My dog suddenly started asking to go outside very frequently. A sample of urine revealed a bladder infection. How did this happen?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are fairly common in dogs. Dogs with UTIs generally attempt to urinate very frequently whenever they go outside. They also may strain to urinate, or cry out or whine when urinating if it is painful. Sometimes you might even see blood in their urine. Dripping urine, or frequent licking of the genitals, may also signal that a UTI is present. Urine that has a very strong odor to it can also be a sign that your dog has an infection.
A break in housetraining is a red flag that something is wrong in the bladder. If this should happen to your previous well-mannered dog, a UTI may be to blame.
Generally, a UTI occurs when bacteria travels up the urethra and into the bladder. Urine in the bladder is supposed to be sterile, but once bacteria find their way there, they can grow and reproduce, causing a UTI. Additionally, some dogs will develop bladder stones in conjunction with their UTI, which opens the door for additional health issues.
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enters a dogs urethral opening and travels up and into the bladder. (While the diagnosis technically applies to a bacterial infection in any part of the urinary tract, it usually refers specifically to the bladder.) From there, the bacteria multiply and cause an infection and/or kidney stones.
If your dog is diagnosed with a UTI, the vet will likely prescribe antibiotics for one to two weeks. If theres something else going on in addition to the urinary tract infection (such as chronic kidney disease, Cushings disease or diabetes), your dog may be on a longer course of antibiotics for up to six weeks.
If your housetrained dog is suddenly having accidents or needs to go outside more often than usual, the sudden change can be a little concerning for dog owners. And if youve ruled out behavioral causes, it can be a red flag that something is going on in their bladder. One common reason all that housetraining goes out the window is a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can make it difficult and painful for your dog to urinate.
Taking a Urine Sample at Home
Marx recommends trying to get urine from your dogs first-morning pee if possible—itll be the most concentrated sample. Catch it in a clean container that can be sealed.
You can also scoot a soup ladle underneath your dog to catch the urine while she pees and then transfer it to a clean container. But note that a home urine sample has to get to your vets office within two hours.
Dog bladder infection or Dog urinary tract infection (UTI). Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment!
Bladder issues are as common in dogs as they are in people and just as uncomfortable. In todays post our Huntersville veterinary team shares some of the causes, and signs of bladder infections in dogs.
