Bladder Infections

A bladder infection is most commonly a bacterial infection which happens when microbes enter the organ and increase its size. All breeds are prone to the infection, especially the female dogs. This infection irritates the pet’s organ and makes it urinate on a frequent period.

Overview of Bladder Infection

The bladder is a sac with expansion properties and lies at the back of the abdomen. Urine flows into the Gall Bladder and further gets eliminated from the dog’s body through Urethra. Urine in the bladder usually stays in the sterile form until it contacts bacterial infections. The introduction of bacteria happens through Restal area or the Intestinal Tract. Also, conditions like Diabetes may trigger some bacterial infection to develop in this organ.

If a dog is suffering from long-term Bladder Infections, then the bladder tissues may thicken up and end up creating more space for bacterial growth. Eventually, it leads to spread the condition to the kidneys and may compel bladder stones to form. This disease changes the urine’s chemical makeup and makes minerals in the urine to crystallize and ultimately form stones. Bladder stones add up to the irritation of the body creating places for bacterias to hide from natural antibiotics and defenses.

Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Infections in Dogs

• Urinary Infections can be very irritating and increase the tendency to urinate even when there is little urine present in the Urethra.
• In severe cases, the owner may see a small tinge of urine on the floor of the house with traces of blood.
• Occasional straining and squatting minus passing much urine or having frequent urinary accidents are common indications of Bladder Infections.

Is this an Emergency Call?

Sometimes, bladder stones can create a blockage in the flow of urine and is an emergency situation. Pets with Bladder obstructions suffer from the painful and swollen abdomen.

Diagnosis 

1. A Urinalysis is usually the first step to diagnose this condition as it allows the Vet to understand the profound causes. It most importantly helps to understand the type of bacteria inflicting the infection.
2. Sometimes a Blood test can check the issue of the kidneys as well.
3. An X-ray or an Ultrasound can be done to identify the bladder stones and crystals in the organ.

Treatments 

Treatment includes the dosage of some common Antibiotics for one or two weeks. The veterinarian may also prescribe Anti-Inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and some other symptoms along with some Pain-relieving drugs to minimize the pain caused by the infection.

Different ways of getting rid of stones

1. Dissolved in the system through a particular dietary change.
2. Broken and flushed out of the body through a process urohydropropulsion.
3. Surgically remove these stones.
4. Broken into small pieces by using Ultrasound.

Homeopathic Remedies for Bladder Infections

• Nux Vomica: It might be the go-to get option if the dog is suffering from Bladder complaints. Also can be taken if the dog is suffering from Spasms or has a history of Bladder intoxications or have sustained a flea infection or a heartworm infection.
• Mercurious: Please don’t confuse between Mercurious and Mercury (the later is very toxic and potentially fatal). Mercurius helps a lot of dogs with BI, especially when Nux Vomica does not work. There are two variants of this Medicine, Mercurius Vivus, and Mercurius Solubilis.
• Some other natural supplements such as Cranberry supplements that comes with less amount of side effects can also help the dog.

PS: These kinds of Alternative treatments needs the prior advice of the Vets.

Some Expert Tips

1. Make sure the dog has access to plenty of fresh water. It has to sustain on a diet of wet food, as this will further increase the dog’s thirst for water and help the dog to flush out toxins out of the body.
2. Make sure the dog is getting its medications properly as they will give best results only if the dog swallows the pills and takes the liquid medicines as suggested.
3. Scolding for accidents which happen can create mental trauma for the dog. When a dog suffers from a Bladder infection, accidents are destined to occur. Take necessary steps to protect the sofas and floors with piddle pads.
4. If the dog is not responding to the medications within forty-eight hours, then call the Vet immediately.
5. Allow the dog to urinate regularly as if it holds the urine, it will worsen the infection.
6. A Vet might prescribe a special medication to alter the pH level of the body and to prevent the dog from contacting Bladder Infection in the future. Hence, make sure that the doggy care center knows about the dog’s conditions and does things accordingly.

After the Treatment gets over, the owner has to make sure that the dog receives a urine checkup for the next few months.

Preventive Measures 

• Regular adequate consumption of water, according to the dog's health, size, diet, etc.
• Regular Potty breaks to flush out the toxins in the body
• Dietary changes as a preventive measure
• Occasional check-up, especially the Bladder
• Probiotics as a preventive measure to create a gut-friendly environment