Any dog regardless of breed can suffer from bladder infections, but they do tend to occur most commonly in female dogs due to the small length of their urethra. These uncomfortable, often painful, conditions can be caused by crystals, bacteria, diseases such as diabetes, Cushings and even some medications make them prone to developing UTIs.
Symptoms of Bladder Infection in Dogs
The most common signs of bladder infections in dogs include pain or difficulty in urinating, blood in urine or in some cases you may notice that your pup is only urinating very small amounts but frequently. Other indications of bladder infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) include:
● Straining to urinate
● Increased frequency of urination
● Blood in the urine
● Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
● Reduced quantity of urine
● Accidents inside your home or kennels
● Whimpering while urinating
● Licking the genital area
● Fever
● Increased thirst
● Lack of energy
● Vomiting in severe cases
If your dog is exhibiting any of the symptoms above it’s time to head to your veterinarian. Bladder infections and urinary tract infections are very uncomfortable and often painful for dogs. That said, when caught and treated early these infections can often be cleared up quickly and easily so the sooner you can get your pooch to the vet the better. We commonly see 2 to 5 cases per week for a Urinary Tract Infection. Untreated UTIs by some bacteria can lead to bladder stone formation, so treat any UTI with urgency and follow the advice of your veterinarian as some of these symptoms overlap with other diseases such as bladder cancer.
How to Treat Bladder Infection in Dogs
Antibiotics are the number one treatment for bladder infections in dogs, although in some cases your vet may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications or pain killers depending on the severity and underlying cause of your pup’s infection. Usually probiotics are highly recommended as well due to the disruption of the normal flora that lead to the UTI in the first place.
Although in some cases bladder infections in people will clear up without the need for medical care, this is unlikely to be true for your pup. It is also the case that, since our canine companions are unable to tell us how they are feeling it is best to have any symptoms of illness checked out by your vet. Left untreated your pup’s bladder infection could become much more severe and lead to complications.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
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