One of the most common questions I am asked is about chronic/recurring urinary tract infections in dogs. Most dog owners feel they have taken excellent care of their dog but yet the infection continues to come back, time and time again. In some cases there are no good answers. In this informational article covering chronic UTI in dogs I will give a general overview of urinary tract infections and explore a few reasons why urinary tract infections become chronic.
When it comes to UTIs in dogs bacteria is the most likely cause with only a small percentage being fungal in nature. The bacterium makes its way into the urinary system through the urethra and makes it way to the bladder, and possibly to the kidneys. There are a number of factors which increase the chances of urinary infection. Among the possible contributing factors are diabetes, high sugar levels in the urine (possibly diabetes related), failure to empty the bladder, urine flow problems (obstructions), and a weak or damaged immune system. Female dogs and older dogs are at the highest risk of dog urinary tract infections.
As you probably realize chronic UTI in dogs is a serious, costly, and potentially deadly condition. If you are a pet owner who is going through this you know the frustration and helplessness that recurring urinary tract infections can present. So, let's explore this condition and see if we can't find you some answers.
The bacterial that is often responsible is difficult to treat and comes in many different forms including staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci; just to name a few. This bacterium can become resistant to antibiotics if the infection goes untreated or misdiagnosed. Misdiagnosis may initially seem like an unlikely outcome but with the number of possible offending bacterium combined the necessity to match the appropriate antibiotic the changes of misdiagnosis greatly increase. Once the condition has been mistreated the bacterium can become resistant to antibiotics, thus leading to chronic UTI in dogs. In other cases, an untreated or inadequately treated bladder or prostate infection can be the cause of an infection in the kidneys, which worsens the chances of a cure.
Once the condition has turned chronic there are few good choices. Your veterinarian will suggest low dose antibiotic treatment for the foreseeable future to keep the infection from getting worse. You should make sure your dog drinks plenty of water (to keep the urinary system flushed), monitor diet, and make sure your gets plenty of exercise. Increased water consumption will shrink the chances of an obstruction (stone formation) and reduce the likelihood of further infection.
Many frustrated pet owners dealing with chronic UTI in dogs have opted for an alternative UTI treatment option, homeopathy. This type of natural treatment for urinary tract infections in dogs is definitely worth considering due to the lack of practical options.
When it comes to UTIs in dogs bacteria is the most likely cause with only a small percentage being fungal in nature. The bacterium makes its way into the urinary system through the urethra and makes it way to the bladder, and possibly to the kidneys. There are a number of factors which increase the chances of urinary infection. Among the possible contributing factors are diabetes, high sugar levels in the urine (possibly diabetes related), failure to empty the bladder, urine flow problems (obstructions), and a weak or damaged immune system. Female dogs and older dogs are at the highest risk of dog urinary tract infections.
As you probably realize chronic UTI in dogs is a serious, costly, and potentially deadly condition. If you are a pet owner who is going through this you know the frustration and helplessness that recurring urinary tract infections can present. So, let's explore this condition and see if we can't find you some answers.
The bacterial that is often responsible is difficult to treat and comes in many different forms including staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci; just to name a few. This bacterium can become resistant to antibiotics if the infection goes untreated or misdiagnosed. Misdiagnosis may initially seem like an unlikely outcome but with the number of possible offending bacterium combined the necessity to match the appropriate antibiotic the changes of misdiagnosis greatly increase. Once the condition has been mistreated the bacterium can become resistant to antibiotics, thus leading to chronic UTI in dogs. In other cases, an untreated or inadequately treated bladder or prostate infection can be the cause of an infection in the kidneys, which worsens the chances of a cure.
Once the condition has turned chronic there are few good choices. Your veterinarian will suggest low dose antibiotic treatment for the foreseeable future to keep the infection from getting worse. You should make sure your dog drinks plenty of water (to keep the urinary system flushed), monitor diet, and make sure your gets plenty of exercise. Increased water consumption will shrink the chances of an obstruction (stone formation) and reduce the likelihood of further infection.
Many frustrated pet owners dealing with chronic UTI in dogs have opted for an alternative UTI treatment option, homeopathy. This type of natural treatment for urinary tract infections in dogs is definitely worth considering due to the lack of practical options.
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