Tuesday, December 18, 2012

UTI in Dogs: Why This Happens

By Geraldine Dimarco


Urinary tract infection (UTI) is not only common in humans. It is common in dogs, too. This is most common in female dogs because of their short urethra, but UTI in male dogs is also probable, although rarely. In its early stages of development, UTI in dogs may not necessarily be harmful and may not exhibit obvious signs. In addition, urinary tract infection in some dogs may resolve itself within a span of time even without medical intervention. But if UTI in dogs is not treated for a long period of time, it may cause further infection and damage to the dog?s urinary system.

Early detection of canine UTI is possible. All you need to do is observe the dog?s behavior and urinating habits. An irregularity of his behavior and urinating habits could be a sign of dog UTI. Other initial symptoms of canine UTI include the following: ? Bloody urine ? Pus in the urine ? A foul smell in the urine ? Cloudy urine ? Crystals or stones in the urine ? Fever ? Listlessness and lethargy ? Frequent licking of the genital area. This act could signal pain in the dog?s genital area. ? Incontinence or the inability to control urine ? Frequent and excessive urination ? Straining and yelping in pain while urinating ? Making an effort to urinate but producing none or little urine ? Urinating in inappropriate areas ? Tenderness of the lower area of the stomach

The following are signs of female puppy UTI: 1. Frequent urination. A female puppy suffering from UTI may tend to urinate more often. This constant urination may be caused by an inflammation in its bladder. If inflammation has worsened, this frequent urination may lead to incontinence or the inability for the puppy to control the flow of its urine. 2. In contrast to frequent urination, a puppy with UTI may urinate less than usual. This condition could be caused by a blockage in the female puppy?s urethra or bladder. The blockage may be caused by the formation of stones or plugs. Although blockage is most common in male puppies, it could also happen in females. If left untreated, a complete blockage may occur and put the puppy?s life in extreme danger. 3. Excessive thirst. Female puppies with UTI may also tend to drink more water. This increase in thirst may be a sign of dehydration which may be caused by constant urination or excessive excretion of liquid from its body. 4. Bloody urine. In its advanced stage, UTI in a female puppy may result to bloody urine. This can be extremely painful to the puppy. 5. Straining to urinate. The puppy may strain to urinate but produce only trickles of urine. The puppy may also whimper when trying to urinate because of the pain that goes along with the process. 6. Lethargy. If you notice that your puppy is getting lethargic more often, or is feverish, chances are it may be suffering from female puppy UTI in its advanced stage. Treatment is a must in this condition.

Urinary tract infection is a painful experience for the dog. Now that you have an idea of why and how UTI in dogs happens, it is vital that you take precautionary measures to prevent your dog from contracting another case of dog UTI. Prevention of UTI in dogs is as simple as ABC, as long as you take regular action of the following tips: ? Give your dog ample amount of clean water everyday. ? Give your dog a regular bath, taking note to especially wash its genital area. ? Give your dog a regular dose of homeopathic remedy. ? Wash the dog?s food and water bowl with clean water regularly. ? Regularly take the dog out for a morning or afternoon walk. Exercise can help stimulate its bladder. ? Encourage your dog to urinate regularly. Regular urination is essential to flush out the bacteria that may have accumulated in the dog?s bladder.

Before giving your dog these ingredients, though, be sure to have it brought to the vet for examination first, especially when you notice signs of symptoms of canine UTI in your pet. Canine UTI is a serious health problem in dogs and must not be ignored. Seek the help of a veterinarian as soon as possible when your dog shows signs of dog UTI. This way, you can save your pet from further health problem.




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