Symptoms & Treatments for Dog Urinary Tract Infections

Section 1: Causes and Symptoms of Canine Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are quite common in dogs, affecting about 14% of them. While factors like prolonged holding of urine, kidney diseases, or living in a damp and unclean environment can increase the risk, even healthy dogs with good hygiene can develop UTIs.

The primary cause of canine UTIs is often bacterial infections around the reproductive area. These bacteria can be picked up from outdoor grass or transmitted through foreign objects during play. If the bacteria adhere to the genital area, they may ascend and lead to secondary infections in the bladder, prostate, and other urinary tract components.

Additionally, dogs with diabetes, kidney diseases, or hormonal imbalances, as well as female dogs with shorter urethras, are more susceptible to bacterial UTIs.

Symptoms of canine UTIs include painful urination, frequent urination, strongsmelling urine, dark urine color, blood in the urine, and a dog frequently licking its genital area. However, these symptoms are not exclusive to UTIs, as kidney and bladder stones can also present similarly. Accurate diagnosis requires a urine test.

Section 2: Treatment Methods for Canine Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs caused by bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics to control inflammation, reduce secondary infections, and alleviate pain during urination. Common medications include cephalexin, amoxicillin, and enrofloxacin tablets.

During treatment, it's crucial to encourage your dog to drink plenty of water to promote the excretion of urinary tract inflammatory secretions, which can accelerate recovery. Consider supplementing with普安特的泌保片 (Puan's泌保片), a supplement that helps with antibacterial and diuretic effects, and provides relief for the urethra.

In cases of severe UTIs or when the response to medication is not satisfactory, it's advisable to seek veterinary care for intravenous fluid therapy or to investigate the possibility of bladder or kidney stones.

It's important to note that canine UTIs generally do not resolve on their own and can worsen over time. Therefore, if you notice any abnormalities, it's crucial to take your dog to a vet for examination and treatment promptly.