A dog bladder infection can be a painful and potentially harmful condition. A large number of dogs suffer from a urinary tract or bladder infection at some point over the course of their lives. Read on for answers to some of the most common and basic questions regarding this canine condition.
What Causes a Canine Bladder Infection?
Like other types of infections, canine bladder issues oftentimes develop because of a buildup of bacteria in your pet's urinary tract. This bacteria may develop because your dog hasn't urinated frequently enough or because he hasn't emptied his bladder completely. Low-quality diets are thought to predispose your pet to bladder infections, and there are certain bacteria that your dog may encounter in nature that can lead to a bladder infection. Finally, dehydrated dogs are likely to suffer from bladder infections and other urinary complications.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bladder Infection?
The most common symptoms of a canine bladder infection include the following:
- Unusual licking or chewing of the genitalia
- Strained urination
- Frequent urination
- Foul smelling urine
- Traces of blood in the urine
- Hesitancy to walk or play
A canine bladder infection may include one or more of these symptoms. Upon your detection, take your pet in to a veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnosis.
How Are Canine Bladder Infections Treated?
Without proper treatment, a bladder infection may cause your dog a great deal of pain and discomfort. More importantly, however, infections of the bladder may spread to other parts of your dog's body if left to develop unabated. In rare cases, a bladder infection may be fatal.
Treatment of a canine bladder infection typically involves flushing your pet's system. Provide him with ample water and encourage him to drink. Walk him frequently and allow him to urinate and to completely evacuate his bladder. Additionally, Vitamin C is helpful at reducing the infection. Finally, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or other medicines to help clear out the bacteria in your dog's bladder and to reduce his inflammation and other symptoms.
How Can I Prevent My Dog from Developing a Bladder Infection?
It is crucial that you provide your dog with a constant supply of water. Canines need to drink a substantial amount of water throughout the day, and your dog's water bowl should be both easily accessible and always full. Additionally, housebreaking habits may increase your pet's likelihood of developing bladder infections. If you typically rush your pet during his urination or delay him from evacuating his bladder, you may be putting him at an increased risk. Be careful as you are working with your pet to develop his housebreaking, as even one reprimanding at an incorrect time may cause your dog to fear urinating or to avoid fully evacuating his bladder during the process.
Canine bladder infections are both common and easily treated. Learn to recognize the causes, prevention methods and symptoms of this condition so that you may be best able to help your dog to overcome an infection should it arise. Keep your vet informed of any developments that you believe may be related to a canine bladder infection.