Dog urinary infection often comes as a surprise to pet owners, but it’s fairly common.  After being caught off-guard, many dog owners have questions about dog bladder infection.  Here are answers to your questions.

What Is A Dog Bladder Infection?

Canine urinary tract infection is caused by a bacterial infection.  Your vet may refer to it as an “ascending” infection.Your dog’s intestinal tract is usually the source of the bacteria that causes dog bladder infection.  The bacteria start out at the skin around the anus, and “ascend” through the urethra to the bladder.

Are There Other Causes Of Canine Urinary Tract Infection?

Yes.  Your dog may have bladder stones, which can make it easier for him to develop canine urinary tract infection.    

Other factors include tumors in the bladder, not being able to empty the bladder completely, and diseases like diabetes or Cushing’s disease.  If your dog is being given drugs that suppress the immune system, like cortisone or chemotherapy, he may be more prone to a bladder infection.

What Symptoms Of Dog Urinary Infection Should I Be Watching For?

Dogs with bladder problems may have blood in their urine or urinate frequently or strain to pass urine.

But sometimes it’s not so obvious.  If your dog is acting restless and wants to go out all the time, or starts urinating all over the house, this may not be a behavior problem.  It could be signs of a canine urinary tract infection.

How Does Your Vet Diagnose Dog Bladder Infection?

Ideally, your vet will run a urinalysis first to determine if there are bacteria or bladder stones in your dog’s urine.  If bacteria are present, the next step should be a dog urine culture and a sensitivity test.  

A urine culture is necessary to identify which bacteria are present.  The sensitivity test tells your vet which antibiotic is the best one to do the job.  

Do I Really Have To Give My Dog ALL The Antibiotic?

Absolutely.  If you stop treating bladder infection in dogs too soon, the infection can come back.  Plus, stopping the treatment too soon encourages antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.  

If your dog has side effects from the antibiotic, contact your vet.Don’t use this as an excuse to stop giving your dog the medication.

Why Does My Pet’s Dog Bladder Infection Keep Coming Back?

It’s possible that it’s the same infection that was never completely eradicated.  A dog urine culture and sensitivity test should be done before you treat him again.  After treatment is over, you can see if it was successful by repeating these tests.

Can Natural Remedies For Dogs Help?

People have been using safe, effective, natural treatments for bladder infections for centuries.  Many pet owners ask if natural remedies for dogs can help dogs with canine urinary tract infection.

The answer is yes.  But you do need to be sure you’re using remedies gentle enough for animals, not people.  Do your homework and purchase your remedies only from a company with a great reputation for producing the highest-quality herbal remedies for pets.These remedies are easy to give to your pet every day to prevent bladder infection in dogs, besides being safe and effective.

If you’re tired of watching your pet suffer from canine urinary tract infection, click on any link in this article to learn more about natural remedies for dogs.