Offering urinary tract support to your pet with a UTI or another condition affecting this system is one of the best things that you can do as an owner. Treatment options for certain urinary conditions are somewhat limited in scope, and it may be that all you can do is help to ease your dog's pain as the condition relieves itself over time. Still, it's good to know all of your different options, and it's always best to take your pet to the veterinarian at the first sign of any illness, condition or pain and discomfort on the dog's part.
Medicines
One of the primary ways of dealing with issues of the urinary tract in dogs is medicine. There are many different medicines that can be helpful to treating certain conditions, including all of the following:
- Antibiotics (used to treat infections)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Pain relievers
The exact type of medicine that you'll need to provide your dog with is dependent upon his exact condition and the severity of the issue. Your veterinarian will be able to prescribe the necessary medicines to you; be sure to follow his instructions as to the proper dosage and administration schedule for your dog.
Dietary Changes
One of the other primary ways that you can help to ease certain bladder and urinary tract issues is with a modified diet. Increasing the volume of liquid that your pet drinks is another great way to keep his system properly flushed out and working as it should. There are a number of ways that you can help to encourage proper hydration in your pet, but one of the most important things to keep in mind is that your pet relies entirely upon you for his food and water. Ensure that your dog always has a full bowl of clean, fresh water accessible at all times, and closely monitor how much he drinks. Changes in diet and drinking behaviors can be important signs of underlying medical conditions.
Other Preventative Measures
Dogs are notoriously bad at licking, pawing or otherwise disturbing sensitive areas on their own bodies. You'll need to watch out for signs that your pet may have urinary tract problems. These often come in the form of your pet licking or chewing at his genitals. Do everything in your power to prevent him from disturbing his urinary tract, as this can result in other infections and a dramatically increased healing and recovery period from a urinary tract problem.
Left untreated, urinary tract problems can easily spread and become very dangerous for your pet's overall health. Take it upon yourself to know the symptoms of urinary problems in your pet, and be sure to react to them promptly. Keep careful records of the symptoms that your pet shows, and take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible for proper urinary tract support and a plan of action for how to deal with his condition. Ask your vet for more advice in this regard.