Here's What You Need To Know About Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs

Here's What You Need To Know About Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are awful for humans, and they can be just as bad for dogs. About 14% of all canine companions will develop an infection of this variety at some point in their lives, and it can be painful for them.

Here’s what you need to know:

Causes

The most common cause of a UTI is the entering of parasites, bacteria, or other microorganisms into the urethral opening. They then make their way up through the urinary tract.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a UTI in dogs are:

  • Urinary accidents
  • Licking around the urinary opening
  • Fever
  • Cloudy urine
  • Blood urine
  • Pain or distress during urination
  • Squatting in female dogs
  • Increased desire to urinate

Prevention

There’s no surefire way to guarantee full UTI prevention, but here are some things you can do:

  • Clean water bowls often
  • Maintain good grooming and hygiene on your dog
  • Don’t make your dog hold in their urine
  • Talk to your vet about supplements or diet changes

Treatment

A vet will typically to a physical examination, a blood count test, and a urinalysis to determine whether your dog has a UTI. Antibiotics are the most common treatment option. You can also ask your vet about possible home remedies that would be safe and effective.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

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