Dog urinary tract infections are common among in dog population in the entire world. The culprits behind dog urinary problems are bacteria which have infiltrated the dog’s body. Bacteria enter the dog’s internal system through the food it eats and the water it drinks everyday. In some instances, bacteria gain access to the dog’s urinary system through its external urinary openings. This is most common in female dogs because they have shorter urethra than their male counterparts, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate.
Dog urinary tract infections happen at the parts where urine forms and is excreted out of the body. A mild case of infection is not easy to detect. That is why in most cases, dogs are treated only when the infection is already on its advanced stages.
There are two classifications of dog urinary tract infections. One is upper urinary tract infection and the other is lower urinary tract infection. These two kinds of dog urinary problems produce different signs and symptoms. Upper urinary tract infection is usually associated with weight loss, anorexia, and vomiting. On the other hand, lower urinary tract infection is associated mostly with abnormalities and incontinence or a change in the dog’s urinating pattern.
The most effective way to tell if your dog is suffering from dog urinary tract infections is to observe your dog’s urinating habits. Check if your dog has enough urine every time he pees. If you notice that your dog has to make several attempts before it can excrete urine out of its body, chances are it is suffering from dog urinary problems. A worst scenario is your dog not being able to urinate at all. In this instance, you have to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately as it may already be suffering from a serious case of bladder problem.
Another way to tell if your dog is showing signs of dog urinary problems in their early stages is to observe your dog while taking it out for a walk. Any sign of irregularity, such as cringing in pain, may be a sign that your dog has urinary problems. Foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, tender bladder, and a reduction of the amount of the dog’s urine are signs that you should bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately. If left untreated, your dog could suffer from a more severe case of infection and eventually die.
A dog with UTI may live for a long time without feeling any symptoms at all. There may be even times that the infection will just disappear on its own without being treated. However, a dog may become very ill if it is left in this condition for a very long time without medical attention. Dog urinary tract infection could lead to more severe infections if left untreated for so long. You can tell if your dog is suffering from UTI by checking for any of these symptoms:
- A change in your dog’s behavior
- A change in your dog’s urination habits
- A foul smell in your dog’s urine
- Blood in your dog’s urine
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Straining when urinating
- Tenderness of the lower area of the stomach
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, then chances are your dog has UTI. In such cases, it is best to bring your dog to the veterinarian so that it will be given proper medication. Do not try to give your dog antibiotics from your shelf, which are usually prescribed for humans as such medicines may not be advisable for dogs. It is always best to consult a veterinarian before giving your dog any medication.
Dog urinary tract infections are life-threatening for dogs. However, they are highly curable. The most important thing is that as a dog owner, you are able to suppress the growth of the infection by knowing its different signs and symptoms.
