There are various causes of frequent urination ranging from medications administered to the pet to a urinary or bladder infection. Frequent urination, also known as polyuria can be treated in most cases, but the cause should be determined first. You can establish if your dog urinates more frequently by counting the number of times you take your dog out per day.
Urinary Tract Infections
The most common cause of frequent urination in canines is UTI or the urinary tract infection. UTI, also known as cystitis can be caused by the accumulation of bacteria. The condition affects more often female dogs, which have a shorter and wider urethra that allows bacteria to travel more easily to the bladder. The urinary tract and the bladder will be swollen and this means that the dog will feel the need to eliminate urine more often.
The symptoms of UTI may also include increased thirst and pain when urinating or even blood in the urine. The treatment will consist of antibiotics and possibly a change in the dog’s lifestyle and diet.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are accumulations of minerals that can press on the bladder, resulting in an urgency to urinate. Bladder stones can be surgically removed, but there are also less invasive means of treatment such as a change in diet or medication treatment.
Bladder Tumors
Bladder tumors may be benign or malignant formations that can vary in size. If the tumor is large, it will press against the bladder and will cause more frequent urination. Tumors may not always be operable, so x-rays and ultrasounds are necessary to determine the best type of treatment for the tumor.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance in female dogs may cause more frequent urination. The lack of sufficient amounts of estrogen can affect the function of the kidneys and the dog urinates more often. A hormonal supplementation can solve the problem; if left untreated, the dog can suffer from dehydration.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause an increased frequency of urination. This is due to the fact that the dog drinks more water, as the increased amount of glucose in the blood will cause thirst. Additional symptoms of diabetes include weight loss, lethargy and dry mouth. Diabetes should be diagnosed as early as possible and the dog should receive insulin shots. Left untreated, diabetes can cause blindness and damage organs.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is caused by an elevated level of cortisol in the system. The condition is more often seen in older dogs and will cause hair loss and increased thirst, which will lead to increased frequency of urination. The condition can be manageable.
Certain Medications
Certain medications have side effects such as polyuria (frequent urination). Check the labels of the drugs your dog is receiving and see if polyuria is among the mentioned side effects. Typically, once these medications are discontinued, the side effects will also disappear. If polyuria is not among the side effects of drugs your dog is taking, visit the vet to detect the condition causing the frequent urination.