Puppy Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

How Are Urinary Tract Problems In Dogs Diagnosed

Dogs are examined in afree consultation at Animal Trust where the vet will carry out a physical examination to detect a fever, painful or enlarged bladder or kidneys. Following this, urinalysis is carried out by testing a fresh urine sample for acidity, blood, infection, sugar, concentration and crystals. A urine culture test may also be carried out if bacteria are found in the sample or when an animal experiences recurrent/on-going cystitis.

Blood tests can also be carried out to check for kidney disease, infections and signs of underlying hormonal disorders such as diabetes orCushings disease which may cause your dog to drink more than usual.X-rays and ultrasound scans may be used for ongoing or recurrent UTIs, to check for urinary stones in the bladder or urethra, diagnose bladder tumours and to see if urinary tract anatomy is normal. Prostate and spinal disease may also be picked up on imaging.

Recovery And Management Of Utis In Dogs

Your vet should test your dogs urine following antibiotic therapy for both acute and chronic UTIs. In some instances of chronic UTIs, urine testing will also be performed during treatment, in addition to afterward, to assess the amount of bacteria.

Once urine testing confirms that a UTI is resolved, no further treatment is necessary for dogs with acute UTIs. If your dog has a chronic UTI, they may be kept on urinary tract supplements and probiotics to avoid recurrence.

If your vet diagnoses an underlying medical condition, treatment will aim to control it to avoid recurrent UTIs. Here are a few examples of possible underlying issues and their potential treatments:

• Diabetes mellitus: insulin therapy and diet changes

• Kidney disease: diet changes, blood pressure management, and fluid therapy

• Abnormal vulvar conformation: surgical correction and/or daily cleaning of the perivulvar region

• Urinary crystals: increased water intake, urinary tract supplements, and sometimes a dissolution diet

• Bladder stones: surgical removal via cystotomy, or in some cases, a dissolution diet

• Urinary tract masses: surgical removal and/or chemotherapeutic protocols

Each dog with a UTI should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis since there are so many factors that can contribute to pain and inflammation.

Treatment Of Dog Urine Infections

Once your vet confirms its a dog urine infection, its usually a simple case of prescribing the correct antibiotics to clear the infection up, if a bacteria is thought to be responsible.

Luckily, once this has been administered the symptoms will generally clear up relatively quickly.

To ensure that your dog gets back to full health quickly, its important for you to keep up with the recommended amount of antibiotics for the allotted time your vet has told you. Stopping treatment too early could cause the infection to reappear. If your dogs urine infection seems to be hanging around for too long, go back to your vet and theyll be able to look at an alternative method of treatment.

The important thing is that if you suspect your dog has a urine infection, take them to the vet straight away. Dog urine infections can be painful and uncomfortable so its important to get it treated early so they can go back to being the happy and healthy dog you know and love.

Next, find out what are some of the most common digestive problems in dogs and the signs to watch out for.

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Dog Urinary Tract Infections: Uti Symptoms & Home Treatment

Urinary tract infections in dogs are not only uncomfortable for your dog, they can be dangerous if left untreated. If your dog has a UTI, you need to learn everything you can about the symptoms and causes of dog urinary tract infections so that you can treat it quickly and effectively. Here’s what you need to know.

A Note About Antibiotics For Bladder Infections

Antibiotics are standard treatment for UTIs. The problem with this is that antibiotics dont just kill the bacteria causing the UTI they also destroy the healthy bacteria in your dogs gut. Remember that many holistic vets say that urinary tract problems in dogs are actually inflammation, not an infection. So using antibiotics will damage your dogs microbiome without effectively treating the real cause of your dogs UTI. Thats why UTIs become chronic recurrent infections in many dogs. Urinary concentration of antibiotics is also a factor. The drugs are less effective if they dont achieve high antimicrobial concentrations. In fact, a 2014 review of antibiotics for UTIs at University of Copehagen concluded: there is little published evidence relating to antibiotic treatment of UTIs in dogs and cats. Well-designed clinical trials focusing on the duration of treatment are warranted to create evidence-based treatment protocols.

Antibiotic resistance is also a concern. The more your dog takes antibiotics, the less effective they are. So save them for when theyre truly necessary and avoid antimicrobial resistance thats becoming a problem for all of us!

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Have You Seen Signs Of A Uti In Your Dog

If youve spotted the signs of a urinary tract infection in your dog, dont wait to have it treated. For your pet’s sake, you need to take immediate action and see a veterinarian that can treat the condition and help your dog heal. Animal Care Center of Castle Pines is prepared to offer holistic, expert diagnostics, determine the best treatment, and assist in your pets recovery. Contact us today to schedule a visityour pet will thank you!

February 3, 2022

Treatment For Utis In Dogs

Based on your dogs urine test results, your vet will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic for you to administer as directed.

For acute UTIs, vets usually prescribe an antibiotic for 1-2 weeks. If urine culture and sensitivity testing reveals resistant bacteria, then treatment will include an antibiotic found to fight off that particular bacteria.

