There are many causes of bladder infections in dogs. The most common cause is a bacterial infection of the lining of the bladder. A bladder infection is also called a urinary tract infection or cystitis. It occurs in the genital tracts of both males and female. A urinary tract infection in dogs is a common health problem. It runs more in females than males. Signs of cystitis in females are a vaginal discharge and licking the vulva. In some cases of a dog bladder infection, bacteria can gain entrance to the bladder through the bloodstream or kidney’s.
Two of the most common signs of a bladder infection in dogs are frequent urination and the passage of blood in the urine. If your dog shows signs of pain on urination or strains to void, he may have cystitis or some cause of bladder obstruction. Some dogs never show recognizable signs of a bladder infection.
Sometimes the urethra gets blocked with small sand-like crystals. The urethra in male dogs is very small and it does not take too many crystals to cause a blockage. The blockage must be relieved rapidly or your dog can die of uremia. Uremia is a condition in which the toxic products that are normally eliminated in the urine build up in the blood. Vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, fever and dehydration are ominous signs of a very serious situation, such as impending kidney failure or death.
The urethra in a female is more distensible so the stones and crystals can pass more easily and without blockage. There is one disadvantage in the female urethra. It is much shorter and bacteria from the outside has an easier time invading the bladder and causing troublesome and recurring infections in the dog.
Sometimes trauma can injure or rupture the bladder. If your dog is drinking a lot of water and urinating more, diabetes or kidney disease may be the cause.
Treatment of a dog bladder infection involves prompt veterinarian attention to prevent damage to the kidneys. Your vet will do a urine culture to determine the appropriate antibiotic combination. An initial attack should be treated for ten days and a recurrent attack for at least three weeks. Chronic Bladder infections in dogs require the use of urinary antiseptics or chemical substances to acidify the urine. Be sure your dog drinks plenty of water and goes to the bathroom often. Cranberry juice can be give to help flush out the bladder.