Urinary Tract Infection in Dog

By Geraldine Dimarco

Dog urinary tract infections are common among--% of the dog population in the entire world. The culprits behind dog urinary problems are bacteria which have infiltrated the dog?s body. Bacteria enter the dog?s internal system through the food it eats and the water it drinks everyday. In some instances, bacteria gain access to the dog?s urinary system through its external urinary openings. This is most common in female dogs because they have shorter urethra than their male counterparts, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate.

Dog urinary tract infections happen at the parts where urine forms and is excreted out of the body. A mild case of infection is not easy to detect. That is why in most cases, dogs are treated only when the infection is already on its advanced stages.

There are two classifications of dog urinary tract infections. One is upper urinary tract infection and the other is lower urinary tract infection. These two kinds of dog urinary problems produce different signs and symptoms. Upper urinary tract infection is usually associated with weight loss, anorexia, and vomiting. On the other hand, lower urinary tract infection is associated mostly with abnormalities and incontinence or a change in the dog?s urinating pattern.

How can your dog contract UTI? Dog urinary tract infection could arise when any of these types of bacteria get into your dog?s body and overcome its immune system: proteus mirabilis, escherichia coli, pseudomonas, coagulase positive straphylococcus, esterococcus, or klebsiella. These types of bacteria could get into your dog?s system through the food they eat and the water they drink everyday. Likewise, dogs can develop UTI through an instance called ?ascending UTI?, a condition which occurs when the bacteria had gained access into the dog?s internal system through its external urinary openings.

Another way to tell if your dog is showing signs of dog urinary problems in their early stages is to observe your dog while taking it out for a walk. Any sign of irregularity, such as cringing in pain, may be a sign that your dog has urinary problems. Foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, tender bladder, and a reduction of the amount of the dog?s urine are signs that you should bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately. If left untreated, your dog could suffer from a more severe case of infection and eventually die.

A dog with UTI may live for a long time without feeling any symptoms at all. There may be even times that the infection will just disappear on its own without being treated. However, a dog may become very ill if it is left in this condition for a very long time without medical attention. Dog urinary tract infection could lead to more severe infections if left untreated for so long. You can tell if your dog is suffering from UTI by checking for any of these symptoms: ? A change in your dog?s behavior ? A change in your dog?s urination habits ? A foul smell in your dog?s urine ? Blood in your dog?s urine ? Fever ? Fatigue ? Straining when urinating ? Tenderness of the lower area of the stomach

Clean water is essential as it helps flush out unwanted organisms and bacteria out of the dog?s body. Proper nutrition and diet also helps to keep your dog healthy. Bringing your dog to the vet for regular check-ups helps to determine early signs of dog urinary problems and thus minimize the chances for bacteria to cause greater harm to your dog?s internal system. Citrus juices lessen the presence of bacteria by making your dog?s urine acidic. Vitamin C helps to keep your dog in top shape by strengthening its immune system.

The above-mentioned natural remedies for dog urinary tract infection are effective ways to help boost your dog?s overall health and well-being. However, it is still best to consult a veterinarian for whatever health problem your dog encounters. The veterinarian is the only person who could assess the true condition of your dog and who could administer the right medication and dose required to ultimately improve your dog?s condition. - 29895

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