your veterinarian to check for stones or other abnormalities in the bladder or urinary tract.
The precise course of treatment will depend on your puppy’s unique circumstances, but it almost certainly entails taking antibiotics to get rid of the body’s bacteria. Additionally, fluid therapy may be suggested by your veterinarian to aid in kidney and urinary tract cleansing. Additionally, if your puppy seems to be in a lot of pain, the veterinarian may suggest painkillers to help. There may be a need for surgery to remove bladder stones.
It’s crucial to precisely adhere to your veterinarian’s instructions when giving your puppy antibiotics. Even if your puppy seems to be feeling better, do not stop the antibiotics until instructed. The UTI may return if the round of antibiotics is not finished.
Prevention is always preferable to treatment, as is true for the majority of medical conditions. Although there is no surefire way to prevent puppy urinary tract infections, you can try some of the following things to lessen your risk:
FAQ
Will puppy UTI go away on its own?
Although bladder infections in humans occasionally resolve without the need for medical attention, it is unlikely that your dog will experience the same outcome.
How do you treat a UTI in a puppy?
The most effective treatment for canine bladder infections is an antibiotic. Depending on the severity and underlying cause of your pet’s bladder infection, your veterinarian may occasionally also recommend anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers.
Do puppies get UTIs easily?
UTIs can affect younger puppies as well as older dogs (7 years old and older). All breeds are prone, but females are more vulnerable than males. (Since the urethra in male dogs is longer, it takes longer for bacteria to ascend. ).