Urgent: Eight Conspicuous Signs of Canine Urinary Tract Infections That Shouldn't be Overlooked
Revised Article:
Your pooch might be giving you some inconvenient signs lately: she's been making messes indoors, asking to go out more frequently than usual, and struggling to pee - all indications of a potential urinary tract infection (UTI). Believe it or not, UTIs are quite common in dogs, and they're one of the leading reasons our four-legged friends visit the vet.
approximate 1 in 7 dogs will experience a UTI at some point in their lives. Chronic or recurrent UTIs, defined as three or more infections in a single year, affect some dogs more frequently than others.
Get to know the common signs of a UTI in your dog, and don't hesitate to talk to your vet if you spot any of these symptoms:
UTIs in Dogs: Unmasked
Bacteria, often from the dog's skin or digestive tract, are the primary culprits behind UTIs. Common offenders include Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and more.
Dogs have natural defenses against infection-causing bacteria, but their systems aren't always foolproof. Once bacteria reach the bladder, kidneys, or prostate (in unneutered male dogs), they can multiply, leading to UTI symptoms in dogs. Treatment is essential, as not only does it alleviate symptoms, but it also prevents further complications and damage.
"If left untreated, a dog may develop complications such as lower urinary tract dysfunction, kidney infection, chronic inflammation, bladder stones, or an infected prostate," warns Dr. Georgina Ushi.
Although male and female dog symptoms are similar, females are more susceptible to infections, alongside older dogs and dogs with underlying health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing's disease, bladder tumors, or weakened immune systems. Breeds such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs are also at higher risk due to their skin folds, which provide the perfect warm, dark, and moist environment for bacteria to thrive.
8 Warning Signs of a Dog UTI
Be vigilant for any of these signs, as they could signal a UTI in your dog and may necessitate a visit to the vet:
Straining to pee: Dogs with UTIs may yelp, whimper, or arch their backs during potty breaks due to the discomfort caused by the infection.
Bloody or cloudy urine: Changes in the color of your dog's urine demand attention. Cloudy urine could indicate inflammation or an infection in the bladder, while blood in the urine may suggest the same, as well as possible bladder stones.
Frequent urination: A UTI can make your dog feel like they need to pee even when their bladder isn’t full, leading them to request bathroom breaks more often.
Potty accidents: A well-trained dog suddenly having accidents in the house could be a sign of a UTI.
Peeing multiple times in a row: A common symptom of UTIs in dogs is peeing again shortly after they go to the bathroom.
Increased licking: Normal dog licking is one thing, but keep an eye on any excessive licking of the genital area - it might be one of the first signs of a UTI. Dogs may lick their nether regions to soothe themselves when they experience discomfort or pain.
Low volume of urine: If your dog's urine flow resembles a trickle or a dribble, it could be a sign of a UTI, especially if they are straining to go.
Fever: While a fever isn't a typical sign of a UTI in dogs, an elevated temperature in a dog diagnosed with a UTI could indicate that the infection has spread.
What to Do if You Think Your Dog Has a UTI
If your dog exhibits symptoms of a UTI, contact your veterinarian ASAP. "A urinary tract infection should be treated promptly," advises Dr. Ushi.
Your vet will conduct a thorough check-up, collect a urine sample, and run a urinalysis to detect white blood cells and bacteria. To minimize contamination, they may collect a sterile sample using a urinary catheter or a needle to obtain a sample through the skin and bladder wall.
Dogs confirmed to have UTIs may be prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate symptoms and clear the infection. Chronic or recurrent UTIs require determining the specific bacteria involved to recommend targeted treatment.
Remember: A UTI can be painful for your dog and may cause more serious health issues if left untreated, making it even more essential to recognize and address the warning signs promptly.
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