UTIs are a common and unpleasant health issue that can affect any dog. Early diagnosis is key to avoiding discomfort and potential complications.
Your veterinarian can identify a UTI by conducting an exam and collecting urine samples. They may also send the sample off to a laboratory for testing.
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Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the initial step in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). Vets prescribe an antibiotic based on urine testing results to achieve the best possible result and avoid antibiotic resistance.
Untreated urinary tract infections (UTIs) can infect the entire urinary tract from perineum to urethra and bladder, or even reach into the kidneys (known as pyelonephritis). These infections are painful for dogs, cause discomfort and straining, and could potentially spread infection elsewhere on their body if left untreated.
The three most frequent uropathogens that cause recurrent and persistent urinary tract infections in dogs are E coli, Staphylococcus spp., and Proteus mirabilis.
Fluoroquinolone-resistant E coli is becoming more and more common in uropathogen isolates from companion animals, raising alarm. Fluoroquinolones are widely used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Unfortunately, they may become difficult to treat in chronic cases of UTI or pyelonephritis; thus it’s important to reculture urine three to five days after antimicrobial treatment to document eradication and detect rapid emergence of resistance.
Cystocentesis
Cystocentesis is an easy and speedy way to collect urine samples in dogs and other animals. This test can detect whether your pet has an UTI or other bladder diseases, making it a useful diagnostic tool.
Cystocentesis is a medical procedure in which a veterinarian inserts a needle through the belly wall into the bladder. With that needle attached to a syringe, they collect urine for testing and culture.
If a urine culture is necessary, cystocentesis should be used instead of midstream free catch or aseptic catheterization since these methods can be contaminated with bacteria. Furthermore, urine obtained through catheterization tends to have more red cells and transitional cells since the catheter penetrates into the urinary bladder.
Cystocentesis can also be used to decompress a severely over-distended bladder before passage of a urethral catheter in an animal with urethral obstruction. However, this procedure should only be employed if other options such as catheterization are not viable.
Dietary Changes
If your dog seems to urinate more or less frequently than usual, this could be an indication of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs in dogs can become serious health issues if not addressed promptly.
Unfortunately, most UTIs in dogs can be treated without antibiotics. This is because a dog’s UTI is actually inflammation rather than an infection, so antibiotics will likely only harm their bacteria rather than completely eliminating them.
Another way to treat UTIs in dogs is by changing your pet’s diet. A high-quality natural dog food can help alleviate symptoms and prevent future UTIs from arising.
Your dog’s diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean sources like chicken or fish. Additionally, make sure to give them plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Additionally, providing your pet with a balanced diet is key for avoiding kidney or bladder stones as well as UTIs (uric acid crystals). A diet low in oxalate content can prevent these crystals from forming inside the bladder, often the source of UTIs.
Urinary Support Supplements
When treating a dog’s urinary tract infection, there are several treatments to choose from. Whichever option you select will determine how quickly the condition clears up.
Antibiotics or intravenous treatment is likely to start working for your dog within 48 hours, while at-home remedies may take more time to provide results.
One of the most successful treatments for canine urinary tract infection (UTI) is diet modification. This involves reducing salt, sodium and calcium intake in your pet’s food intake.
This will help prevent struvite and calcium oxalate stones from forming in your dog’s kidneys. Additionally, increasing their water intake will enhance their capacity to flush bacteria out of their kidneys and ureters.
If you want to ensure your dog’s urinary tract stays healthy, investing in a high-quality pet supplement. Options include cranberry supplements, herbal blends and urinary tract acidifiers. Your vet can advise you on the most suitable products for optimal wellness.
