Puppy urinary problems are more common than most people realize. Because the main symptom of urinary infection can mirror the normal "growing pains" most puppies experience, it is all too easy to overlook the problem. But urinary tract infection, or UTI, can lead to much more serious conditions if not treated promptly so it is important to pay careful attention to any behavior that is out of the norm for your puppy.
Puppy urinary tract infection is usually caused by a buildup of bacteria in the system. Bacteria builds up when the puppy is unable to urinate for a long period of time and a large amount of urine sits in the bladder, presenting the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Once bacteria builds up it can infect the entire urinary tract and can also spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
Because UTI can itself be a symptom of a more serious problem such as Cushing's disease or cancer, the signs of UTI should never be dismissed. In most cases, the first sign of a puppy urinary problem is sudden urges to go which can lead to urination in places that it shouldn't be happening. If your puppy begins urinating frequently in the wrong places, you shouldn't just write it off as bad behavior, particularly if it continues to happen on a regular basis.
Other symptoms of puppy urinary tract infection include pain during urination, blood in the urine, smelly urine and excess licking of the genitals. If any of these symptoms present, take your puppy to the vet immediately. A simple blood and urine test will be able to determine if, in fact, a UTI is present and how best to treat it.
In most cases of puppy urinary problems, a course of antibiotics will be prescribed for treatment. This approach will provide a cure for the problem, although if a puppy continues to be susceptible to urinary problems, it may make sense to consider adding a homeopathic supplement to the puppy's diet both during conventional treatment and to naturally strengthen the urinary and immune system to prevent future problems.
Among the most effective types of natural treatment to help prevent puppy urinary tract infection are herbal remedies. Made from a special blend of plant based ingredients including Berberis vulgaris, Staphysagris and Cantharis, these remedies not only ease symptoms of UTI but also work to strengthen the immune system, helping improve your puppy's natural defenses and lessening the chance of recurrence.
There are other steps you can take to promote good puppy urinary health, including feeding your puppy a natural diet high in animal proteins and including some cranberry extract in its regular diet to ensure proper urinary tract function. Also, providing your puppy with continual access to clean water is essential, as drinking of plenty of water helps to flush bacteria and other toxins out of the body.
Your puppy faces many challenges as it grows, but urinary tract infection shouldn't be one of them. Take the necessary steps to encourage good urinary tract health and be aware of the signs of UTI so that your puppy can get prompt treatment should symptoms occur. And don't be afraid to make the natural choice to support conventional treatment...it could be the best decision you'll ever make for your growing pup!
Jeff Grill is an editor of the Dog Health Guide which has more information on puppy urinary health. The author also recommends the Pet Health Guide for more information on homeopathic puppy urinary tract infection treatment options.
Currently have 0 comments: