Dog bladder infections (also known as canine cystitis) are common bacterial infections that take hold in the lining of the dog urinary bladder. Infections are caused by bacteria that enter the body from the area where a dog urinates, and then travel up the urinary tract to the bladder. In some cases, infections can move on to the kidneys.
Symptoms of Bladder Infection in Dogs
If a dog is suffering from any urinary tract or bladder problem, there will be changes regarding when and how your dog urinates. This could include the frequency of urination and pain when urinating. You may notice dog blood in the urine or urine which takes on a cloudy appearance. You might notice that your dog seeks relief by licking the area where he or she urinates. You might also notice lethargic behavior or fever.
Tips for Treating Bladder Infections in Dogs
- See Your Veterinarian – if you notice any unusual symptoms such as blood or pus in the urine, it’s best to see a vet as this may indicate that the dog bladder infection may have spread to the kidneys. It is possible that an infection will clear on its own, but it is best to be on the side of caution to avoid any complications such as stone formation.
Your veterinarian will probably recommend antibiotic therapy. Administer the antibiotics after your dog urinates so that there is a higher concentration of the medication in your dog’s system. - Increase The Number of Times Your Dog Pees Each Day – Urination is natures way of cleansing the bladder and urinary tract. Take your dog on an additional walk each day or provide an extra water bowl. Each will increase the amount of urine and the number of times your dog urinates each day. When urine is allowed to stay in the bladder, it gives bacteria a chance to take hold. Don’t give it that chance.
- Try Some Cranberry Juice – Have you ever heard how Cranberries help human urinary tract infections? The same is true for dogs. Try adding some juice to your dog’s water dish in the morning. Berries have natural properties which keep bacteria from clinging to the walls of the bladder. Raspberries and blackberries are also good choices.
- Try Adding an OTC Remedy to Your Dog’s Diet – Remedies such as UroMAXX contain multiple herbs that can help along with conventional antibiotic treatment and to prevent future canine bladder infections.
During recovery, a natural remedy will reduce the severity of symptoms. Importantly, it will help the body produce urine that has a PH which is in the normal range. Urine that does not have the right PH cannot effectively fight off infection and in turn, crystal or bladder stone formation.
Natural remedies will also help to protect against future infection by boosting the overall physiology of your pet. Many owners take this approach to avoid the overuse of antibiotics, which could have side effects. Natural remedies, on the other hand, are safe to use and are meant for daily use.
When treating bladder infections in dogs, minor changes in the way you care for your dog can speed recovery and protect against future dog bladder infection problems. First, see a veterinarian for confirmation of the condition. Next, add a supplement to your dog’s diet such as the one mentioned above, to strengthen the dog urinary tract and the body’s natural defenses. Add some cranberry juice to your dog’s water bowl in the morning and add an extra walk to your dog’s routine. Together these steps will help to prevent all types of dog urinary problems.
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