Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs:
What it is and why it happens?
Owning a dog can be a wonderful experience. We love our dogs because they are intelligent, loving and very loyal pets. Dogs tend to look up to their masters, being willing to love them as if they were a fellow pack member. Throughout history dogs have evolved to serve various purposes for mankind. They are now our guards, companions, helpers, and even considered to be family members. Having a pet is a big responsibility. However, the responsibility of pet ownership does provide enormous rewards.
Being a dog owner can provide for a wonderful companionship. However, if you decide to bring a dog into your home, it is important to be aware of the health risks your dog may encounter in their lifetime. Good lifestyle habits can go a long way towards ensuring that your dog has a long, healthy life.
The Signs of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
Unfortunately, a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) will not always show signs or symptoms. Some dogs that are currently affected by a UTI will whimper or yelp while urinating (due to excessive pain). However, this may also suggest that the disease is already in its advanced stages.
A mild case of UTI is very manageable for dogs and other small animals. This is the reason why this medical concern is often ignored during its early stages. Unless you take your dog to a veterinarian for regular checkups, it is unlikely that you will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from a mild case of UTI.
Urinary tract infections in dogs can be classified into two categories. A dog UTI can be classified as an upper urinary tract infection or a lower urinary tract infection. These two types of dog UTI's each portray different symptoms. The common symptoms of upper urinary tract infections are weight loss, vomiting and anorexia.
Five Tips on How to Prevent UTI in Dogs
Urinary tract infection is a disease that is very common in dogs. There is a 14% chance that your dog will suffer from UTI during its lifetime. However, if you are attentive to your dog's health care needs, you may be able to prevent this disease from occurring. Here are five helpful tips that will help you prevent UTI in your dog.
1. Make sure that your dog gets toilet breaks frequently.
If your dog shows signs of having to go to the bathroom, immediately take your dog outside. Urine contains bacteria, and the bladder is responsible for holding the urine until it is expelled. If urine stays in the bladder longer than necessary, bacteria may propagate and eventually find its way into other organs. Don't make your dog wait to go to the bathroom for too long! Try to take your dog outside every few hours, if possible. Better yet, provide your dog with constant outdoor access so that it can take control over its own bathroom habits.
2. Provide your dog with adequate water.
Water helps to clean your dog's urinary tract. It replenishes the body's fluids while washing away bacteria. Give your dog enough water throughout the day to encourage sufficient urination. Urination is the body's natural way of clearing away harmful microorganisms. Give your dog open access to water, and make sure to replace the water once per day.
3. Prepare citrus drinks for your dog.
Citrus drinks like orange juice will cause your dog's urine to become more acidic. If your dog's urine is higher in acidity, the amount of bacteria that are present in the urine is much less. Citrus juices can also reduce the pain associated with urination, if your dog is already suffering from a UTI. Dogs may not like the taste of acidic juices, so you may have to mix the juice with something else. To give your pet sufficient fruit juice, start by providing a bowl of juice next to the food bowl, preferably around breakfast. Let your dog finish a glass of fruit juice for three consecutive days, and always give your dog juice with the first meal of the day.
4. Bring your dog to regular veterinary checkups.
Just like humans, dogs need medical attention too. Try not to let too much time go by without taking your dog to the veterinarian. Veterinary check-ups can be useful for identifying health conditions at an early stage, and ensuring that you are doing the best to maintain overall good health for your dog.
5. Give your dog proper food and nutrition.
To ensure that your dog won't acquire UTI, make sure to feed your dog only in the recommended amount listed on your dog food's packaging. Be sure to take away uneaten portion of your dog's meal immediately, so that bacteria does not get into it. It would be very harmful for your dog if it ingested contaminated food. Dispose of any excess food, and try to maintain a sanitary environment for your dog to enjoy mealtimes.
Medical Diagnosis of UTI in Dogs
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from urinary tract infection, it is best that you take your pet to the veterinarian right away for proper medication. While there are several home remedies for UTI in dogs, pet owners are strongly advised to give their pets the right medicine to relieve them of the discomfort the disease may bring.
The diagnosis of urinary tract infection in dogs starts with a physical exam. Your veterinarian will observe the clinical symptoms that your dog is exhibiting to verify the disease and its severity. However, the most common methods used today for UTI diagnosis are a complete urinalysis, as well as a urine culture. A portion of the dog's urine is tested and cultured so that its bacteria content can be determined. Keep in mind that dog UTI only occurs if the invading bacteria had fully defeated the dog's immune system.
