Can Dogs Get Bladder Infection? Treating UTI in Dog.

(May 5, 2010)

A dog bladder infection, also called a urinary tract infection (UTI) or acute cystitis, is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. Dog Bladder infections increase the risk of the development of bladder stones. The urinary bladder is a sac-like organ for storing urine. When the sphincter, which is the muscle surrounding the urethra, closes off the flow of urine, the bacteria travels up the urethra into the dog’s bladder, resulting in a bladder infection. The bacteria begin to reproduce causing pain and inflammation of the bladder. Female dogs are more prone to bladder infections because they have a shorter urinary tract and a weaker sphincter, which makes it easy for bacteria to ascend to the bladder.

In bladder infections, the mineral present in the dog’s urine crystallizes and forms bladder stones. Infections in the urinary tract also cause urinary incontinence. Dog urinary incontinence is also caused due to excessive consumption of water and a weak sphincter. A dog urinary tract infection may lead to long-term infections that can, at times, become difficult to treat.

• Build-up of bacteria in the bladder when the dog does not urinate
• Excessive containment without opportunity to urinate
• Lack of adequate water
• Poor quality dog foods
• Harsh house training practices
• Hormone changes that change the pH balance of the bladder
• Environmental exposure

• Irritation in the interior of the urethra
• Straining when urinating
• Burning sensation in the urinary tract
• Dribbling urine
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Fatigue and fever
• Foul smelling urine
• Constant licking of the genital area
• Tenderness in lower stomach area

The veterinarian may do an initial physical examination to feel for stones by palpating the bladder. For a definite diagnosis, an X-ray or ultrasound is performed. If detected early, dog urinary tract infections are usually treated with antibiotics and a special diet to dissolve the stones by changing the mineral content of the urine. Other ways of removing the stones include surgery or a sonic vibration that crushes the stones in the bladder. It is important to start treatment immediately, because if ignored, it can have serious consequences that might include kidney failure and infection in other organs.

Given below are a few ways in which you can prevent dog bladder infections:

• Take your dog out more frequently for walks; this will help in getting rid of the bacteria in the bladder.
• Give citric juices to your dog as it makes the urine more acidic and reduces the quantity of bacteria in the bladder.
• Provide your dog with access to adequate fresh water so that he/she urinates more often.
• Feed your dog high quality dog food.
• Be patient while housetraining your dog. Avoid punishing the dog harshly for any accidents.