Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs
A Guide to a Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
If you are a pet lover, then urinary tract infection in dogs is something you may need to know about. A UTI is painful and annoying enough in humans, but they can be particularly bothersome to your dog. What makes the matter worse is that a dog cannot tell you what is wrong with it, so you have to be something like a detective to figure out if it has a UTI. With this guide to a urinary tract infection in dogs, you will be better equipped to handle this problem should it occur in one of your beloved pets.
What is a urinary tract infection in dogs? In many ways, it is the same as a urinary tract infection in humans. The condition basically is a bacterial infection that strikes the urinary tract, or the system within the body that handles liquid waste and expels it in the form of urine. Bacteria will infest the urinary tract, causing the tissue to be inflamed, which in turn causes pain and discomfort in the dog. Urinary problems can cause complications in the health of your dog if the situation is allowed to continue.
What causes urinary tract infection in dogs? The main cause, as mentioned above, is a bacterial infection. There are a multitude of ways this could occur. Contaminated food is one such method, especially when the food is contaminated by E. coli. Straphylococcus is another bacteria that can cause this condition. Unclean water is another way that UTI can infect your canine, so be sure to monitor his or her water supply for cleanliness. Approximately 15% of the world's population of dogs will come down with a UTI at some point, with females being affected slightly more often than males. The reason for this is because females have shorter urethras, so the bacteria has a shorter distance to travel.
The symptoms of a urinary tract infection in dogs depend on the severity of the infection. As mentioned above, it is not always easy to tell if your dog has a urinary tract infection. The first symptom to look at is how often your dog urinates. If your pet urinates frequently, yet the amount of urine each time is not very much, then that is a good indication of a UTI. The other symptom is pain in your dog's belly. Feel around the inner flanks of your dog (underneath the dog and to the rear, underneath its hips). If this area feels swollen, or your dog whimpers or yelps, then a UTI is likely. Of course, if your dog barks or yelps while urinating, then the condition could be in an advanced stage. This requires a doctor's visit.
There are a few treatments that you can use to deal with urinary tract infections in your dog. The first, obviously, is a trip to the doctor. A veterinarian will be able to treat the UTI with antibiotics and other medications that can deal with the bacteria while also soothing the symptoms so that your dog feels better. But, if you want to help your dog out with this condition, try mixing in apple cider vinegar with your pet's water supply. The ingredients and substances in the vinegar will help neutralize the acidity in the urine and deal with the bacteria. If antibiotics and this home remedy do not work, however, then catheterization or surgery may be required. Consult with your vet before undertaking any course of action.
In summary, be on the look out for sensitive flanks, whimpering, frequent urination, and possibly other symptoms such as vomiting, fevers, and chills. Do not be afraid to take your doctor to a vet if the symptoms persist. But with patience and a little help, your dog will be feeling good as new in no time.