Viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites are infectious agents that colonize a host organism. When these infectious agents multiply, the normal functioning of the host will be impaired. Urinary infection is a common infection of dogs. The good news is that this kind of infection unlike distemper, parvovirus, rabies and canine hepatitis is not contagious. Canine urinary infection is a very treatable concern. However, urinary infection that is left untreated can spread to the kidneys resulting to life threatening situations.
Dogs are affectionate and sociable pets. The pet would be in 7th doggie heaven if the owner sets aside time to bond with the pet. Being loving and caring though would not be enough. The dog owner also has to be responsible especially to the concerns that involve the health of the pet. It is not enough for a dog owner to bring home treats for the pet every day. It would be the owners job to be aware of the changes in physical appearance and in the behavior of the pet as often times; these changes denote a health concern. It is necessary for a dog owner to learn about the symptoms of the most common canine health concerns. By spotting the signs early, prompt medical care can be given to the dog. This would mean speedy recovery for the pet and avoidance of sky rocketing veterinarian costs.
Urinary infection occurs when bacteria managed to get into the urethra. The urethra is the tube where urine that is stored in the bladder flows. Infection will result if the bacteria that enter the body reproduce. The dog will now suffer from the symptoms of urinary tract infection. UTI, also known as acute cystitis is not considered as a life threatening disease on its early stages. Affected dog may not even show symptoms of the disease. UTI can be a self limiting concern even without treatments, the infection will resolve on its own. However, severe infection can develop if the dogs urinary concern is left too long without treatment. There is a big possibility that the infection would spread to other organs of the body. For treatment to be administered, the dog owner has to know the symptoms of the infection.
One of the most common symptoms of urinary tract infection is frequent urination in unlikely places. The owner may think that the pet has forgotten its housebreaking training or that the pet is developing an unwanted behavior. Urinary tract infection would cause painful and difficult urination. Because the bladder is not fully emptied, the dog will continuously try to pass urine. The pressure on the bladder caused by urine build up will make the dogs abdomen tender. The little amount of urine passed by the dog is usually tinged with blood and has a foul odor. Because of the painful urination the dog will be seen constantly licking the genitals. These symptoms should spur the owner to take the pet to a vet. The vet would require a fresh sample of the dogs urine for bacteria testing. Identification of the bacteria that cause the infection is necessary so that the appropriate medication can be given to the ailing pet. Other diagnostic test may be conducted to rule out stones as the cause of the urinary tract obstruction.
Urinary infection has the tendency to recur. This health concern can be prevented by making sure that the dog is always provided with fresh drinking water. Kenneled dogs must be taken out of the kennel more frequently. Generally, dogs would not soil the kennel. Bacteria will build up in the bladder if the dog holds the passing of urine. Urine marking is a natural behavior of dogs. Walking the dog regularly will not only give the dog an opportunity to expend its energies. The activity will also stimulate the dog to empty its bladder.