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Canine UTI Symptoms

By Tess Thompson

Wetting is one thing that all pet owners know how to manage but when it comes to wetting in the house and spoiling floors and carpets, it becomes an entirely different ball game. If you see your dog dribbling or making puddles on the floor, or has wet fur around the rear end, it is time for you to raise the alarm and check out if these are signs of urinary tract infection. Sudden appearance of incontinence is one of the first signs of Urinary Tract Infection in Cats and Dogs.

Out of the numerous urinary tract infections, cystitis, urinary incontinence and Urolithiasis account for nearly 80% of all cases. Urinary Tract Infection in Cats and Dogs can be of the lower or upper urinary tract or both at the same time. Cats, however, are less susceptible to UTI.

The incidence of UTI in dogs is roughly 3% with females being more vulnerable to the disease than males. Females have a shorter and wider urethra that is the main cause for the higher incidence. Non-neutered, older, and spayed dogs are more prone to be affected by UTI but its cause is yet to be established.

Dogs develop urinary tract infection due to strains of E. coli similar to those that infect humans. The first indication of any UTI related problem in your dog is when you see him whining to go out more often.

The most common symptoms of canine urinary tract infection are revealed by the amount and frequency of the urinary output of your pet. An UTI infected dog tends to pass out small amounts of urine frequently that can later lead to complete cessation. This in turn can cause dehydration, acidosis, and uremic poisoning leading to death.

Some of the other symptoms of canine UTI are:

• pain and difficulty in urination
  
• blood accompanying urine
  
• foul smell of urine
  
• fever
  
• lethargy
  
• tender bladder

It is, however, imperative that you rule out the presence of urinary stones and obstructions as these conditions too are indicated by the same symptoms. A qualified veterinary can help you in arriving at the correct diagnosis.
Most veterinarians treat canine UTI with the help of antibiotics but some out of them take a holistic approach and use Homeopathic Bladder Infection Treatment for Canines and other natural products to treat canine UTI.

Urinary Tract Infection in Cats and Dogs can lead to serious repercussions if they are not treated in time. The infectious bacteria can travel up the urinary tract to reach the kidneys causing serious damage. Your vigilance in regard to the change in the behavior of your dog can help you identify whether it has UTI or not. In the event of presence of UTI, you have enough options for treatment including that of Homeopathic Bladder Infection Treatment for Canines.