Urinary tract infection (UTI) is not only common in humans. It is common in dogs, too. This is most common in female dogs because of their short urethra, but UTI in male dogs is also probable, although rarely. In its early stages of development, UTI in dogs may not necessarily be harmful and may not exhibit obvious signs. In addition, urinary tract infection in some dogs may resolve itself within a span of time even without medical intervention. But if UTI in dogs is not treated for a long period of time, it may cause further infection and damage to the dog’s urinary system.
Dogs do not have the gift of speech and, therefore, cannot tell their human owners that they are suffering from a discomfort. As an owner, it is up to you to tell if the dog is suffering from a symptom of UTI. Symptoms of UTI in dogs include fatigue, lethargy, fever, bloody urine, a foul-smell in the urine, tenderness of the lower stomach area, constant licking of the genital area, incontinence and urinating in inappropriate places, and straining to urinate. Once any of these signs are noticed, it is wise to bring the dog to the veterinarian.
“Why do UTI in dogs happen?” you may ask. Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria, such as escherichia coli, klebsiella, esterococcus, proteus mirabilis, pseudomonas, and coagulase positive straphylococcus have invaded the dog’s internal urinary system, causing inflammation and infection. Bacteria could enter the dog’s body through contaminated food and water. Similarly, it could enter through the dog’s external urinary openings and extend through the urethra. This instance is known in medical term as ascending UTI. Bacteria can be spread through the dog’s lymphatic system and the blood. If not excreted out of the dog’s body, bacteria can multiply and infect the dog’s bladder, kidneys, urethra, ureter, and prostate gland.
Urinary tract infection is a painful experience for the dog. Now that you have an idea of why and how UTI in dogs happens, it is vital that you take precautionary measures to prevent your dog from contracting another case of dog UTI. Prevention of UTI in dogs is as simple as ABC, as long as you take regular action of the following tips:
Dogs do not have the gift of speech and, therefore, cannot tell their human owners that they are suffering from a discomfort. As an owner, it is up to you to tell if the dog is suffering from a symptom of UTI. Symptoms of UTI in dogs include fatigue, lethargy, fever, bloody urine, a foul-smell in the urine, tenderness of the lower stomach area, constant licking of the genital area, incontinence and urinating in inappropriate places, and straining to urinate. Once any of these signs are noticed, it is wise to bring the dog to the veterinarian.
“Why do UTI in dogs happen?” you may ask. Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria, such as escherichia coli, klebsiella, esterococcus, proteus mirabilis, pseudomonas, and coagulase positive straphylococcus have invaded the dog’s internal urinary system, causing inflammation and infection. Bacteria could enter the dog’s body through contaminated food and water. Similarly, it could enter through the dog’s external urinary openings and extend through the urethra. This instance is known in medical term as ascending UTI. Bacteria can be spread through the dog’s lymphatic system and the blood. If not excreted out of the dog’s body, bacteria can multiply and infect the dog’s bladder, kidneys, urethra, ureter, and prostate gland.
Urinary tract infection is a painful experience for the dog. Now that you have an idea of why and how UTI in dogs happens, it is vital that you take precautionary measures to prevent your dog from contracting another case of dog UTI. Prevention of UTI in dogs is as simple as ABC, as long as you take regular action of the following tips:
• Give your dog ample amount of clean water everyday.
• Give your dog a regular bath, taking note to especially wash its genital area.
• Give your dog a regular dose of homeopathic remedy.
• Wash the dog’s food and water bowl with clean water regularly.
• Regularly take the dog out for a morning or afternoon walk. Exercise can help stimulate its bladder.
• Encourage your dog to urinate regularly. Regular urination is essential to flush out the bacteria that may have accumulated in the dog’s bladder.
Urinary tract infection in dogs can cause a lot of discomfort to the dog. As an owner, it pays when you have an understanding of how this condition happens, as well as how to prevent and treat it. As with other disorders, it is always wise to seek the help of the vet when any of the symptoms arise.
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