Canine chronic bladder infections refer to those ailments that keep coming back time after time. This is not the same as those classified as acute. An acute infection comes and then goes away after proper treatment has been given. When the problem returns, even after treatment has been given, the ailment becomes known as a chronic bladder infection. These chronic bladder infection in canines can run from simply annoying to the serious.
In many cases the reasons for the return of the problem is due to the urinary tract not being able to fight off harmful bacteria. Once the bacteria sets-up in the tract, and this means anywhere along the entire urinary system, it can produce irritation which leads to inflammation, and this inflammation is one of the main symptoms in chronic bladder infection in canines.
There can be other causes as well for the canine chronic bladder infections. Some of the more common causes include bladder stones, diabetes, physical defects in the urinary tract that allow urine to pool, kidney infection, cancer, and tumors. All of these, as you might imagine, require a diagnosis from your vet.
Another cause of canine chronic bladder infections is when pets are prescribed antibiotics and the owner does not continue with the medications until the prescribed end of treatment. This often happens when an ill dog begins to look and act better and the owner assumes the problem is resolved. It is important to always continue the antibiotics until the full course has been reached, regardless of how well your dog begins to look.
Canine chronic bladder infections can also be a result of the dog being overweight. Excessive weight can also be linked to diabetes and joint pain or arthritis. As you can see,chronic bladder infection in canines requires a visit to your vet to determine the underlying cause.
While all of this may sound disheartening, the good news is most causes of canine chronic bladder infections can be diagnosed with some simple lab tests. A complete urine test will identify what types of bacteria are present, if any. Blood tests may also be called for, and in some cases, X-rays may be needed. X-rays can be especially useful if the problem is associated with stones. In some cases, stones may be too large to pass naturally, and the vet may need to schedule surgery in order to get them out. Stone large enough to block the urinary passage can be very dangerous, even life-threatening.
If your dog has a past history of urinary tract problems that never seem to go away, you should consider the possibility that he or she has canine chronic bladder infection issues. Assuming your veterinarian doesn't find any structural issues such as a blockage or narrowing of any of the tubes that carry urine, you might want to consider changes in diet and supplementation with natural remedies. Special urinary diets such as Hill's Prescription Diet u/d are formulated to help the body generate urine with the PH balance needed to naturally fight bacteria. You might also might consider a switch to a canned dog food. These foods have 80% more moisture than dry and should cause an increase in urination. A dog's stomach is sensitive, and your dog may not like dietary change, so gradually introduce any new food by mixing new and old together until the transition is complete. This should take approximately 7 days.
Natural remedies are also something that can't hurt and possibly worth a try. Chronic bladder infection in canines can be prevented if the bacteria never gets to take hold in the first place. Like dietary approaches, several herbs are known to support the urinary system. Several products on the market combine many of these ingredients such as Arctostaphylos uva urs. Discuss natural remedies for canine chronic bladder infections with your veterinarian who can help you track progress and let you know if other patients have had success with this approach.
Beyond all else, make sure your dog that is suffering from canine chronic bladder infections is getting enough fresh water. By drinking more often, your dog will urinate more, which will help to keep the urinary tract free of canine bladder stone causing crystals, bacteria and fungus.
In many cases the reasons for the return of the problem is due to the urinary tract not being able to fight off harmful bacteria. Once the bacteria sets-up in the tract, and this means anywhere along the entire urinary system, it can produce irritation which leads to inflammation, and this inflammation is one of the main symptoms in chronic bladder infection in canines.
There can be other causes as well for the canine chronic bladder infections. Some of the more common causes include bladder stones, diabetes, physical defects in the urinary tract that allow urine to pool, kidney infection, cancer, and tumors. All of these, as you might imagine, require a diagnosis from your vet.
Another cause of canine chronic bladder infections is when pets are prescribed antibiotics and the owner does not continue with the medications until the prescribed end of treatment. This often happens when an ill dog begins to look and act better and the owner assumes the problem is resolved. It is important to always continue the antibiotics until the full course has been reached, regardless of how well your dog begins to look.
Canine chronic bladder infections can also be a result of the dog being overweight. Excessive weight can also be linked to diabetes and joint pain or arthritis. As you can see,chronic bladder infection in canines requires a visit to your vet to determine the underlying cause.
While all of this may sound disheartening, the good news is most causes of canine chronic bladder infections can be diagnosed with some simple lab tests. A complete urine test will identify what types of bacteria are present, if any. Blood tests may also be called for, and in some cases, X-rays may be needed. X-rays can be especially useful if the problem is associated with stones. In some cases, stones may be too large to pass naturally, and the vet may need to schedule surgery in order to get them out. Stone large enough to block the urinary passage can be very dangerous, even life-threatening.
If your dog has a past history of urinary tract problems that never seem to go away, you should consider the possibility that he or she has canine chronic bladder infection issues. Assuming your veterinarian doesn't find any structural issues such as a blockage or narrowing of any of the tubes that carry urine, you might want to consider changes in diet and supplementation with natural remedies. Special urinary diets such as Hill's Prescription Diet u/d are formulated to help the body generate urine with the PH balance needed to naturally fight bacteria. You might also might consider a switch to a canned dog food. These foods have 80% more moisture than dry and should cause an increase in urination. A dog's stomach is sensitive, and your dog may not like dietary change, so gradually introduce any new food by mixing new and old together until the transition is complete. This should take approximately 7 days.
Natural remedies are also something that can't hurt and possibly worth a try. Chronic bladder infection in canines can be prevented if the bacteria never gets to take hold in the first place. Like dietary approaches, several herbs are known to support the urinary system. Several products on the market combine many of these ingredients such as Arctostaphylos uva urs. Discuss natural remedies for canine chronic bladder infections with your veterinarian who can help you track progress and let you know if other patients have had success with this approach.
Beyond all else, make sure your dog that is suffering from canine chronic bladder infections is getting enough fresh water. By drinking more often, your dog will urinate more, which will help to keep the urinary tract free of canine bladder stone causing crystals, bacteria and fungus.
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