Puppies frequently need to urinate, but when it becomes painful, your pup may be suffering from a bladder infection, considered part of the urinary tract system, also called a UTI, or urinary tract infection. One trip to the vet may be all you need to relieve her discomfort and keep her happy and healthy.
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Symptoms
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Frequent urination, whining and yelping while urinating, foul smelling or bloody urine, appearance of crystals in urine, straining to urinate, excessive licking of genitals, fever and urinating all over the house are all symptoms of a canine bladder infection.
Causes
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While the urinary tract is normally sterile, bacteria can enter through this passageway--especially in female dogs, whose tracts are shorter than males--and multiply, causing inflammation and discomfort in the puppy. When a puppy fails to drink enough water, a UTI can be the result.
Diagnosis
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A veterinarian will perform a physical exam as well as a urinalysis to check the composition, pH and presence of bacteria in the urine.
Treatment
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UTIs are usually cleared up in 10 to 14 days with antibiotic treatment. While the puppy may seem to feel better right away, it is important to continue the full course of antibiotics to completely eliminate the infection.
Prevention
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Providing plenty of fresh water and taking daily walks will encourage the puppy to urinate more often, naturally flushing the urinary tract. Keep the puppy's genitals as clean as possible to avoid future infections.
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