According to statistics, around 14% of the entire dog population in the whole world can suffer from dog urinary tract infection at one time or another. Canine UTI is an extremely common disorder, particularly in female dogs.
Dog urinary tract infection may show only mild symptoms and may not be too serious in many cases. However, when the situation lingers for a longer period of time and no treatment has been administered, the infection can spread and cause more harm.
The spread of infection may put the life of a dog in great danger. While dog urinary tract infection is common, this does not mean that there is no way to prevent it. Urinary tract infection in dogs is highly preventable.
How to Prevent Dog Urinary Tract Infection
There are several ways to keep dogs from developing canine urinary tract infection. These include the following:
- Providing your dog with enough clean water every day. Dog urinary tract infection can be caused by bacteria that may have entered the dog’s body through the water it drinks every day. If the water is contaminated with any type of bacteria or microorganism, this can easily turn into an infection in the dog’s urinary tract. It is advisable to make sure that the water given to your dog is free from any contamination. To do this, distilled water can be given instead of tap water. Clean water is very important because it washes away bacteria that may accumulate in the dog’s urinary tract.
- Cleaning your dog’s food and water bowl regularly. A dirty food and water bowl may have microorganisms that can harm a dog if they are able to penetrate internally. To keep bacteria and other microorganisms from entering your dog’s urinary system, it is advisable to always ensure that the food and water bowls are clean.
- Give your dog vitamin C regularly. Vitamin C has properties that can help strengthen a dog’s immune system. Vitamin C can be given to the dog in the form of pellets or tablets. It can also be sourced from citrus juices.
- Giving your dog a clean and healthy diet. Diet is very important in keeping your dog free from disease. Avoid giving your dog food that contains a lot of preservatives. Some types of preservatives can cause UTI in dogs.
- Washing your dog regularly with clean, uncontaminated water. This can greatly help prevent bacteria from entering into the dog’s urinary system. Learn how to groom your dog at home to help prevent illness.
- Walking your dog regularly. A dog that gets regular exercise can have healthier urinary habits and as such, bacteria are prevented from accumulating inside the urinary system.
- Test your dog at home. You can also be proactive and test your dog’s urine at home with these urine test strips that can indicate when your dog has an infection.
Treatments for Dog Urinary Tract Infection
If your dog ends up with a UTI you should first seek the help of a veterinarian. The vet will know exactly how to treat urinary tract infection in dogs. To determine what type of treatment is needed, they may have to perform several tests.
Once a diagnosis is reached, your vet will then choose the most appropriate treatment for your dog’s condition. Often, dogs with UTI are given antibiotics. In some instances, surgery may be needed.
There are a few things you can do at home to help treat your dog:
- Keep your dog well hydrated.
- Cranberry capsules. Cranberry can help to promote a healthy urinary tract in your dog.
- Apple cider vinegar. This is a great natural anti-bacterial and can help treat infections.
- Vitamin C can also help fight the infection and prevent it from recurring.
Prevention is Better than Cure!
Urinary tract infection in dogs may show only mild symptoms, but the infection could spread when no treatment is administered.
Help your dog prevent this infection by giving them clean water everyday, walking them regularly, giving them a healthy diet, and more!
Remember to always seek medical advice from your vet if you think your dog may be suffering from a UTI.
