Anyone who has ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI) knows it’s no fun. Well, our beloved canine friends can also go through the same thing, and with very similar reasons. UTIs are a surprisingly common health problem in dogs. While most cases occur in middle-aged or senior dogs, any dog can be at risk.
In this blog post, we’ll look more closely at this condition that both we humans and dogs frequently go through, its symptoms, causes, and what we can do about it.
1. Symptoms of UTIs Include Frequent Urination
A UTI is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. While UTIs are relatively common in humans, they are also a serious health problem for dogs.
Symptoms of UTIs include:
- Increased frequency of urination
- Accidents in the house
- Bloody urine
- Fever
- Straining or appearing in pain while peeing
If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing serious health complications.
2. UTIs in Dogs Result from Infection
Although UTIs can be caused by several different factors, the most common cause is bacteria. Bacteria can enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply quickly once inside. This can cause inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract, which can lead to a UTI.
Other possible causes of UTIs include blockages, stones, or tumors. Treatment for a UTI typically involves antibiotics, but talk to your dog’s vet to confirm.
3. Some Factors Increase the Risk of UTIs
Just like humans, how vulnerable a dog is to a UTI, or any other infection for that matter, is a range of factors. Older dogs and young puppies might have weaker immune systems and be more vulnerable. Other risk factors include preexisting conditions like diabetes and dehydration. Brachycephalic dogs, like Pugs and Boxers, are also at a heightened risk because of their anatomical shape.
In addition, dogs on certain medications might also be more susceptible. Finally, female dogs are more prone to UTIs, as they have a shorter urethra, meaning that the external bacteria must travel a shorter distance to reach the bladder.
4. UTIs Are Treatable with Antibiotics
It is best to take your dog to the vet if you suspect a UTI. If not treated promptly, UTIs can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage. Fortunately, UTIs are relatively easy to treat, and most dogs make a full recovery with proper medical care.
Your vet will likely do a urine analysis to confirm the diagnosis of the UTI. Then, you’ll probably have to give your dog a course of antibiotics that can range between five to ten days. Be sure to finish the course to successfully kill off all the bacteria. In some extreme cases, your dog may need to be hospitalized for IV antibiotics.
In the meantime, encourage your dog to drink more water to flush out the bacteria. If your dog isn’t a water-guzzler, you can do a few things to coax him to drink more, like adding natural flavorings from beef, chicken, or fruit juice. In addition, you can add ice cubes on a warm day to make the water more refreshing and hopefully encourage him to take a few more sips. You could also get a water fountain for your dog if they prefer trickling water.
5. You Can Prevent UTIs in Your Dog
Fortunately, there are several things we can do to help our canine friends keep UTIs at bay. One of the best ways to prevent UTIs in dogs is to keep their peeing area free of contamination. You can do this by frequently wiping them down with antibacterial doggy wipes.
In addition, a healthy dog will have the immune system to help fight bacteria. Feed your dog a healthy diet rich in fiber and antioxidants, which will help keep their urinary tract healthy. It is also important to make sure they drink plenty of water each day to keep their urine diluted and less likely to become infected.
If your dog has a sensitive tummy, think about feeding him probiotics to help boost his gut health. Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer a variety of health benefits when consumed, like helping to improve digestibility, strengthening the immune system, and reducing inflammation. They can also help to prevent and treat diarrhea, a common problem in dogs.
When choosing a probiotic supplement for your dog, look for one that contains a variety of different strains of bacteria. As with any supplement, it is important to speak with your vet before giving probiotics to your dog. Probiotics are generally safe and well-tolerated, but in some cases, they may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Fret not! UTIs in dogs are common and are seldom severe, if you get your dog the medical help he needs. With some lifestyle tweaks, you can help your beloved pooch prevent this annoying condition from rearing its ugly head again. Good luck!