Health Complications of UTI in Dogs
If your dog is suffering from a urinary tract infection, it has to be treated immediately. This is because a simple UTI can develop into a more complicated disease if left ignored for a long period of time. A UTI may lead to any of the following health complications in dogs:
1. Renal Failure.
Renal failure or kidney failure occurs if the normal functions of the kidney are disrupted. The dog's body needs to produce and release urine in the amount of 2 ml/kg per hour. If the amount of urine does not meet these requirements, the kidney processes may become abnormal. If this problem continues for a long period of time, renal failure will follow.
2. Removal of kidneys.
UTI, in its advanced stages, may gradually reach a point where the kidney has to be removed entirely to prevent further damage by this disease. While this doesn't happen to all dogs, the possibility is always there. This is a very alarming complication, and it only enhances the importance of treating dog UTI at the moment the disease is detected.
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
Urinary tract infection in dogs is a disease that can be easily cured with the right treatment procedures. A qualified veterinarian is the best person to give advice on the proper treatment to help your dog overcome a urinary tract infection.
The first step in providing effective treatment is to determine the extent of the disease. The veterinarian needs to assess the complications of your pet's infection. Mild cases of dog UTI require simple treatments, while more severe cases may need complicated medical procedures.
Treating UTI in dogs begins with attentive health care. This means that your pet needs to be taken to a veterinary office as frequently as needed, as symptoms of a UTI progress. If necessary, you may have to also submit your dog for extended veterinary care, especially if they have a serious case of UTI.
Home Remedies for UTI in Dogs
Urinary tract infection is not a life-threatening disease. It is a problem that can be addressed right from the comfort of your home, unless your dog's case is so severe that intensive veterinary care is required. The home remedies for dogs listed here should be applied if and only if your pet's disease is considered mild.
Here are some of the best home remedies to help your dog with the discomfort associated UTI. Remember, these remedies can not replace a veterinary visit, and you should still consult your veterinarian about the best treatment options for your dog.
1. Citrus Juices.
When dealing with a UTI, try giving your dog citrus juices. Some good examples are orange juice, cranberry juice and lime juice. These juices will help boost the acidity of your dog's urine. With a higher acid content, the amount of bacteria in the urine is lessened. If your dog is unable to drink a full glass of citrus juice, try giving it in small doses.
2. Apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is a very popular home remedy for UTI's. It works extremely well for humans, and has the same high effectiveness for treating a UTI in your dog. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog's food once per day. You can also add apple cider vinegar to your dog's water for three straight days. The effect of apple cider is the same as the citrus juices. Apple cider vinegar neutralizes the bacteria in the urine, and can help reduce your dog's discomfort from this disease.
What it is and why it happens?
Owning a dog can be a wonderful experience. We love our dogs because they are intelligent, loving and very loyal pets. Dogs tend to look up to their masters, being willing to love them as if they were a fellow pack member. Throughout history dogs have evolved to serve various purposes for mankind. They are now our guards, companions, helpers, and even considered to be family members. Having a pet is a big responsibility. However, the responsibility of pet ownership does provide enormous rewards.
Being a dog owner can provide for a wonderful companionship. However, if you decide to bring a dog into your home, it is important to be aware of the health risks your dog may encounter in their lifetime. Good lifestyle habits can go a long way towards ensuring that your dog has a long, healthy life.
The Signs of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
Unfortunately, a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) will not always show signs or symptoms. Some dogs that are currently affected by a UTI will whimper or yelp while urinating (due to excessive pain). However, this may also suggest that the disease is already in its advanced stages.
A mild case of UTI is very manageable for dogs and other small animals. This is the reason why this medical concern is often ignored during its early stages. Unless you take your dog to a veterinarian for regular checkups, it is unlikely that you will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from a mild case of UTI.
Urinary tract infections in dogs can be classified into two categories. A dog UTI can be classified as an upper urinary tract infection or a lower urinary tract infection. These two types of dog UTI's each portray different symptoms. The common symptoms of upper urinary tract infections are weight loss, vomiting and anorexia.
Five Tips on How to Prevent UTI in Dogs
Urinary tract infection is a disease that is very common in dogs. There is a 14% chance that your dog will suffer from UTI during its lifetime. However, if you are attentive to your dog's health care needs, you may be able to prevent this disease from occurring. Here are five helpful tips that will help you prevent UTI in your dog.
1. Make sure that your dog gets toilet breaks frequently.
If your dog shows signs of having to go to the bathroom, immediately take your dog outside. Urine contains bacteria, and the bladder is responsible for holding the urine until it is expelled. If urine stays in the bladder longer than necessary, bacteria may propagate and eventually find its way into other organs. Don't make your dog wait to go to the bathroom for too long! Try to take your dog outside every few hours, if possible. Better yet, provide your dog with constant outdoor access so that it can take control over its own bathroom habits.
2. Provide your dog with adequate water.
Water helps to clean your dog's urinary tract. It replenishes the body's fluids while washing away bacteria. Give your dog enough water throughout the day to encourage sufficient urination. Urination is the body's natural way of clearing away harmful microorganisms. Give your dog open access to water, and make sure to replace the water once per day.
