Urinary tract infection in dogs is a fairly common disorder and has some associated causes. In this article, we will explain how to prevent and treat it.

What is a urinary tract infection in dogs?

Urinary tract infection affects the urinary system, which is responsible for eliminating toxins and other wastes that are not necessary for the body. This process is caused by microorganisms, which enter the dog’s organism from the outside. Normally, the agents that produce these complications are bacteria that enter the animal’s body through its genitals. Depending on how deep these microorganisms reach, the disease will be different.

Some of the factors that influence the development of this disorder are hygiene and feeding of the dog.

Diseases that may involve urinary tract infection in dogs

When pathogenic microorganisms settle inside the dog’s urinary system, urine infection occurs. However, depending on the area in which they are located, the diseases they generate are different. Depending on the affected area, the disorders that appear are:

  • Cystitis: it is the most frequent disease and most associated with urinary tract infection in dogs. It is the infection of the bladder, and can affect any dog, regardless of its age.
  • Prostatitis: This refers to infection of the prostate, which can also be caused by urine full of harmful bacteria. The most recommended to avoid this infection is to castrate the dog.
  • Urethritis: Affects the urethra.
  • Nephritis: Refers to infection of the kidneys by the entry of microorganisms, and is known as upper urinary tract infection.

 

Symptoms of canine urinary tract infection

Sometimes, these symptoms are not easy to detect because the dog does not have them present in his body. However, it is usual that the animal has some change in its behavior that shows one of the diseases mentioned above. Depending on the affected area, the symptoms vary.

Frequent altered urine

We must take into account our dog’s urination routine in order to find out if he is suffering from some kind of urinary infection, since, most commonly, when a dog suffers from a urinary disorder, the frequency of urination increases. However, the fact that he urinates more often does not mean that he expels more liquid.

Most dogs in this condition urinate with excessive effort and expel very small amounts of urine. Also, it is normal to see the dog uncomfortable when urinating.

Different urine

Also, we have to take into account the characteristics of the urine. Urination is usually more cloudy and has a very unpleasant odor. In some cases, the urine gets a darker color because it is accompanied by blood.

Urinating in inappropriate places

If your dog always used to urinate outside and now urinates in closed places, it may be due to a urine infection. You should pay attention to this kind of details!

Irritation and itching of the genitals

Irritation and itching in the genitals can also be caused by a urine infection, therefore, we can observe a continuous scratching through licking or pawing in that area.

Fever

When our dog’s body temperature exceeds 38-39 °C, we must counteract the fever as soon as possible.

Anxiety and depression

The discomfort caused by a urinary tract infection creates anxiety and depression. We can detect them by excessive panting. Anxiety is very complex, therefore, we recommend that you get as much information as possible to help your pet.

How to prevent urine infection in dogs?

  • We must make sure that our dog maintains a good nutrition and hydration. Drinking the necessary amount of water is very important to avoid urine infection.
  • Daily walks allow the dog to urinate, so it is very important to walk the dog several times a day. The ideal is 3 or 4 daily walks.
  • Another way to avoid urine infection is castration.

Treatment for urine infection in dogs

The first thing to do is to take your pet to the veterinarian. Once it has been verified that the dog suffers from urine infection, the veterinarian will prescribe the most effective medication against this disease. Normally, it is based on an antibiotic and certain anti-inflammatory drugs to soothe the pain.

On the other hand, you will have to make sure that the animal maintains a good nutrition and hydration so that the recovery is as fast as possible, since these help to clean the urinary system.

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