Dog Urinary Tract Infection

Dog urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria in the urinary bladder, urethra (the pipe that carries the urine from the urinary bladder to the exterior) or kidney. In a dog, urinary infection symptoms make him wretched and can make the process of urination an agonizing ordeal. Dog urinary infection symptoms are easy to diagnose for a veterinary surgeon and with early treatment the infection will wane off completely within short time. But if it is left untreated, the disease may become fatal.

Dog urinary infection symptoms

The dog will demand to go outside frequently if you have given him proper toilet training. He may cry before you to take him for walking. The dog will feel difficulty in urination. There may be straining. The passed urine will have a fetid smell. In complex and advanced cases of dog urinary infection, symptoms of blood dribbling out from the urethra can be seen. It causes tremendous burning sensation in the total urinary passage, so you may see the dog is licking his genitalia for quite a long time. They do it to ease out a bit. The dog may urinate in inapt places like bed, sofa, dinning table, kitchen etc. The agility of the dog will be compromised severely. He will become lethargic so much the he may refuse to take his choice of foods.

There may be tenderness in the lower part of abdomen for a long standing case of dog urinary infection. Symptom of fever is also seen in those dogs. The moisture over the nose will not be palpable. This is a common but often unnoticed sign of animal fever.

In advanced cases of dog urinary infection, symptoms of kidney involvement can also be seen.

Treatment of dog urinary infection
The earlier the treatment begins; the better is for the dog. There is no point waiting as you notice any dog urinary infection symptom. Offer him plenty of water and other fluid. It is healthier to add some Vitamin C with the water as Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and any other citrus fruit is beneficial in a case of urinary tract infection. You must take the dog outside for walking for more number of times. As he urinates, he will feel better and the bacteria will be washed out. Do not give any food of animal origin for at least five days as nitrogen content in these foods will hamper the healing process. Any medicine should be given after a consultation with the vet.