Prevention and Cure For Canine UTI

The most common problem affecting most pet dogs is urinary tract infection. This problem causes a lot of discomfort and pain to dogs. Canine UTI is caused by bacteria – Escherichia coli – which enters the dogs bladder and starts to multiply. Especially when the balance of the dog’s urine pH is affected, these bacteria multiply very rapidly. These bacteria enter the urinary tract of the dog via the ureter which carries the urine away from the dog’s body.

Bacteria also enters the dogs body via its external urinary opening. Cystitis, urolithiasis and urinary incontinence account nearly for all UTI cases. These infections cause inflammation of the kidneys, ureters,urethra, prostate and even the bladder.

Dog’s that have strong immune systems which are working properly do not get this infection. Symptoms of canine UTI are not noticeable for long periods of time. A dog suffering from canine UTI usually licks his genitals and moans in pain while passing urine. He remains mostly inactive and even tends to avoid food. He also passes urine with great difficulty and passes some few drops of blood while passing urine.

Other symptoms include foul smelling urine, lethargy, fever,swelling in the lower abdomen,tender bladder, passing out little urine which can cause acidosis, uremic poisoning and dehydration. Urinary tract infection in dogs can be diagnosed by tests for example urinalysis which tests bacteria levels and possible remnants of stone in the urine.

Canine UTI is normally treated using antibiotics for example flouroquinolones and amoxicilin. It takes 14 days to complete treatment. Antibiotics may have side effects for example diarrhea and vomiting. While they address the current problem, they do not prevent in most cases recurring infections.

Causes of recurring UTI are defects in the bladder or urethra, dog bladder stones, canine kidney infection, tumor on the bladder or any other type of disease that lowers the resistance of the body to infections, for example canine cushings disease or diabetes. A lot of people are turning to natural cures for treating canine UTI. These natural remedies treat and prevent urinary complications and do not have any side effects. They are the most advisable method of treatment for tackling canine UTI.

Canine UTI can be prevented if one is aware is the symptoms and causes. Giving your dog clean water is the first step in prevention. Adding drops of cranberry juice to that water reduces chances of contracting urinary complications since it prevents bacteria from clinging to bladder walls and the urinary tract. Assuring your dog does not hold urine for too long and urinates frequently is important. Walking your dog will give him the opportunity to urinate.

If your dog is contracting UTI frequently it is advisable to try a mixture of medications for 6 months and if possible natural medicines associated with returning the urinary PH to normal. Giving your dog small doses of homeopathic remedies for example uva ursi and berberis vulg strengthens the urogenital system of the dog. They treat both causes and symptoms of UTI. They also prevent and treat several other urinary complications in dogs.