- Symptoms: frequent urination, pain, bloody urine
- Female dogs are affected more often
- Left untreated, a bladder infection can lead to kidney problems
A frequent urge to urinate, pain while urinating, bloody urine: these are the typical signs of a bladder infection in dogs. Female dogs are affected more often. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys.
What is a bladder infection?
A bladder infection is an infection of the urinary bladder. Bacteria are usually responsible, and less often viruses or fungi. The germs mostly travel from the genital area through the urethra into the bladder, where they cause inflammation of the bladder wall.
Bladder infections (cystitis) occur mainly during the cold, wet winter months. On long walks with a damp coat, bacteria have a good chance of causing a bladder infection. In summer, swimming too long in cool lakes or in the sea can also trigger one.
The most common trigger is Escherichia coli bacteria. They occur naturally in the gut, where they are harmless. Other pathogens include Proteus mirabilis, staphylococci, streptococci, klebsiella, or fungi such as Candida albicans. In rare cases, viruses or parasites can be responsible for irritating the bladder.
If a bladder infection occurs more than twice in six months or more than three times a year, it is considered chronic. With chronic inflammation, urine samples are examined microscopically and chemically in the lab, and a urine culture is grown to identify the pathogen more precisely.
Other causes that can lead to a bladder infection:
- Urinary stones
- Misalignment of the urinary tract
- Narrowing of the urethra
- Diabetes mellitus
- Tumors, polyps
Symptoms
Anyone who has ever had a bladder infection knows the burning pain when passing urine. The symptoms in dogs are similar. The first signs are an increased urge to urinate: even though peeing takes a long time, only a few drops come out. Some dogs hunch their backs slightly and make sounds of pain.
The smell, color, and consistency of the urine change. The urine sometimes contains blood, is cloudy and/or foamy, and smells stronger than usual. During this phase, your dog may no longer be house-trained, because they no longer have control over the urge to urinate.
Running your hand over the belly can cause pain. With a more severe bladder infection, the kidneys can be affected as well: then fever, tiredness, and weakness set in too.
Diagnosis at the vet
Bring a fresh urine sample to the appointment. Hold a clean container (such as a shallow ladle) under your dog while they pee and pour the urine into a glass with a lid. Collecting it in the morning is ideal, because the urine is more concentrated then.
The vet checks the urine with a test strip for blood, bacteria, protein, and pH level. With recurring infections, a urine culture is grown to identify the exact pathogen and choose the right antibiotic. Using ultrasound, the vet can rule out bladder stones or tumors.
Treatment
The standard treatment uses antibiotics over 7 to 14 days. Complete the full course, even if the symptoms disappear after a few days. If the antibiotic is stopped too early, resistant bacteria can survive and the infection comes back.
Drinking plenty of water alongside helps flush out the bacteria. Refill the water bowl more often and offer fresh water in several spots. Some dogs drink more when a little unsalted meat broth is mixed into the water. Chamomile tea or fennel tea (lukewarm, unsweetened) can be given as a supplement after checking with the vet.
Prevention
Don't let your dog lie on cold ground: especially in winter on stone floors, tiles, or wet grass. An insulated dog bed offers protection. After swimming in cold water, dry your dog off thoroughly.
Offer water regularly and make sure your dog drinks enough. Dogs on dry food need more water than dogs on wet food. Frequent walks keep your dog from having to hold their urine for too long.
Related topics
Recommendation from the vet
If you suspect a bladder infection, see the vet right away. Serious illnesses can hide behind a bladder infection: early treatment prevents complications.
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Question 1 of 3Why are female dogs affected by bladder infections more often than males?
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