My friend told me that my little friend has what you call a canine urinary tract infection. Your furry friend is your best friend and you love your dog’s playful behavior, his company and his unconditional love and affection. Suppose you suddenly noticed some alarming signs about him… a change in the frequency of your trips to the garden to urinate, a difference in the smell of his urine, and worst of all, blood in your urine.
These are signs of a canine urinary tract infection, which is a fairly common problem for dogs. More female than male dogs get this infection, and the problem can become difficult to treat if it goes undiagnosed for too long. If owners can spot these obvious signs of infection, they can catch the problem early and save themselves and their pet from unwanted stress and worry:
Dogs need to urinate frequently, so those little garden visits happen several times a day anyway. If there is a change in the normal pattern of your travels, with your urination perhaps occurring more or less frequently, it is an early symptom of a dog urinary tract infection;
While urinating, if your pet seems to flinch or flinch, they are in pain. He can even make ‘crying’ sounds while urinating. These are red line symptoms and the dog will need professional attention immediately;
Your pet’s water intake can suddenly increase, and his bowl needs to be refilled many more times than weather conditions may warrant. So if it’s cold and wet and Jimbo asks for more water all the time, you might immediately suspect that his dehydration is due to a UTI;
Another sign of an existing UTI is when your pet needs to lick the genital area over and over again. The burning and itching in the urethra that is caused by a urinary infection can make life really uncomfortable for the afflicted animal;
Your pet could lose his joy and stop playing or wanting your attention; check to see if he shivers when his abdominal area is touched. This may indicate that you already have a full-blown infection;
Your pet may have blood in his urine. Check this by making him urinate where the surface is lighter in color. This is a definite sign of urinary problems;
Finally, if your pet stops urinating completely, you should not waste time taking him to a vet, as this may indicate the presence of a stone or tumor. These are treatable with medication, but if the condition is severe, your vet may recommend immediate surgery.
Should you detect any of these symptoms, have your pet examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Dog urinary tract infections are usually treated with antibiotics, but natural remedies are becoming more popular. Remember that your beloved friend can protect himself from the problem with the correct diet and care. Fresh water, sufficient dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals play an important role in maintaining lower urinary tract health in pets. Homeopathic and natural remedies can also help keep your dog healthy and safe.