How to Treat Urinary Infections in Your Dog
You may have never heard of urinary infections in pets, but they’re a very common evil that can keep occurring. Their symptoms can lead us to believe that our animal simply has behavioral problems. Learn about the causes and symptoms and how to treat urinary infections in dogs in today’s article.
What are canine urinary infections?
First, it’s important to understand that any dog can get a urinary infection. However, those with careless owners or dogs who live on the street are more likely to suffer.
The urinary system is responsible for eliminating toxins and other waste that our bodies don’t need. Therefore, when there isn’t enough urine, these toxins can accumulate in the urinary ducts, blocking them and then causing a urinary infection.
Causes of urinary infections
There are several causes of urinary infections, such as kidney stones, tumors, excessive moisture, and others. They’re usually caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli in dogs, although they can also be affected by fungi and other bacteria.
When it comes to dogs, there are more cases of these infections in females because their urethra is shorter and wider, which makes it easier for bacteria and parasites to enter. Additionally, they urinate much less than males, which can cause obstructions in the urinary ducts.
Although this infection is common, you should still be careful. The reason for this is because it could spread to the blood and cause a lot of problems for your pet. Because of this, you need to be well-informed about its symptoms.
Symptoms
It’s not always easy to tell if something is wrong with our pets because, obviously, they can’t talk to us. However, your pet’s body language will always tell you one way or another, hinting that he might be suffering.
How can you tell if your dog has a urinary infection? These are some of the symptoms. Watch your pet carefully:
- Urine that smells worse than usual
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy urine
- Trying to urinate but not being able to
- Little urine being expelled
- Urinating more than usual
- Slight fever
- Loss of appetite
- Inflammation in the genitals
- Repeatedly licking a certain area
- Depression.
If you see any of these symptoms in your pet, take him to the veterinarian. The vet can determine if he has an infection by taking a urine sample. Then, he’ll prescribe antibiotics and, if they don’t work, he’ll do a urine culture.
This consists of putting a small tube into the urinary system that will help the vet identify exactly what type of fungus or bacteria is causing the infection. That way, he can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Home remedies to treat urinary infections
If you’re one of those owners who prefers home remedies, you can also try some of these. However, you should still talk to your vet first. Remember, your pet is a living being and he deserves the best care.
These are some of the most effective ways to treat urinary infections. However, if you don’t see any improvements in one or two days, please go to the vet:
- Increase the amount of liquid he’s drinking. This is the best way to treat urinary infections, clean the urinary ducts, and make the animal expel everything. You may have to give him the water using a syringe since he might find it strange to drink more than usual.
- Orange juice. The vitamin C will increase his urine’s acidity and help with its expulsion. Don’t overdo it with this remedy, though since too much acid can damage your pet’s stomach. Make a small glass of juice and mix it in with his daily water.
- Apple cider vinegar. They say that vinegar is the best cleaner in the world, and it’s true, even for our bodies. Put a spoonful of the vinegar in his water three times a day. This will help unclog his urine ducts.