Bladder infection in dogs
Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from a bladder infection. In fact, it is a common problem in dogs. A bladder infection in a dog means that the urinary tract has been infected by bacteria. This bacterial infection mainly occurs in female dogs. Female dogs have a shorter urethra that is often wider than that of a male dog. This makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder and cause an infection.
What are the causes of a bladder infection in dogs?
In many dogs, (mild) urinary incontinence is the cause of the bladder infection. When the sphincter muscle does not work properly, bacteria can enter more easily. Mild urinary incontinence is not always noticed by the owner because it involves only a minimal number of urine drops that the dog often cleans up itself. However, there are several other causes of bladder infection in dogs:
- Kidney pelvis infection/kidney failure
- Bladder stones
- Hormonal disorders such as Cushing's disease or diabetes
- Incontinence
- Bladder polyps or tumors
Symptoms of a bladder infection in dogs
If you suspect your dog has a bladder infection, we advise you to pay close attention to your dog's urine. We have listed the common symptoms of a bladder infection in dogs below for you.
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Sudden incontinence
- Blood in the urine
- Restlessness
- Visible pain when urinating
- Strong urine odor
- Cloudy urine
- Exhausted dog
- Dog drinking a lot
- Fever
If your dog shows one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment with the veterinarian as soon as possible.
The treatment of a bladder infection in dogs
To determine whether there is indeed a bladder infection, it is important to collect urine from the dog. The veterinarian can examine whether there are bacteria in the urine. If a bladder infection is confirmed, treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics. The duration of the antibiotic treatment depends on the severity and location of the bladder infection.
Are there ways to prevent a bladder infection in a dog?
Just like in humans, there are ways to reduce the chance of a bladder infection (completely preventing a bladder infection is not always possible) in a dog. It is important that a dog drinks enough fresh water; this makes the urine less concentrated and reduces the chance of a bladder infection. Therefore, always ensure fresh drinking water is available for your dog.
It is also very important to take your dog out regularly. Not only for exercise but also to empty the bladder. When the dog can urinate regularly, the bladder is emptied and bacteria will leave the bladder.
Choose a healthy, balanced diet. Also choose a diet enriched with probiotics. Probiotics contribute to the growth of healthy bacteria in a dog's body.
