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Symptoms of a Bladder Infection in Dogs

Dogs > Symptoms > Symptoms of a Bladder Infection in Dogs

Bladder infection in dogs, also known as urinary tract infection or acute cystitis is caused by bacteria and often, crystals are also present. The most common bacteria that cause the infection of the bladder are the E.coli bacteria.

Detecting the symptoms of bladder infection is important to prevent other health problems.

Symptoms of Canine Bladder Infection

The symptoms of a canine bladder infection are easy to detect if you are familiar with your pet's urinating habits. However, in the early stages of the disease, your pet might not show any signs. The most frequent symptoms include:

frequent urination; your pet is urinating several times, but the urine amounts are small
urination in the house; the dog needs to urinate more frequently than usual and if he is not able to get outside, he will urinate in the house
dribbling urine
straining to urinate; urination is painful for the dog
bloody urine, when the infection is in a later stage
cloudy urine; it's good to monitor the color of your dog's urine to be able to detect any irregularities
lethargy; a dog with a bladder infection is weakened and he won't have the energy to engage in different regular activities
depression; this state is caused by the pain
stress; often a medical condition may cause stress in dogs
vomiting
loss of appetite; due to the pain and vomiting, the dog will not be interested in food and may even lose weight
increased thirst
fever
liking of genitals; a dog will instinctively lick his genitals in attempt to ease the pain caused by urination

Bladder Infection Treatment

If detected in time, the bladder infection may be treated with antibiotics and a change in diet. The infection can be treated in 10 to 14 days.

Antibiotics come with side effects; so you may want to opt for homeopathic remedies.

If there are crystals or even bladder stones, these may also be removed with a suitable diet or in more serious cases by ultrasound or surgery.

Make sure you offer your dog plenty of fresh water throughout the treatment, so that he can flush out the bacteria faster.

The bladder infection may be fatal if left untreated. The infection may move up in the dog's body and attack the kidneys or cause septicemia. Septicemia occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream, infecting other organs and may be a very serious condition.

Preventing Bladder Infections

Bladder infections are very common in dogs and females are more exposed to these infections, due to their shorter urethra that causes the bacteria to accumulate and multiply faster.

The infection may be prevented with a proper hygiene, regular baths and regular urination times. Make sure your dog doesn't hold back from urinating for a long time, as the bacteria may gather in the bladder and lead to infections.

You also need to keep your dog's water bowl clean and the water fresh, so that it doesn't accumulate bacteria.

also see Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs

also see Dog Bladder Infection Problems Explained

also see When Urinary Incontinence in Dogs Means Bladder Infection

also see Bladder Problems in Dogs