Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are painful and uncomfortable conditions for dogs. The most common cause of UTIs is bacteria, but the occasional viral or fungal infection also can occur. A UTI is an infection that infects any part of the urinary tract including the ureter, kidneys, urethra, or bladder. Urinary tract infections are more common in female dogs, though both sexes can suffer from them.
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Causes
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Causes of UTIs in dogs are caused mostly by bacteria infections. In a healthy urinary tract, the environment within the ureter, urethra, and bladder is sterile. When an UTI infection occurs, bacteria travel into the sterile environment and colonize the tissue. If not treated, the bacteria can travel further up into the urinary tract, sometimes reaching the kidneys.
Symptoms
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Observable symptoms of UTIs in dogs are often behavioral. The dog may urinate more frequently than normal. There may be blood in the urine. Many dogs who are normally housebroken have accidents even if the pet hasn't consumed more water than usual.
Diagnosis
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If you notice a change in your dog's urination frequency and detect the possibility of a UTI, consult a veterinarian, and take samples of the dog's urine with you if possible. The sample is sent to a lab where any microbes are cultured. If the culture tests positive for bacteria. If it is bacteria, then the treatment is through antibiotics.
Recurrence
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Recurrence of UTIs usually means there is some underlying condition with the dog. After bacteria is given, and if the dog continues to show symptoms of the disease, there may be some antibiotic resistance. The veterinarian will need to provide a prescription of a different type of antibiotic. Another possible cause of recurring UTIs is diabetes.
Prevention
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Prevention of UTIs can be practiced by the pet owner. The dog should always have access to fresh water. Take the dog for frequent walks to release urine from the bladder. Dogs that are kept inside without being able to release urine from the bladder are more likely to develop UTIs.
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