Urinary Bacterial Infections in Dogs

Bacterial urinary infections are an uncomfortable common occurrence among dogs. In fact, according to Dr. Holly Nash of Doctors Foster and Smith, about 14 percent of dogs will experience a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. Also called bacterial cystitis, bacterial urinary infections develop many symptoms among the dog and can be difficult to treat.

  1. The Facts

    • The urinary tract is composed of the kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureters. Its purpose is to filter waste from the blood and turn it into urine, which is then released from the body. When the bladder becomes infested with bacteria, bacterial urinary infections occur. The infection can also spread to the kidneys, urethra and ureters.

    Symptoms

    • Dogs with bacterial urinary infections usually display similar symptoms. According to MarvistaVet.com, symptoms of a bacterial infection include urinating small amounts, urinating frequently and in multiple areas, increased water consumption, inability to hold their bladders for the normal amount of time and blood in the urine. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.

    Causes

    • Bacterial urinary infections typically occur when bacteria enters through the urethra, then travels up to the bladder or even kidneys, suggests Dr. Nash. In a normal dog, the bladder is sterile, which means there is no bacteria present. Usually, the dog's body will prevent bacteria and other organisms from growing in the urinary tract.

    Diagnosis

    • If you suspect your dog is suffering from a bacterial urinary infection, consult his veterinarian immediately. The doctor may ask you to collect the sample and bring it in, or he may obtain the sample via cystocentesis, in which the urine is collected directly from the bladder. The doctor will usually run a urinalysis or a culture and sensitivity, which determines which medications will resolve the infection.

    Treatment

    • According to MarvistaVet.com, most bacterial urinary infections are resolved with treatment that consists of administering antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. The dog's symptoms usually resolve about two days after the medication is initially given. However, it is important to give your dog the entire course. If all of the prescribed antibiotics are not administered, the infection could return.