To clear the infection for chronic UTIs, treatment will address the underlying cause. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for 4-8 weeks and are based on urine culture and sensitivity to avoid antibiotic resistance. In rare instances of chronic UTIs, your vet may prescribe a lifelong antibiotic for your dogs comfort.

Your vet may also prescribe pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and probiotic supplements to help treat and clear the infections.

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Symptoms Of A Dog Uti

• Urine smells bad.

• Urine is cloudy or bloody.

• Urination is painful for the dog to pass, or the dog seems to be straining a lot when urinating.

• The dog has been licking at its genitals in an attempt to relieve the pain caused by UTI symptoms .

• The dog has been licking at its rear end, which is also an indication of pain, particularly if he/she hasn’t had any UTI symptoms before this point and typically doesn’t do so often.

Baileys Story: Predisposing Factors Play A Role In Utis In Dogs

Bailey, a massive black Newfy, was scheduled with me for acupuncture. She had recently become acutely paralyzed, most likely due to a fibrocartilaginous embolism . I will never forget meeting her because Baileys owner pushed her into the office on a luggage cart like they have in the Marriott lobby. Unusual but brilliant.Fortunately, with time and treatment, Bailey regained mobility. But her problems were not limited to her limbs.

She also had bladder involvement. The nerves that innervate the hind legs come from the same general area in the spine as the nerves that run to the colon and the bladder. This is why its not uncommon to see bladder involvement with hind limb nerve damage.

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Common Bacterial Infections In Dogs

Tuesday, August 9, 2022 10:38:11 AM America/Los_Angeles

Being outdoors exposes our fur babies to plenty of health risks, and bacterial infections just happen to be one that our canine companions experience frequently. While some bacterial infections are easily treatable, others can be persistent or even fatal if left untreated. Read on to find out more about the kinds of bacterial infections that dogs frequently encounter and the symptoms of each.

Photo by Conner Baker

Caution Flag #: Bailey Was Taking Prednisone

Second, Bailey had been prescribed prednisone, which decreased her ability to fight infection. Taking prednisone was another caution flag in her predisposition to develop a urinary tract infection.

Why? One of the side effects of prednisone is that it decreases the bodys immune system. So while the prednisone and acupuncture significantly improved Baileys mobility, her chances of developing an infection were higher than that of the average dog.

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Treatment Of Lower Urinary Tract Issues

If urinalysis indicates the presence of infection, a veterinarian will prescribe an antibiotic. If the veterinarian believes that stones are the cause, an abdominal x-ray is needed. Note that an x-ray may not show a stone when one is in fact the cause of the problem.

Bladder Stones

If your dog has bladder stones, they may be able to be dissolved with prescription dietary modifications. These diets are lower in magnesium, protein, and phosphorous. You will also be advised to increase the amount of water your dog drinks. If you cannot remove bladder stones with diet, there are other methods of removal that can be used such as urohydropropulsion or surgical removal.

Once the bladder stones are eliminated, a prescription diet can help to keep them from coming back. If only crystals are found without the presence of tones, then the prescription diet can also help to avoid any future problems.

Urinary Sphincter Incompetence

Urinary sphincter incompetence is a problem that is common in older female dogs that have been spayed. Signs are incontinence when relaxing or sleeping. Treatment often starts with medications. A veterinarian will also check for any underlying cause.

Behavioral Causes of Urination in the Home

Dogs that are exhibiting behavioral issues could urinate in the home or be experiencing submissive wetting. If your veterinarian cannot find a medical cause, then it may be helpful to consult with a behavior specialist.

Can A Dog’s Bladder Infection Go Away On Its Own

Although in some cases bladder infections in people clear up without the need for medical care, this is unlikely to be true for your dog. It is also the case that, since our canine companions are unable to tell us how they are feeling it is best to have any symptoms of illness checked out by your vet. Left untreated your pup’s bladder infection could become much more severe and lead to complications.

It could also be the case that your dog’s bladder infection symptoms are due to a more serious underlying condition in need of treatment. When it comes to your pet’s health it is always best to err on the side of caution.

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Treatment Of Upper Urinary Tract Issues

Kidney Disease

If your dog has CKD therapies include a prescription diet to reduce the work the kidney’s need to do and supportive care such as:

• Subcutaneous fluid therapy
• Phosphate binders
• Appetite stimulants
• Antacids

The prognosis for dogs with managed CKD is good with many dogs living for years with the condition.

Pyelonephritis

A veterinarian will write a prescription for the appropriate antibiotic. Antibiotics are used to treat PLN for between 6 to 12 weeks. Treatment will continue until the dog has a negative urine culture. Treatment also can include:

• Low-dose aspirin therapy

What Is Urinary Tract Infection

The urethra and bladder are normally sterile environments. However, infectious agents can invade the urinary tract and easily colonize, especially if the normal urinary tract defenses are compromised. Defenses against bacteria can be diminished because of factors such as aging or disease . E Coli is the most common bacterium to cause a urinary tract infection .

