Dogs are a common member of families all over the world. Unfortunately, like their human counterparts, dogs can suffer from a variety of health issues. Dogs of any age, gender or breed can suffer from a urinary tract infection. Dog owners should be familiar with the common symptoms of a health issue in their dogs. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection can help any pet owner get his dog the help he needs.
The urinary tract includes the bladder, urethra, kidneys and the ureters. The ureters are the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder, and the urethra is a tube that carries urine out of the body. Infections can occur in any portion of the urinary tract, but most often occur in the bladder.
Causes of Canine Urinary Tract Infections
Canine UTIs occur for a variety of reasons, the most common reason being an invasion of bacteria. They can also occur because of fungal infections or due to a virus. In most urinary tract infections, the bacteria travels up the urethra of the dog where it then multiplies, causing the infection.
While bacteria is the most common cause for a canine UTI, there can be underlying conditions which cause the infection. Urinary tract infections can also be due to cancer, bladder stones, issues with the immune system, and diabetes; among other issues.
Symptoms of a UTI in Dogs
Some of the most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain during urination, small but frequent amounts of urine being passed, and blood is visible in the urine. Some dogs may also suffer from incontinence due to their urinary tract infection.
Less common symptoms can vary from dog to dog include pain, loss of appetite, fever and depression. There may also be changes in behavior, such as lethargy or a lack of interest in toys, food or water.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Canine UTIs
In order to diagnose a urinary tract infection, the veterinarian will need to run a urinalysis on the affected dog. The urinalysis is a procedure in which a sample of the dog’s urine is tested for a variety of factors including blood cell counts, concentration of the urine, and bacteria or other foreign organisms present in the urine.
Any medications that are prescribed to the dog should be given exactly as prescribed. Many of the symptoms a dog is experiencing will clear up before the entire medication regimen has been completed, causing many dog owners to stop giving the medications. This can cause the dog to suffer from a relapse, therefore is it important that all medication is given.
If there are any underlying conditions present in the dog, those will also need to be treated during this time.
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