3. Prepare citrus drinks for your dog.
Citrus drinks like orange juice will cause your dog's urine to become more acidic. If your dog's urine is higher in acidity, the amount of bacteria that are present in the urine is much less. Citrus juices can also reduce the pain associated with urination, if your dog is already suffering from a UTI. Dogs may not like the taste of acidic juices, so you may have to mix the juice with something else. To give your pet sufficient fruit juice, start by providing a bowl of juice next to the food bowl, preferably around breakfast. Let your dog finish a glass of fruit juice for three consecutive days, and always give your dog juice with the first meal of the day.
4. Bring your dog to regular veterinary checkups.
Just like humans, dogs need medical attention too. Try not to let too much time go by without taking your dog to the veterinarian. Veterinary check-ups can be useful for identifying health conditions at an early stage, and ensuring that you are doing the best to maintain overall good health for your dog.
5. Give your dog proper food and nutrition.
To ensure that your dog won't acquire UTI, make sure to feed your dog only in the recommended amount listed on your dog food's packaging. Be sure to take away uneaten portion of your dog's meal immediately, so that bacteria does not get into it. It would be very harmful for your dog if it ingested contaminated food. Dispose of any excess food, and try to maintain a sanitary environment for your dog to enjoy mealtimes.
Medical Diagnosis of UTI in Dogs
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from urinary tract infection, it is best that you take your pet to the veterinarian right away for proper medication. While there are several home remedies for UTI in dogs, pet owners are strongly advised to give their pets the right medicine to relieve them of the discomfort the disease may bring.
The diagnosis of urinary tract infection in dogs starts with a physical exam. Your veterinarian will observe the clinical symptoms that your dog is exhibiting to verify the disease and its severity. However, the most common methods used today for UTI diagnosis are a complete urinalysis, as well as a urine culture. A portion of the dog's urine is tested and cultured so that its bacteria content can be determined. Keep in mind that dog UTI only occurs if the invading bacteria had fully defeated the dog's immune system.
Health Complications of UTI in Dogs
If your dog is suffering from a urinary tract infection, it has to be treated immediately. This is because a simple UTI can develop into a more complicated disease if left ignored for a long period of time. A UTI may lead to any of the following health complications in dogs:
1. Renal Failure.
Renal failure or kidney failure occurs if the normal functions of the kidney are disrupted. The dog's body needs to produce and release urine in the amount of 2 ml/kg per hour. If the amount of urine does not meet these requirements, the kidney processes may become abnormal. If this problem continues for a long period of time, renal failure will follow.
2. Removal of kidneys.
UTI, in its advanced stages, may gradually reach a point where the kidney has to be removed entirely to prevent further damage by this disease. While this doesn't happen to all dogs, the possibility is always there. This is a very alarming complication, and it only enhances the importance of treating dog UTI at the moment the disease is detected.
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
Urinary tract infection in dogs is a disease that can be easily cured with the right treatment procedures. A qualified veterinarian is the best person to give advice on the proper treatment to help your dog overcome a urinary tract infection.
The first step in providing effective treatment is to determine the extent of the disease. The veterinarian needs to assess the complications of your pet's infection. Mild cases of dog UTI require simple treatments, while more severe cases may need complicated medical procedures.
Treating UTI in dogs begins with attentive health care. This means that your pet needs to be taken to a veterinary office as frequently as needed, as symptoms of a UTI progress. If necessary, you may have to also submit your dog for extended veterinary care, especially if they have a serious case of UTI.
Home Remedies for UTI in Dogs
Urinary tract infection is not a life-threatening disease. It is a problem that can be addressed right from the comfort of your home, unless your dog's case is so severe that intensive veterinary care is required. The home remedies for dogs listed here should be applied if and only if your pet's disease is considered mild.
Here are some of the best home remedies to help your dog with the discomfort associated UTI. Remember, these remedies can not replace a veterinary visit, and you should still consult your veterinarian about the best treatment options for your dog.
1. Citrus Juices.
When dealing with a UTI, try giving your dog citrus juices. Some good examples are orange juice, cranberry juice and lime juice. These juices will help boost the acidity of your dog's urine. With a higher acid content, the amount of bacteria in the urine is lessened. If your dog is unable to drink a full glass of citrus juice, try giving it in small doses.
2. Apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is a very popular home remedy for UTI's. It works extremely well for humans, and has the same high effectiveness for treating a UTI in your dog. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog's food once per day. You can also add apple cider vinegar to your dog's water for three straight days. The effect of apple cider is the same as the citrus juices. Apple cider vinegar neutralizes the bacteria in the urine, and can help reduce your dog's discomfort from this disease.