If you've ever suffered from a urinary tract infection, you know how painful and uncomfortable they are. Unfortunately, dogs can also contract urinary tract infections. Infection generally occurs as a result of bacteria entering a dog's bladder through the urethra. In more serious cases, the infection travels through the urinary tract to the kidneys. Should your dog begin to urinate often in small amounts, seem to be in pain while urinating, have accidents or you notice blood in the urine, it may have a UTI that can be treated by numerous medications.
-
Antibiotics
-
Dogs are often prescribed antibiotics to combat UTIs. Antibiotics effectively kill the bacteria present in the urinary tract and bladder. They do, however, come with some nasty side effects, including nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, lethargic or hyper behavior, and kidney disease. In fact, VetInfo.com warns that dogs with kidney disease should not be prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotics commonly prescribed for canine UTIs include amoxicillin, cephalexin and sulfamethox. For more serious cases an injection of a cephalosporin class antibiotic may be necessary.
Homeopathy
-
Many people have opted to treat their own medical conditions with homeopathic medicine, and some are even taking that one step further to their pets. VetInfo.com does acknowledge that homeopathic medicines for UTIs in dogs are successful and have fewer side effects. The three treatments that VetInfo.com calls out specifically are Berberis Vulgaris, specifically for its anti-inflammatory properties; Cantharis, to relieve itching; and Staphysagris, for the prostate in male dogs.
Antibacterials
-
Antibacterial medication may also be prescribed to treat a canine UTI, according to VetInfo.com. The most commonly prescribed drug is marbofloxacin (known by the brand name Zeniquin). This powerful antibacterial drug is of the quinolone class, meaning it prevents bacteria from replicating its DNA. Both VetInfo.com and DrsFosterSmith.com warn, however, that this medication should not be prescribed for puppies. In addition, the antibacterial drug does have serious side effects in rare cases that include depression and seizures in dogs with central nervous disorders.
Liquids
-
Although liquid is not a medicine, the key to ridding your dog of a UTI is to keep its bladder flushed out and clean. VetInfo.com recommends fresh water and citrus juices if your dog will drink them. Because citrus juice is high in acid, it increases the level of acid in the dog's urine inside the bladder and helps kill more bacteria. VetInfo.com cautions, however, that this treatment is effective in early cases of a UTI, but medication may still be necessary to combat a more advanced infection.
-