Statistics show that approximately 15% of dogs will fall victim to an infection somewhere in the urinary tract with the majority involving the bladder.
In this informational article titled "Dog Bladder Infection - Just the Facts" we will explore the symptoms of bladder infections (bacterial cystitis), causes, along with ways to decrease your dog's chances of becoming a statistic.
Symptoms: *Burning pain during urination *Increased urinary frequency *Cloudy urine *Dark urine *Foul smelling urine *Change in voiding behavior (inappropriate urination) *Blood in urine (often at the end of the urine stream) *Isolationism and lethargy *Occasionally no obvious symptoms observed In cystitis free dog urine works its way from the kidneys it is sterile until it reaches the urethra, which sends it on its merry way through the urethral opening.
The offending bacteria normally gains access to the urinary tract through the urethral opening or occasionally through the bloodstream.
Because of the anatomy of the female urethra they are twice a likely to fall prey to a dog bladder infection.
There are many factors that can contribute to dog bladder infection.
Let's look at some of the most common.
*Lack or water or dehydration *Unsanitary voiding conditions *Consistently being forced to hold urine too long *Age *Diseases such as diabetes that affect urine flow and immune system strength *Immune system deficiency *Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract that block the free flow or urine *Stretched or distended bladder Conventional approach to treatment First your vet will likely ask you to describe your dog's bladder infection symptoms.
Next a urine sample will be needed to run a urinalysis and a bacterial culture.
Once confirmed treatment consists of an oral antibiotic regime lasting for about 14 days.
For those dogs that have recurring or chronic infections low dose antibiotics will be prescribed on a long term basis along with regular monitoring.
Natural approach to treatment The primary goal in the natural approach is to improve your dog's internal defenses against urinary tract infection.
Specifically, this refers to encouraging more voiding through increased fluid consumption; promoting a pH levels that will hinder the growth of bacteria; employ steps to keep the invading bacteria from attaching to the lining of the bladder (cranberry juice); boosting immune system function; and considering a natural homeopathic remedy containing uva ursi.
When should I call my vet? Don't underestimate the stubbornness of this infection.
While most bladder infections will go away in a couple of weeks once antibiotics are started, others may just continue to get worse.
If the dog bladder infection is allowed to ascend from the bladder to the kidneys or if urine flow has been cut off, it can rapidly turn serious.
It is basic commonsense, if your dog's condition is not showing improvement or worsening you need to know why and quickly.
What about homeopathic remedies? Homeopathic remedies for bladder infection and urinary tract health are effective both as a stand alone treatment and a complimentary treatment.
Look for a homeopathic remedy that contains cantharis and uva ursi.
Cantharis maintains a healthy urine flow and soothes the bladder while uva ursi maintains normal pH levels of the urinary tract and is known as a urinary tonic.
Homeopathic remedies for dog bladder infection symptoms are the most effective when combined with the additional natural treatment steps listed above.
In this informational article titled "Dog Bladder Infection - Just the Facts" we will explore the symptoms of bladder infections (bacterial cystitis), causes, along with ways to decrease your dog's chances of becoming a statistic.
Symptoms: *Burning pain during urination *Increased urinary frequency *Cloudy urine *Dark urine *Foul smelling urine *Change in voiding behavior (inappropriate urination) *Blood in urine (often at the end of the urine stream) *Isolationism and lethargy *Occasionally no obvious symptoms observed In cystitis free dog urine works its way from the kidneys it is sterile until it reaches the urethra, which sends it on its merry way through the urethral opening.
The offending bacteria normally gains access to the urinary tract through the urethral opening or occasionally through the bloodstream.
Because of the anatomy of the female urethra they are twice a likely to fall prey to a dog bladder infection.
There are many factors that can contribute to dog bladder infection.
Let's look at some of the most common.
*Lack or water or dehydration *Unsanitary voiding conditions *Consistently being forced to hold urine too long *Age *Diseases such as diabetes that affect urine flow and immune system strength *Immune system deficiency *Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract that block the free flow or urine *Stretched or distended bladder Conventional approach to treatment First your vet will likely ask you to describe your dog's bladder infection symptoms.
Next a urine sample will be needed to run a urinalysis and a bacterial culture.
Once confirmed treatment consists of an oral antibiotic regime lasting for about 14 days.
For those dogs that have recurring or chronic infections low dose antibiotics will be prescribed on a long term basis along with regular monitoring.
Natural approach to treatment The primary goal in the natural approach is to improve your dog's internal defenses against urinary tract infection.
Specifically, this refers to encouraging more voiding through increased fluid consumption; promoting a pH levels that will hinder the growth of bacteria; employ steps to keep the invading bacteria from attaching to the lining of the bladder (cranberry juice); boosting immune system function; and considering a natural homeopathic remedy containing uva ursi.
When should I call my vet? Don't underestimate the stubbornness of this infection.
While most bladder infections will go away in a couple of weeks once antibiotics are started, others may just continue to get worse.
If the dog bladder infection is allowed to ascend from the bladder to the kidneys or if urine flow has been cut off, it can rapidly turn serious.
It is basic commonsense, if your dog's condition is not showing improvement or worsening you need to know why and quickly.
What about homeopathic remedies? Homeopathic remedies for bladder infection and urinary tract health are effective both as a stand alone treatment and a complimentary treatment.
Look for a homeopathic remedy that contains cantharis and uva ursi.
Cantharis maintains a healthy urine flow and soothes the bladder while uva ursi maintains normal pH levels of the urinary tract and is known as a urinary tonic.
Homeopathic remedies for dog bladder infection symptoms are the most effective when combined with the additional natural treatment steps listed above.