Urinary tract infections (UTIs) is one of the most prevalent health issues in dogs. They develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract and start to grow there. The bacteria may come from the contaminated water, your dog’s anal area, or skin.
The most common symptom of a UTI is an increased frequency of urination. Other symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Straining to urinate
- Discomfort during urination
- Urinating small amounts
- Foul-smelling urine
If your dog has any of these symptoms, she should see a veterinarian as soon as possible. A UTI can lead to more serious health problems if it’s not treated promptly.
UTIs are more common in female dogs than male dogs because their urethras are shorter. This makes it easier for bacteria to travel from the anus to the bladder. Male dogs have a longer urethra, so they’re less likely to develop UTIs.
There are several things you can do to prevent your dog’s developing a UTI:
Contents
- 1. Supply with Clean and Fresh Water
- 2. Encourage Your Dog to Drink More Water
- 3. Encourage Your Dog to Urinate Regularly
- 4. Keep Track of The Color Of The Urine
- 5. Look For Any Signs Of Discomfort While Urinating
- 6. Feed Your Dog a High-Quality Diet to increase the immune
- 7. Supply Vitamin C To Strengthen The Immune System
- 8. Provide Probiotic Supplements
- 9. Give Your Dog Regular Baths and Groom
- 10. Keep Your Dog’s Anal Area Clean
- 11. Regular Vet Check-ups And Cleanings
- Final Thought
1. Supply with Clean and Fresh Water
One of the most practical ways you can do to prevent UTIs is to make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Dogs should have access to water both inside and outside the house. Any bacteria that have gathered in the urinary tract can be flushed out by drinking clean water.
2. Encourage Your Dog to Drink More Water
If your dog isn’t a big drinker, there are things you can do to encourage her to drink more water. Add a little bit of low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth to her water bowl. You can also try adding a small amount of unsweetened cranberry juice to her water. The added flavor may make her more likely to drink up.
3. Encourage Your Dog to Urinate Regularly
One of the best ways to prevent UTIs is to encourage your dog to urinate regularly. It is recommended to take her outdoors for a potty break every four hours, after every meal, and before bedtime. And make sure she has plenty of time to eliminate.
If she’s on a leash, give him enough slack so he can move around freely. Don’t hurry him along when he’s urinating.
Your dog may hold urine if he’s not given the opportunity to eliminate it on a regular basis. This can increase his risk of developing a UTI.
4. Keep Track of The Color Of The Urine
The color of your dog’s urine can give you clues about his health. A healthy dog’s urine is typically light yellow or straw-colored. If the urine is dark yellow, it may be a sign of dehydration.
If the urine is red, pink, or brown, it may be a sign of blood in the urine. This is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
You can learn your dog’s health by keeping track of the color of her urine. In this way, your dog can avoid a UTI if you find her health problem early and see the vet.
5. Look For Any Signs Of Discomfort While Urinating
If your dog is straining to urinate, or if he cries out in pain while urinating, it’s a sign that something is wrong. These are both symptoms of a UTI. Other signs of discomfort during urination include squatting for long periods of time, or frequent licking of the genital area.
Paying attention to these signs will decrease your dog’s chance of getting a serious UTI.
6. Feed Your Dog a High-Quality Diet to increase the immune
A high-quality diet can help boost your dog’s immune system and help him fight off infections. Feed him a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can also give him a daily probiotic supplement to help support his digestive and immune health.
7. Supply Vitamin C To Strengthen The Immune System
Vitamin C is an important nutrient for dogs, and it can also help to prevent UTIs. Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight off infection. You can give your dog vitamin C supplements, or you can add some foods that are high in vitamin C to his diet.
Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables are all good sources of vitamin C. You can also give your dog a small amount of unsweetened cranberry juice. The juice contains a compound that helps to prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract.
8. Provide Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial bacteria that live in the gut.
Probiotics can help keep the urinary tract healthy. They work by crowding out the harmful bacteria that cause UTIs. Probiotics help grow healthy bacteria in the intestine, which can help prevent UTIs.
Probiotics are available in powder form, or as chewable tablets. They can be added to your dog’s food, or given directly as a supplement. Probiotics are safe for most dogs, but it’s always best to check with your veterinarian before giving them to your dog.
9. Give Your Dog Regular Baths and Groom
Regular baths and grooms can help keep your dog’s skin and coat clean and free of bacteria. Therefore reduce his risk of developing a UTI.
You should bathe your dog at least once a week, as well as groom. If he has a long coat, he may need to be bathed or groomed more often. Use a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo that won’t irritate the skin. Avoid using human shampoos, which can be too harsh for dogs.
10. Keep Your Dog’s Anal Area Clean
Bacteria from the anal area can travel to the urethra and cause a UTI. Therefore, it’s important to keep your dog’s anal area clean. Wipe the area with a damp cloth after each bowel movement. You can also use a dog-specific anal sac shampoo to clean the area.
This will remove any bacteria that may be present. Use a wet cloth or baby wipes, and be sure to get all of the area, including the creases.
11. Regular Vet Check-ups And Cleanings
Regular vet check-ups and cleanings can help to prevent UTIs. During a vet visit, the veterinarian can check for any signs of infection in the urinary tract. He can also collect a urine sample for testing. If your dog has a UTI, the vet will prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.
A vet visit is also a good time to have your dog’s anal glands expressed. This can help to reduce the amount of bacteria in the anal area, and it may also help to prevent UTIs.
You can ask your vet about how to prevent UTI in your dog. Your vet may recommend a course of antibiotics before and after breeding. If your dog is prone to UTIs, he may also recommend a daily supplement of cranberry extract or mannose.
Final Thought
Dogs who have a urinary tract infection are undoubtedly in pain and under stress. Keep your dog clean, let her outside more often if possible, and don’t let her hold it for hours. Meanwhile, with the tips above, hope your dog will not develop UTI.
