Canine urinary tract infections can be prevented in a number of ways. Prevention is the most practical way to save dogs from the dangers of urinary tract infections.
According to statistics, around 14% of the entire dog population in the whole world can suffer from dog urinary tract infection at one time or another. Canine UTI is an extremely common disorder, particularly in the female species of dogs. Dog urinary tract infection may show only mild symptoms and may not harm the dog to a large extent at some instances.
However, when the situation lingers for a longer period and no treatment has been done, the infection can spread and cause more harm. The spread of infection may put the life of the animal in great danger. While dog urinary tract infection is common, this does not mean that there is no way to prevent it. Urinary tract infection in dogs is highly preventable.
What are the Ways of Preventing Dog Urinary Tract Infection?
There are several ways to keep dogs from contracting canine urinary tract infection. These include the following:
- Providing the animal with enough clean water everyday. Dog urinary tract infection may be caused by bacteria that may have entered the dog’s body through the water it drinks everyday. If the water is contaminated with any type of bacteria or microorganism, this can easily turn into infection in the dog’s urinary tract. It is advisable to make sure that the water given to the animal is free from any contamination. To do this, distilled water may be given instead of tap water. Clean water is very important because it washes away bacteria that may accumulate in the dog’s urinary tract.
- Cleaning the dog’s food and water bowl regularly. A dirty food and water bowl may have microorganisms that can well harm the dog if they are able to penetrate the animal’s inner system. To keep bacteria and other microorganisms from penetrating into the dog’s urinary system, it is advisable to always ensure that the food and water bowl are clean.
- Giving the dog vitamin C regularly. Vitamin C has properties that can help strengthen a dog’s immune system. Vitamin C can be given to the animal in the form of pellets. It can also be sourced from citrus juices.
- Giving the dog proper diet. Diet is very important. Avoid giving dogs food that contain a lot of preservatives. Some types of preservatives may cause UTI in dogs.
- Washing the dog regularly with clean, uncontaminated water. This can greatly help prevent bacteria from entering into the dog’s urinary system.
- Walking the dog regularly. A dog that gets regular exercise can have healthier urinary habits and as such, bacteria are prevented from accumulating inside the animal’s urinary system.
Treatment for Dog Urinary Tract Infection
If dog UTI has not been prevented and the dog still suffers from the infection despite doing every prevention methods possible, it may be advisable to seek the help of a veterinarian. The veterinarian will know exactly how to treat urinary tract infection in dogs. To determine what type of treatment is needed, the vet may have to perform several tests. Once a diagnosis is reached, the vet may then proceed with the treatment. Often, dogs with UTI are given antibiotics. In some instances, surgery may be needed.
