Dogs
Owning a dog is not only a wonderful experience but also a great responsibility for any dog owner. Right from the food, water, resting place, and overall health, this innocent animal is completely dependent on its owner. Hence, it becomes extremely important for any pet owner to know about some of the common dog health problems, and what preventive measures can be taken to keep the dog from having them. Bladder infection in dogs is one such health problem that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. So to know more about this dog health syndrome, keep reading...
Causes
Also known as urinary tract infection or acute cystitis, it is a bacterial infection of the inside lining of the urinary bladder and the urethra (the duct through which the urine discharged from the body). Though it affects both male and female dogs, bladder infection is more common in female dogs as they have shorter urethra and so the bacteria can accumulate more rapidly. In some cases, the infection is also caused by crystals (minerals that merge to form bladder stones) causing irritation and inflammation in the bladder. Other probable causes include increasing age, diabetes mellitus, prostatitis and being on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Hence , any medical condition that can interfere with the body's defense mechanism can create an ideal breeding ground for the bacteria.
Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms is extremely important to prevent other health problems. During the initial stages of the infection the dog might not show any signs. However, below are some of the most frequent signs of bladder infection.
Early diagnosis is essential for proper treatment, hence if any of the aforementioned symptoms are seen in the dog, immediately consult a veterinarian. He/she will examine the dog thoroughly, diagnosing the bladder for tenderness, stones, or abnormal firmness. The doctor will then take a urine sample to detect for bacteria, blood, white blood cells, protein, sugar, or any other abnormalities. He/she will also check the urine's concentration and pH. In case of bladder stones or crystals, x-ray or ultrasound may be performed.
Treatment
To treat the bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics which are effective against bacteria. A course of antibiotics like cephalexin or amoxicillin, for 10 days can be prescribed to overcome the infection. For bladder stones or crystals, depending upon the culture and sensitivity tests, the doctor will prescribe necessary antibiotics. However, in case of chronic or severe bladder infection, use of urinary antiseptics, long term antibiotics and change in diet, under veterinarian's supervision can be helpful.
Home Remedies
Below given simple home remedies will not only help treating the condition but also prevent it from occurring in future.
- Urinary Incontinence In Dogs
When a dog passes out urine, involuntarily, then that problem is known as urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence in dogs can occur in both males as well as females, but it is the female dogs, especially the spayed female dogs, who are more prone...
- Frequent Urination In Dogs
Urination problems are quite common in dogs and one such problem that most of the dog owners experience, is dog frequent urination. Normally dogs exhibiting frequent urination are accused of displaying dog's behavioral issues like separation...
- Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common diseases that affects canines. Research has shown that approximately 14% of dogs may get affected by this infection. Bacteria are usually the causal pathogens for urinary tract infections...
- Blood In Dog's Urine
Most dog owners immediately hit the panic button the minute they see blood in their dog's urine and stool. It is good sign if a concerned owner takes immediate steps to find out the cause of this disturbing observation. In many cases, the reason...
- Kidney Infection In Dogs
In canines, like humans, the kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and eliminating toxins through urine. The kidneys consist of filters which are known as nephrons, that help the kidneys in producing urine. These filters are in very large in...
Dogs
Bladder Infection in Dogs
Owning a dog is not only a wonderful experience but also a great responsibility for any dog owner. Right from the food, water, resting place, and overall health, this innocent animal is completely dependent on its owner. Hence, it becomes extremely important for any pet owner to know about some of the common dog health problems, and what preventive measures can be taken to keep the dog from having them. Bladder infection in dogs is one such health problem that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. So to know more about this dog health syndrome, keep reading...
Causes
Also known as urinary tract infection or acute cystitis, it is a bacterial infection of the inside lining of the urinary bladder and the urethra (the duct through which the urine discharged from the body). Though it affects both male and female dogs, bladder infection is more common in female dogs as they have shorter urethra and so the bacteria can accumulate more rapidly. In some cases, the infection is also caused by crystals (minerals that merge to form bladder stones) causing irritation and inflammation in the bladder. Other probable causes include increasing age, diabetes mellitus, prostatitis and being on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Hence , any medical condition that can interfere with the body's defense mechanism can create an ideal breeding ground for the bacteria.
Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms is extremely important to prevent other health problems. During the initial stages of the infection the dog might not show any signs. However, below are some of the most frequent signs of bladder infection.
- Frequent and painful urination (often at unusual places)
- Dribbling urine or straining to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent licking of genitals, to ease the pain or uneasiness while urinating
- Weakness and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst
- Stress, lethargy and depression
Early diagnosis is essential for proper treatment, hence if any of the aforementioned symptoms are seen in the dog, immediately consult a veterinarian. He/she will examine the dog thoroughly, diagnosing the bladder for tenderness, stones, or abnormal firmness. The doctor will then take a urine sample to detect for bacteria, blood, white blood cells, protein, sugar, or any other abnormalities. He/she will also check the urine's concentration and pH. In case of bladder stones or crystals, x-ray or ultrasound may be performed.
Treatment
To treat the bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics which are effective against bacteria. A course of antibiotics like cephalexin or amoxicillin, for 10 days can be prescribed to overcome the infection. For bladder stones or crystals, depending upon the culture and sensitivity tests, the doctor will prescribe necessary antibiotics. However, in case of chronic or severe bladder infection, use of urinary antiseptics, long term antibiotics and change in diet, under veterinarian's supervision can be helpful.
Home Remedies
Below given simple home remedies will not only help treating the condition but also prevent it from occurring in future.
- Bathe the dog regularly to maintain proper hygiene.
- Ensure that the dog is drinking ample amounts of clean water every day.
- Taking the dog out after every few hours will allow it to urinate regularly and prevent bacteria accumulation in the bladder.
- Make sure to take the dog out for long walks regularly, as this stimulates the bladder. Also don't let the dog hold its urine for a very long time as this can lead to a buildup of bacteria.
- Blackberries, raspberries and cranberries contain compounds called ellagitannins that prevent bacterial adhesions to the bladder wall. Hence, provide the dog with these berry juices to avoid any bacteria infection in the bladder.
- Urinary Incontinence In Dogs
When a dog passes out urine, involuntarily, then that problem is known as urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence in dogs can occur in both males as well as females, but it is the female dogs, especially the spayed female dogs, who are more prone...
- Frequent Urination In Dogs
Urination problems are quite common in dogs and one such problem that most of the dog owners experience, is dog frequent urination. Normally dogs exhibiting frequent urination are accused of displaying dog's behavioral issues like separation...
- Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common diseases that affects canines. Research has shown that approximately 14% of dogs may get affected by this infection. Bacteria are usually the causal pathogens for urinary tract infections...
- Blood In Dog's Urine
Most dog owners immediately hit the panic button the minute they see blood in their dog's urine and stool. It is good sign if a concerned owner takes immediate steps to find out the cause of this disturbing observation. In many cases, the reason...
- Kidney Infection In Dogs
In canines, like humans, the kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and eliminating toxins through urine. The kidneys consist of filters which are known as nephrons, that help the kidneys in producing urine. These filters are in very large in...