Bladder infections in puppies develop when bacteria infects the bladder. Also known as a urinary tract infection, this condition occurs most often in adult dogs, but it can occasionally affect puppies. If the bladder infection is not treated promptly, it can turn into a serious kidney infection, so new puppy owners should learn to recognize the signs of bladder infections.
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Housetraining Problems
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The main signs of bladder infections in puppies are sometimes hard to notice, because they deal with housetraining problems. Dogs who have bladder infections will have a difficult time controlling their need to urinate, making them more prone to having accidents inside, even when they are completely housetrained. Puppy owners who are working to housetrain their pets may not notice this symptom, because the dog does not yet know to urinate outdoors instead of indoors.
Urinary Symptoms
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The urine itself can indicate the presence of a bladder infection. If the urine is particularly dark, bloody, cloudy or foul smelling, the dog likely has a bladder infection. Also, a dog that needs to urinate more often than it normally does may be suffering from a bladder infection. Frequency of urination may be difficult to spot in puppies if they have not yet fallen into a predictable urination pattern. However, puppies with this condition may seem as though they need to urinate, then strain or cannot go when they try to go.
Non-Urinary Symptoms
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Dogs can also exhibit physical signs of bladder infections outside of problems with urination. Puppies that lick the genital area more than they normally do may have the condition. According to San Francisco veterinarian Dr. Eric Barchas, puppies with bladder infections generally lose their normal playfulness and energy, becoming lethargic. Other non-urinary symptoms include increased thirst, discomfort in the lower tummy area and a sudden reluctance to walk or jump. Dr. Barchas also says that a puppy with a urinary tract infection may develop an unkempt coat that has a bad odor.
What to Do
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If you notice these symptoms, do not panic. You do not need to go to the emergency vet as your pet can safely wait up to 24 hours for treatment. Take your pet to your regular vet as soon as you reasonably can. The vet will collect a urine sample to test for bacteria. The doctor will also perform a physical exam to rule out kidney infection or a urinary blockage. If your puppy has a bladder infection, antibiotics should cure it. While you will need to administer the antibiotics for a few weeks as prescribed by the doctor, most symptoms go away after about two days of treatment.
Serious Symptoms
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While standard bladder infection symptoms do not require immediate care, some additional symptoms may indicate a more serious condition, like a blockage or kidney infection. Such symptoms include sudden lack of appetite or energy, complete inability to urinate, pain, vomiting or fever. These symptoms, accompanied by bladder infection signs, require immediate care, since both conditions could be fatal if left untreated. If you cannot see your regular vet and your puppy has these symptoms, take your pet to an emergency vet.
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