As with humans, dogs Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs are common. Learning that your canine friend has a UTI can be disheartening. Luckily, you have come to this post. Here, we shall look at the treatment options for dogs with urinary tract infection, the symptoms to look out for, and how to prevent your dog from getting urinary tract infections.
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How to Identify Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs?
UTI in humans is characterized by the constant need to visit the washroom and a constant ache. Having urinary tract infections is not a laughing matter.
Your dog will have a urinary tract infection if a bacteria gets into the urinary tract, in most cases through the urethra. As with humans, urinary tract infections in dogs will make them uncomfortable and may have far-reaching effects on your dog’s health if left untreated. The best thing is that urinary tract infection in dogs is treatable if detected early.
Cephalexin for dogs is often prescribed for urinary tract infection. Cephalexin is among the most effective used to treat bacterial infections in dogs, including urinary tract infections. Cephalexin for dogs is taken orally, and you can use it to your dog with or without food.
To minimize the Cephalexin side effects for dogs, consider offering it with food. Common side effects associated with Cephalexin include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, nausea, etc. it is advisable to consult your veterinarian if you notice any or all of the above side effects.
Since Cephalexin is available on prescription only, ensure to follow all the instructions from your veterinarian. As with any other medication, you shouldn’t give your dog Cephalexin leftover from another animal’s prescription.
Your vet will conduct a test to ascertain that indeed your dog is having urinary tract infection before prescribing any medication. As such, unless your dog has a history of UTI Infections, your first step should be to contact your vet if you suspect your dog is unwell.
When your vet has confirmed that your dog has UTI, they will go ahead and prescribe the necessary medication.
Signs of Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs
>Generally, dogs with urinary tract infections will have difficulty when passing urine, which is sometimes accompanied by pain. In some instances, it is possible to see traces of blood in the urine. You should also be concerned if you notice your dog is not adhering to the house training protocols.
To that end, here are some signs that your dog has urinary tract infection:
- Constant and strained urination
- Smelly urine
- Cloudy urine
- Signs of pain when passing urine
- Dribbling urine
- Not adhering to house training
- House accidents
- Licking the genitals frequently
While the above signs should make you worried, you should be more concerned if your dog shows more severe symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and significant tenderness around the genitals. In fact, if you notice the above symptoms, ensure to call your vet immediately.
What Causes UTIs in Dogs?
>As earlier stated, urinary tract infections are caused by a bacterial infection in the urethra. Specifically, UTIs are due to bacteria known as E.coli. Dogs with weak immune systems are more susceptible to bacterial infections.
Among other problems, kidney stones, prostate disease, bladder stones, cancer of the bladder, stress, and congenital problems can lead to a bacterial buildup in the urinary tract.
Your vet will examine your dog’s urine to determine the type of bacteria that has infected your dog’s urine system. This way, they can tell the UTI infection that your dog is suffering from.
H>How to Prevent UTIs in Dogs
can significantly avoid the costs of treating urinary tract infections and their effect on your dog by preventing them from occurring. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can completely prevent your dog from UTIs. To that end, here are some steps you can take to prevent urinary tract infections in dogs:- Ensure your pet gets enough water and freshwater
- Ensure your dog urinates as many time as possible
- Ensure that the areas around the urinary opening are groomed regularly to prevent bacteria buildup
- Ensure your dog gets a healthy and balanced diet
- Ensure a vet checks your dog regularly
- Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many steps you can take to prevent and treat UTIs in dogs. As with any other bacterial infection, early diagnosis is key to ensuring that your dog gets the much-needed help. If you notice any of the above symptoms, be sure to consult your vet immediately.
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