Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs

Dealing with a urinary tract infection in dogs is a common situation for many dog owners. Fortunately, in most cases, these infections are easily treated.

Urinary Tract Infections Symptoms

• Blood in the urine, making it pink or red

• Needing to urinate more often

• Trying to urinate but not producing much

• Urinating in the house when she's housebroken

• Bad-smelling urine

• No energy--just lays around (more than usual)

• Lower abdomen is tender to the touch

Several Possible Urinary Tract Infection Causes

If your dog is being given drugs that suppress her immune system, like chemotherapy or cortisone, she may also be more likely to get a bladder infection.

• Tumors in the bladder

• Not being able to empty the bladder completely

• Diabetes

• Bladder stones

• Cushing's disease

Surprisingly, nearly every urinary tract infection in dogs is caused by bacteria that are normally found in your dog's digestive tract.

An infection is more likely to develop in a female than a male because her urethra is shorter and broader, making it easier for bacteria to get to her bladder.

Treating Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs

A case of cystitis, for example, can usually be taken care of with a round of antibiotics. Other problems may require a different type of treatment.

If your vet prescribes an antibiotic, be sure to give your dog all of the antibiotic, even if she seems to be cured. Your pooch isn't going to get better if you don't do your part!

Your vet will want to process a second urine culture to make sure the bacteria are finally gone.

Although people are always searching for an effective home treatment for UTI, it's not a good idea to do that with your dog. Why?

Because her communication skills just aren't what we'd like them to be. She can't tell you exactly how she feels, if it's uncomfortable to urinate, or if there's a burning "down there."

You get the picture. It's a lot safer to stick with a knowledgeable vet.

You Can Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs

• Keep plenty of clean, fresh water available at all times

• Don't make your dog "hold it" for too long. Give her plenty of chances to empty her bladder when she's drinking all that water.

• Keep your dog healthy in general, with plenty of exercise every day.

• Bathe her regularly to keep her anal area free of the bacteria which can quickly migrate to her urethra

Is Your Pooch Plagued With
Repeated Urinary Tract Infections?

As he probably did the first time around, he'll no doubt want to do a urinalysis and a urine culture to identify which bacteria are the culprits here.

A sensitivity test is also necessary to help him decide which antibiotic would do the best job in getting rid of the bacteria.

It's important to follow your vet's instructions to the letter. Complications of UTI can be more than uncomfortable--they can be deadly.

Left untreated, a dog urinary infection can lead to an acute or chronic kidney infection, which could permanently damage your dog's kidneys.

Don't take chances with your precious pooch. Do what the good vet says!

Custom Search

Return from Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs
to Golden Retriever Health Problems

Return from Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs
to Lovable Golden Retriever Home Page