Urinary tract infections are one of the most common health problems for dogs. As pet parents, you can help prevent UTIs with supplements that support kidney, bladder, and urinary tract health.
To protect your pup from UTIs, you should know the signs and symptoms and get your dog to the vet if you suspect an infection. What’s more, you can support good urinary tract health with diet, regular pee breaks, good hygiene, and high-quality supplements.
1. How Dogs Get a UTI
The urinary tract includes the urethra, bladder, ureters (tubes connecting the bladder and kidneys), and kidneys. Urinary tract infections happen when microbes, usually E. coli bacteria, get by the body’s physical defense system, enter the urethra, and colonize the urinary tract.
Any dog can get a UTI, but these infections are more common in female dogs and dogs with weakened immune systems, Cushing’s disease, and kidney disease. Dog UTI treatment typically involves a round of antibiotics.
2. The Symptoms of a Dog UTI
The most common symptoms of a UTI in dogs are:
- Dripping urine
- Accidents inside
- Frequent licking of the genital area
- Cloudy urine
- Having to pee more often
- Difficulty urinating (pain, whimpering, straining)
- Blood in the urine
- Drinking more
- Appetite loss
- Fever
Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a UTI. These infections can be painful and uncomfortable. Left untreated, they can also lead to kidney infection, bladder and kidney stones, infections in other parts of the body, or kidney failure.
3. How to Prevent a UTI in Dogs
These steps will help you promote good urinary tract health and prevent infections:
Water: Make sure your dog has fresh water and a clean bowl every day.
Pee breaks: Give your pup a chance to pee three to five times a day. They shouldn’t wait more than six to eight hours between pee breaks.
Grooming: Bacteria in urine and feces can cause UTIs, so keep your pup clean and well-groomed, especially the back end!
Diet: A healthy, balanced diet will help keep your dog’s immune system robust so they can fight potential invaders.
Vet visits: Going to the vet regularly will ensure your dog is in top shape and give the vet a chance to catch any potential problems or warning signs.
Supplements: Certain supplements and foods support urinary tract health, which can help your dog’s body to fight infections.
Trust PointPet’s Vegan UT Support Supplement for Your Special Fur Baby
PointPet’s Vegan UT Support is specially formulated to support urinary tract health, including bladder and kidney health, bladder control, normal urine pH and mineral balance, and kidney detoxification. Made with premium ingredients like cranberry extract, D-mannose, and organic marshmallow root, it comes in a vegan soft chew that dogs can’t resist!
Visit PointPet to learn more and find other great supplements that support whole-body health for your four-legged bestie!
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
