Urinary tract infections in dogs

Urinary tract infection in dogs is usually caused by bacteria from the intestine that finds its way up to the bladder. Since the bladder is always sterile, the bacteria cause an infection to occur. Females suffer from cystitis more often than males because their urethra is shorter. In addition, the distance between the anal opening and the vagina of the bitch is shorter, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel up.

Symptoms of urinary tract infection in dogs

• The dog pees often
• Blood in urine
• Pain whilst urinating
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Fever

Urinary tract infection - painful and uncomfortable

Urinary tract infection in itself is not dangerous for the dog, but in the worst case it can go up to the kidneys. If you have had the disease yourself, you also know that it is not a particularly pleasant feeling. Make an appointment with the vet if you suspect your dog has a urinary tract infection.

By taking a urine sample, the vet can determine if it is a urinary tract infection. Usually a culture is done on the urine to ensure which bacteria caused the infection so that the dog receives the right type of antibiotic.

Urinary stones as a result of urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection usually heals without problems but can also lead to a certain type of urinary stone formation. To know if urinary stones are present, the bladder and urethra must be examined with x-ray or ultrasound.

In addition to that, there are other types of urinary stones that form for other reasons and have different compositions that can cause symptoms similar to those seen in a urinary tract infection. Some liver diseases can lead to stone formation, genetic factors can play a role and sometimes the cause is unknown. Some can be managed with the help of special feed or medicine and some must be removed surgically.

If a urinary stone were to get stuck and block the urethra, it could be life-threatening for the dog. Urinary retention can lead to poisoning of the dog. If you suspect that your dog cannot urinate, you must always contact a veterinarian urgently.

Prevent urinary tract infection in dogs

To reduce the risk of the dog suffering from a urinary tract infection, make sure your dog urinates early in the morning and late as possible at night time This is because the time that the urine is in the bladder then decreases and also the risk of bacterial growth. Also make sure that the dog always has free access to water so that it drinks.