Canine bladder infections are quite common and easy to treat since they are usually caused by bacteria in the bladder. They are more common in females than male dogs. Older dogs are also more likely to get a bladder infection since it can be caused by tumors and bladder stones. If you suspect your dog has a bladder infection, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. The longer the infection is untreated, the more the bacteria multiply, which causes more pain and inflammation for the dog. Also, untreated infections can lead to more serious problems such as bladder stones, kidney infections or septicemia.
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Accidents
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Household accidents are a frequent hint that your dog might have a bladder infection. Any dog who has been housebroken for years that suddenly has an accident should be watched for other signs of a bladder infection or other illness.
Urinary Habits
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Dogs with bladder infections will have other changes in their urinary habits as well, besides accidents. They may urinate more often, they may strain to urinate or cry out when urinating as if in pain. Urine produced may be bloody or cloudy and/or have a strong smell.
Behavior Changes
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Because the dog may be feeling pain or be uncomfortable, there may be behavioral signs of a bladder infection. Dogs might beg for attention, drink more water or have trouble settling down like they normally would. They might also be unable to control their urination as they normally would and urinate when they are excited or upset.
Missing Signs
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Unlike other infections, bladder infections do not show themselves in other areas of the body. Dogs with bladder infections typically do not have a fever, lose their appetites or have any signs of an infection in blood tests.
Diagnosis
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Diagnosis is made by doing a urinalysis. Your will need to take your dog to the vet. Your vet may request that you bring a urine sample in with you, if possible. If you're unable to do this, avoid walking your dog before taking him to the vet to ensure the vet (or rather a veterinary technician) can collect some urine once you are there.
According to Christie Keith on SFGate.com, some vets may avoid doing the urinalysis. While this seems to save the pet owners money on the upfront, it could actually cost them. A urinalysis ensures the vet has made the right diagnosis and will prescribe the right antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Without it, dog owners can end up spending lots of money on antibiotics that don't work until they find one that does or discover what is really causing the symptoms.
Treatment
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Bladder infections are almost always caused by bacteria and treated with antibiotics. However, bladder infections can also be caused by bladder stones. Therefore it is important to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible (but not immediately). Unless your dog stops urinating altogether or attempts to urinating but nothing is produced. This is a sign there is an obstruction in the urinary tract and should be considered an emergency.
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