Bladder infections in dogs occur when bacteria or other microbes enter the bladder, causing a variety of symptoms mostly associated with urination And we have to say that female dogs are more prone to bladder infections, although any canine can get them.
The illness causes irritation to the bladder, which is normally sterile and, if left untreated, can cause other more serious complications. If you notice the signs of a bladder infection in your dog, it is important to consult your veterinarian, therefore knowing about the symptoms, causes and treatments for the bladder infections in dogs.
Symptoms of Bladder Infections in Dogs
The most common symptom of bladder infections in dogs is frequent urge to urinate, even when little or no urine is present, this being caused by irritation of the bladder walls caused by the infection.
Here are some other common symptoms associated with bladder infections in dogs:
- Small amounts of blood-stained urine
- Strong or strong smelling urine
- Frequent squatting or straining to urinate
- Painful urination, indicated by shaking, whimpering, or aching
- Accidents around the house or places your dog doesn't normally urinate
- Urine leaks while you sleep, sometimes when you are awake
- Lick the genital area
- Excessive thirst
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Threw up
- Formation of bladder stones
Bladder stone problem
Bladder stones can block the flow of urine, which is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
If your dog has a swollen or painful abdomen and is unable to urinate at all, see an emergency vet as it is important to know that these symptoms may be signs of a broader problem, including lesions, malignant or benign tumors, the prostate and much more. This is why it is important to see your vet to rule out these causes.
Causes of Bladder Infections in Dogs
Bladder infections are often caused by bacteria, usually by the E. coli or Staph, which can be transferred through fecal matter from the anus or other bacteria from the genitals. Diarrhea can make a bladder infection even more likely, and excessive licking can transfer germs to the urethra and later to the bladder.
One of the reasons male dogs get bladder infections less often is because the anus is further from the urethra, where bacteria can migrate to the bladder. If your dog tends to get nervous during defecation, they are more likely to get a bladder infection, so you should make sure that your dog remains reasonably clean.
Diabetes increases the risk of bladder infections, as well as certain medications that suppress the body's immune system such as corticosteroids, including some antibiotics can also increase the risk of infection.
Treatments for bladder infections in dogs
Treatments for bladder infections typically include a round of antibiotics for a week or two to fight bacteria that cause irritation. Veterinarians may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and may prescribe pain medication if your dog experiences discomfort.
There are also natural remedies, such as cranberry supplements, which may come with fewer side effects, but you should always ask your vet before administering any type of treatment.
In the case of bladder stones, your vet will need to prescribe a change in diet that can change the chemicals in your dog's urine to help the stones dissolve.
This is not always effective and your vet may wish to perform surgery to remove the stones. Another technique consists of use a catheter through the urethra that emits sound waves to crush stones and then expel them.