Dog Health Questions

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infections in pets occurs frequently causing urination to be extremely painful and uncomfortable. These infections are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra (the tube connecting the bladder to the exterior of the body through which urine flows), bladder or any part of the urinary tract.

Bladder stones, some underlying diseases, overuse of medications, bladder tumors or cancer or abnormalities of the urinary tract can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections affect both dogs and cats, although they tend to be more common in cats.

Female cats and dogs experience more episodes of urinary tract infections because the urethra is shorter and broader than in males. If left untreated urinary tract infections can lead to more serious health complications such as kidney infections.

Symptoms and signs

The common symptoms and signs of urinary tract infections include:

* Straining to urinate
* Urinating with pain
* Licking of the genitals
* Cloudy or blood urine
* Urinating without passing much urine – only drops
* Urinating in odd places
* Fever
* Loss of appetite

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

Urinary tract infections are caused by bacterial infections from the urethra entering the bladder. Bladder stones, some underlying diseases, overuse of medications, bladder tumors or cancer or abnormalities of the urinary tract can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

Diagnosing Urinary Tract Infections

The diagnosis of urinary tract infections are based on the symptoms, medical history and a physical examination. A urine test will be performed to check for a high ph balance, the presence of bacteria, crystals, red and white blood cells. Additional tests such as a urine culture, blood tests, x-rays and ultrasound may be performed if recurring infection occur or to determine the cause of underlying diseases or abnormalities.

Help for Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections in pets are usually treated with a course of antibiotics. Frequent treatment of antibiotics can however weaken the immune system and cause recurring infections. In more severe cases or with persistent urinary tract infections, surgery or catheterization may be recommended by your vet.

Proper nutrition that contains all the essential nutrients, providing clean, fresh water, good hygiene, regular exercise and encouraging your pet to urinate can make a significant different to your pet’s urinary health.

Recommended Product

UTI-Free is a safe, non-addictive 100% natural homeopathic remedy registered with the FDA and formulated especially for pets to temporarily relieve frequent urination, bladder discomfort and urinary tract problems in both dogs and cats. It helps to address acute symptoms at a cellular level, thereby contributing to harmony and health by supporting the urinary system and bladder. UTI-Free comes in a convenient, dissolvable granule form. These pleasant tasting granules are easy to administer to pets of all sizes and personalities and are simply sprinkled on the back of the tongue and left to dissolve. It is rapidly absorbed in the mouth and can be used as needed for occasional episodes. UTI-Free does not have any side effects as it is 100% natural and homeopathic. The ingredients of UTI-Free have a high safety profile and are generally very well tolerated without any side effects or interactions with other drugs. If you would like to find out more about this product, then please click here.