Dog urinary tract infections certainly bring an end to all the tail-wagging fun of owning a dog. However, don't assume that just because a dog has symptoms indicative of dog urinary tract infections, that all hope is lost. Most dogs can recover from dog urinary tract infections with a veterinarian's care and a change in diet. First consider why urinary tract infections in dogs happen. Scientifically speaking, UTI in dogs occurs when bacteria starts to overpower the dog's immune system, creating a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. How does bacteria get inside the dog's body in the first place? Usually from the pet's food and water sources. Once the bacteria infiltrates the system is goes through the lymphatic system and the blood. If these bacteria are not eliminated then it will start to spread to other parts of the dog's urinary tract. All of the organs inside the dog's body are related, so if your dog has dog urinary problems eventually the infection will spread to the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, and prostate gland. The more the infection spreads the more at risk the animal becomes. Therefore, once you notice symptoms of dog urinary tract infections it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Understand that dog urinary problems are not exactly rare; after all, nearly 15% of the entire dog population in the world suffers from UTI at some point. Dog urinary problems are serious, if not necessarily fatal, so you should seek treatment from a veterinarian as soon as you notice the symptoms. What are some common symptoms of dog urinary tract infections to look for? Since this is a disease that affects the urinary tract, you should start by looking for any evidence of urinary difficulty in the dog. If you notice a dog licking its genitals, this could be an indication of inflammation of the urethra. The dog thinks that by licking its genitals it can help ease the painful itching. Lastly, if you notice any bleeding during urinating (or perhaps a reddish color), or if you notice the urine has an unusually foul odor, this is a strong indication of UTI.
Once you take the dog in for diagnosis the veterinarian will give you instructions on how to go about giving treatment. The first objective will be to eliminate the infection and then proceed on with the prevention of future dog urinary problems. The first step in controlling infection and inflammation will probably involve administering antibiotics. This antibiotic will destroy the bacterial inside the urine. However, before this powerful medication can be prescribed the doctor must know how sensitive a pet is to certain medications.
The Option of Herbal Supplements
Remember that you don't have to take the prescription medication if you or the doctor think that it may affect the dog adversely. You can find homeopathic products online, which are safer than prescription strength medications. These herbal treatments are naturally based and may help your animal to recover from UTI without undergoing a serious risk. In the meantime, be sure to give your dog plenty of water, as the more water that is contained in the system, the more functional the dog's urinary system will be. In contrast to cats, dogs actually drink lots of water and this can definitely help in the animal's recovery. You might also have to start buying prescription or dietary dog food from a vet's office (or online retailer) rather than continue to buy cheap dog food from the grocery store.
For more information on dog urinary tract infections and how you can prevent symptoms from recurring, visit http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com
My name is Einar Eskeland. I am a norwegian medical doctor, and a yoga and meditation enthusiast since youth. I promote several high quality sources of knowledge and products for self improvement, health, evolution and growth as a part of my practice as a doctor, and as a help for my patients in their struggle to regain health and balance.
http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com
Join The Community