A urinary tract infection, also referred to as a UTI, is uncomfortable and often painful. Both humans and animals are subject to them. It's important to detect and treat a UTI in your dog immediately; otherwise, the infection could spread to other areas of the body (such as the kidneys) and cause a more serious and potentially lethal problem. Fortunately, treating a UTI in your dog is relatively easy.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription antibiotic
- Clean water
- Healthy diet
Instructions
Look for signs of a UTI before you begin treatment. Common side effects of canine UTIs include blood in the urine, whimpering/moaning while urinating, foul-smelling urine, frequency of urination and accidents inside the home.
If the situation remains the same or worsens over the next 24 to 48 hours, take your dog to your local veterinarian for examination and treatment. Your dog will likely be prescribed an antibiotic to eliminate the bacterial infection.
Provide your dog with access to plenty of clean drinking water and encourage more consumption. Increased hydration will help to flush out the bacteria accompanying a UTI.
Take your dog out to urinate more frequently than you normally would. With an increased water intake, your dog will need to urinate more often. Most house-trained dogs will wait to urinate until they are allowed outside, but delaying the opportunity can make the infection worse. Don't make your pet wait to urinate.
Ensure your dog eats a healthy diet. When the pH levels in your pet's urine become imbalanced, the UTI cannot heal as quickly. A healthy diet is also a preventative measure. Make sure that your dog has only the appropriate amount of magnesium, phosphate and aluminum for its size and breed.