Dog Urinary Tract Infection: Symptoms to Watch Out For

Section 1: Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs

Dogs suffering from a urinary tract infection often exhibit frequent urination, accompanied by discomfort and distress during the process. The urine may be intermittent and, in severe cases, appear cloudy, mixed with mucus, blood, or pus. Occasionally, there may be the passage of necrotic tissue or sloughed mucosa. A distinctive symptom is that male dogs may experience prolonged erections, while female dogs might frequently exhibit redness and swelling. During a physical examination of the vulva or penis, the dog may become restless, scratching and trying to avoid the examination.

Section 2: Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs

The primary approach to treating a urinary tract infection involves addressing the root cause, inhibiting bacterial growth, and providing antiinflammatory and antiseptic care. It is advisable to minimize unnecessary procedures during treatment to avoid further stress. Mild cases often resolve on their own once the cause is removed. In more severe cases, the following treatments may be administered:

Injections of 0.01% chlorhexidine, 1% to 3% boric acid solution, or 0.1% potassium permanganate into the urethra for disinfection.

In cases with bleeding tendencies, 1% to 0.5% tannic acid solution or 1% to 2% alum solution can be used for hemostasis.

For very severe infections, antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs should be administered promptly. For instance, 400,000 to 800,000 units of penicillin dissolved in 5 to 10 milliliters of distilled water can be injected over 1 to 2 days, yielding good results.

Disinfectants such as sulfonamides and furazolidone can also be used. Amoxicillin, with about 10% of its原型 excreted through the urethra, offers effective urinary disinfection as well.

When selecting a treatment, it is important to differentiate based on the causative agent. For instance, infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be treated with chlorhexidine or acridine yellow. For Proteus infections, tetracycline can be used, while E. coli infections may respond well to neomycin or kanamycin.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on urinary tract infections in dogs, click here to read "Symptoms and Treatment of Dog Urinary Tract Inflammation."