Urinary Tract Infection Causes
Dog urinary tract infections are a common problem that is often over looked. This happens more often in dogs than in humans. We will be going over some of the causes of dog urinary tract infections. This may help you as a pet owner to prevent them.
Causes of a dogs urinary tract infection:
- Not emptying the bladder completely
- Holding urine for extended periods of time
- Tumors in the bladder
- Bladder stones
- Canine diabetes
- Various drugs
- Canine cystitis
- Lack of proper hygiene
- Bacteria in the bladder
- Canine Cushing's Disease
Not emptying or not being able to empty the bladder completely is a common cause. Do not rush you dog to potty and make sure they are completely finished. Take your pet out as often as possible even if they are not telling they have to go. They often will go potty once they are taken out. Tumors in the bladder can only be detected by a vet. Keep up with your dogs regular checkups with the vet. Diabetes and Cushing's disease is also detected by your vet. Cushing's disease is more common in older dogs and consist of an over production of Cortisol in your dogs system. Your vet will normally tell you when they administer medication to your dog that there can be a chance of them causing a bladder infection. Some of these causes cannot be prevented. There will be bacteria that are present in the bladder and the urethra of your dog. For these you will need to visit your vet. Be sure to keep your pet clean and free of fleas and ticks. Clean food and water dish daily to prevent contamination. If your dog spends any time in a kennel or crate make sure that it is clean daily before they enter it. Bath you pet bi-weekly or more often as needed. Untreated dog urinary tract infections will be uncomfortable for you and your dog. If you believe that your dog may have a urinary tract infection, quickly see your vet. Dog urinary tract infections must be treated with antibiotics.