Urine problems and medical conditions involving the urinary tract are among the most common for dogs. These problems can develop for a number of different reasons, including infections caused by bacteria or fungus, parasites, yeast, viruses and other types of disease. It's crucial that you work quickly when your pet is suffering from one of these problems in order to remove it. This will ensure that your pet does not suffer from any complications that are caused by these conditions. Additionally, it will save your pet from having to go through any unnecessary pain or discomfort.
Types of Urine Problems in Dogs
One of the most common kinds of urine problems for dogs is a urinary tract infection. A urinary tract infection is any type of infection that affects the bladder or urinary tract area. It can make the process of urinating painful and difficult. Dogs with these types of problems can have a wide variety of different symptoms and reactions.
Another type of urinary problem in dogs comes about as a result of damage or disease in the kidney. The kidneys are closely connected with the successful production and flow of urine in your pet's system. It's important to recognize that urine problems may not be unique medical issues in and of themselves, but may rather be a symptom or part of a much larger and more serious problem involving the kidneys.
Although it's generally less common than other types of urine problems, cancers of the bladder and the urinary tract can also cause a number of urine problems. For this reason, it's crucial that you detect the source of any of these problems before cancer can potentially spread or metastasize.
Symptoms of Dog Urine Problems
Depending upon the exact nature of the urine problem that your dog is facing, you'll find that there are different types of symptoms that he faces. The most common symptoms of urine problems in dogs will include some or all of the following:
- Difficulty or straining while urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination
- Foul smelling or discolored urine
- Increased or decreased thirst
- Abnormal licking, scratching and rubbing of the genital area
If you notice these or any other symptoms which you think may be connected with a potential urine problem in your pet, take your dog in to the vet immediately. Take note of all of the symptoms before you do, and provide your vet with a complete list of the symptoms you detected, as well as how long they've been persistent.
Treating a Dog with a Urine Problem
The treatment for the urine problem your dog faces depends upon the nature of the problem. Infections are typically treated with antibiotic medicines. Damage to the kidneys requires a longer sustained treatment involving changes in diets, water supply, exercise and other lifestyle changes as well. Cancers oftentimes require chemotherapy or radiation treatments, and may also involve surgical excisions as well. Your vet can provide you with additional information about how to treat your pet based on his particular condition.