Dogs typically have no problems urinating when they need to, but if you notice that your dog is struggling to urinate, it may have a problem that requires immediate attention from an animal hospital. If you notice that your dog keeps trying to urinate and hardly anything is coming out, you should take it to a veterinarian for help quickly.
Causes of Urinary Problems in Dogs
There are several causes for urinary problems in dogs, and the two most common causes are bacterial infections and cystitis. A bacteria infection is similar to the urinary tract infections that people get. When bacteria gets inside a dog's urinary tract, it can lead to problems urinating. This can be painful for dogs, just like it is with people, and it can prevent a dog from finding relief when it feels like it needs to urinate.
Cystitis is a condition that also prevents a dog from being able to urinate easily and properly. This condition occurs because of inflammation inside the bladder, and it is often caused by bacteria that gets all the way in the bladder.
Signs to Watch For
No matter what is causing your dog to have urination issues, it will likely experience the following signs:
Dogs with urinary problems may also lose their appetites and seem frustrated or in pain. If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a pet hospital. Urinary conditions left untreated will worsen, and they will be much harder to treat.
Treatment for Urinary Problems in Dogs
Treating urinary problems in dogs will require visiting a veterinarian, and the prognosis is very good, especially when you seek help quickly for the problem. The vet will typically begin by testing the dog's urine to look for any abnormalities. A urine test will typically offer the information the vet needs to know if there is a problem.
If the vet feels that there is a bigger problem, he or she may want to take x-rays to look for bladder stones. When an infection is left untreated, it can lead to the dog developing stones in the bladder. Treating these stones can be difficult, but there are a number of different treatment options available.
The first option for treating a urinary problem involves the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics can destroy the bad bacteria that is causing the problem. If the dog has stones, the vet will determine how to eliminate them. In some cases, they can dissolve them through the use of special dog food. In other cases, the stones may pass through the dog's system. There are also times when vets must remove them.
A vet will typically start by treating the stones with a conservative method, such as using a special dog food. Surgery is typically the last option a vet will recommend, as surgery is typically only needed for very serious cases of urinary problems in dogs.
It can be difficult to know when a dog has health issues, simply because dogs do not have the ability to talk and tell their owners how they feel. Because of this, you should pay close attention to any changes you notice in your dog's personality, because they can indicate a health problem. To learn more, contact a pet hospital such as Baywood Animal Hospital.
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