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Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs

Dog UTI symptoms result from inflammation and pain due to bacteria invading the bladder wall.

Signs of a UTI in dogs may include:

• Inappropriate urination

• Frequent urination

• Straining to urinate with only a small amount of urine production

• Blood in the urine

In more severe cases, where the infection moves into a dogs kidneys, you may see:

• Lethargy

Dog Urine Infections Are Incredibly Unpleasant For Your Pup Not Only Is It Incredibly Annoying Needing To Wee Every Few Minutes But Its Also Quite Painful When They Go Find Out Everything You Need To Know About Urine Infections In Dogs With This Guide

A dog urine infection is very common, and just like when it happens to us humans, it can be unpleasant and quite painful thanks to the burning sensation when urinating. Luckily, once taken to your vet for diagnosis and treatment, these infections will clear relatively quickly and your canine friend will soon be back to their usual self.

If youre wondering about the signs of dog urine infections and want to know the treatment options available, keep reading as weve put together this handy guide with everything you need to know.

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Medication For Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs

The aforementioned medications are used to treat a bacterial urinary infection in dogs. Non-bacterial infections are treated with other medications, such as fungicides and anti-parasitics. When there are blockages caused by stones or prostatitis, these problems should be treated at the same time as the infection. In addition, the veterinarian will recommend a diet that allows the normal pH of the urine to be restored, as it becomes alkaline during infection.

The prognosis depends on the complication of the infection, as well as the causative agents. Simple infections caused by bacteria usually have an excellent prognosis. In contrast, yeast infections are more difficult to treat. The most complicated urinary infections have a variable prognosis, depending on each case. Treatment is the same for male or female dogs, i.e. dependent on the udnerlying cause.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has A Bladder Infection

The most common signs of bladder infections in dogs include pain or difficulties urinating, blood in urine or in some cases you may notice that your pup is only urinating very small amounts but frequently. Other signs of bladder infections or urinary tract infections include:

• Straining to urinate

• Increased thirst
• Lack of energy

If your pup is displaying any of the symptoms above it’s time to head to the vet for an examination. Bladder infections and urinary tract infections are very uncomfortable and often painful for your dog. When caught and treated early these infections can often be cleared up quickly and easily.

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How To Prevent A Dog Uti

You can prevent a dog UTI once the cause of a dogs urinary infection is known, and your veterinary surgeon can make a long term plan to prevent cystitis from returning. There are also some more simple steps you can follow and build into your dogs daily routine. These include:

• Regularly providing fresh drinking water is essential for all causes. It helps to flush away any bacteria and dilute the urine.
• Urinary tract supplements can help prevent inflammation and improve resilience to infection. Talk to your veterinary surgeon about options available, they include Cystopro, Cystaid.
• Keeping your dog groomed and clean around their back end will help to avoid ascending UTIs due to soiling.
• Allow your dog plenty of opportunities to go to the toilet regularly. Regular voiding of the bladder helps to prevent inflammation.
• Feeding any prescription diets as advised by your veterinary surgeon to help prevent further bouts of stones/crystals.

If you have a concern about your dog or identify any of the common signs of a urinary tract infection, contact your localAnimal Trust surgeryorbook a free consultation with one of our vets.

Lower Urinary Tract Issues

Lower urinary tract disease in dogs is usually caused by:

• Tumors
• Stones
• Inflammation

Signs of lower urinary tract problems include the following. If you observe any of these bring a urine sample to the veterinarian for urinalysis. This in addition to a physical examination will help your veterinarian reach a diagnosis.

• Blood in the urine
• Urine that has a bad smell
• Urination in the home or urination accidents
• Licking the vulva
• A small amount of urine during urination
• Straining during urination

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Monitoring Response To Therapy

Patients with sporadic cystitis may not require rigorous monitoring. However, patients with prostatitis, pyelonephritis, or recurrent infections should be monitored very closely. Recurrent cystitis does not necessarily require a prolonged course of antibiotic therapy. The following protocol is recommended for monitoring response to therapy in patients with recurrent UTI.9

• Reculture urine after 5 to 7 days of antibiotic therapy. Doing so confirms that the prescribed dose and frequency of the drug were successful in treating the isolated organism. This culture also may reveal an additional isolate that was not identified on the initial culture. Observation of any bacterial growth at this time suggests treatment failure reconsider the choice of antibiotic and dosage and administration frequency.
• Reculture urine 3 days before discontinuing antibiotic therapy. This step is optional, but it confirms that when therapy was discontinued the culture was still negative. Positive bacterial growth at this stage suggests a refractory infection or newly inoculated organism. Patients with a positive culture should be investigated for any nidus of infection , and treatment should be altered and new therapy instituted for the same duration as previously intended.
• Reculture urine 7 to 14 days after discontinuing antibiotic therapy. Positive growth should prompt investigation for causes of relapse or reinfection.