The Truth About a Dog Urinary Tract Infection

By Tina Matsunaga

Do you not just hate it when your canine buddy is not feeling well? She may be pulling you to the park on day and having to be yanked out the door to go potty the next. Like babies, your pet cannot tell you when something is wrong. So, it is up to you to recognize the symptoms and know when it is time to go to the vet. Since it is one of the most common maladies for your pooch, it is time you knew the truth about dog urinary tract infection.

First, it is important to understand that a canine urinary tract infection is probably the most common in the smaller breeds of dogs. In addition, the older your dog, the more susceptible he or she is to getting sick. Although providing plenty of fresh water and going for walks is a great way to make sure the bladder is emptied frequently, sometimes it is simply not enough. So, what kind of symptoms should you be look for, if you suspect you pal has a dog urinary tract infection? Here is a common list of symptoms:

• She is extra thirsty


• Goes potty very frequently


• The output is increased substantially


• It hurts to go potty


• Blood, Pus, or Crystals are present in the urine


• Belly and back may be painful


• She has no interest in having fun

Especially in the summer, it is expected for your pooch to be extra thirsty, especially after being outside in the sun. However, if she seems to be drinking an inordinately high amount of water, in combination with going to the bathroom all of the time, it is important to see if any of the other symptoms of a dog urinary tract infection are also present. While it does not necessarily mean there is a problem, if she seems to have an inexhaustible supply of urine, it is definitely a sign to keep a sharp eye out for illness.

Of course, the first major clue to a dog urinary tract infection is painful elimination. If your baby is whimpering or in obvious distress, something is definitely wrong. Going potty should be a matter of finding a good spot and going for a few seconds. It should not be an experience to be dreaded.

After observing your dog, you may want to check for blood, pus or crystals in the urine. However, it may still be present and not visible to the naked eye. To truly determine if your canine buddy is suffering from a dog urinary tract infection, the vet will have to run tests on the urine and look at a sample under the microscope.

However, even before it gets to the point of going to the vet, you are likely to notice big changes in demeanor. She will probably be suffering from a painful belly and back. She will not want to be petted or played with, like always, simply because she is so miserable. Although she will always love you unconditionally, she sure hopes you will understand and get her the help needed as soon as possible.

There you have it; you now know some of the major symptoms and truths about a dog urinary tract infection. If your pet is already exhibiting any or all of the signs, get her to the vet as soon as possible. If your pet is healthy today, do yourself a favor and file the information away in your head somewhere, just in case the future holds a time when it will serve you both well, and she can continue to be your faithful friend for years to come.

Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for home-based businesses, Internet marketers, and professionals around the world. She enjoys working at home while raising 2 children. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from Regis University. If you suspect your dog has a urinary tract infection, please visit http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com