Dogs that exhibit confusion and have strong or foul smelling urine, may have a UTI or urinary tract infection. This can be a serious condition, so be sure to consult your veterinarian if your dog has these symptoms.
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Identification
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A UTI is also known as acute cystitis and may develop slowly over time. A dog may have this infection for quite a while before any symptoms develop. However, if confusion and strong urine become noticeable, it is a sign of a serious condition and may affect other vital organs.
Symptoms
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Some of the symptoms associated with UTIs may include confusion, foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, lethargy, fever, straining while urinating and a tender abdominal area.
Causes
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The cause of a UTI is the entrance of bacteria into the urinary tract of the dog. Female dogs often are more prone to these infections, due to the fact that they have a shorter urethra. This allows the accumulation of bacteria, which can lead to a UTI. In male dogs, the prostrate area can hold bacteria which may lead to infection.
Treatment
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Antibiotics are often used to treat UTIs in dogs. However, if the symptoms are severe, the veterinarian may need to treat the infection aggressively to avoid further complications.
Prevention/Solution
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In order to prevent UTIs in dogs, it is important to bathe them regularly and make certain that your dog drinks clean water daily. Taking the dog out and allowing it to empty its bladder completely may also help prevent infection.
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