Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs: What it is and why it happens
Dogs are small, cuddly animals. We love them because they are intelligent and loyal pets. They look up to their masters and love them like they were their own kind. But more than pets, dogs have evolved to become many things for humans. They became guards, companions, helpers, and even family members. Having a pet is a big responsibility. But that responsibility has an enormous reward in the long run.
Keeping a dog around the house can bring light and joy to an otherwise dark and lonely commune. But if you decide to take care of a dog, you have to be well aware of the health risks they face throughout their lifetime. Just like humans, dogs need special medical attention too.
Statistics show that around 14% of the entire dog population in the whole world is bound to acquire urinary tract infection. This is how common this health problem is. It is a major concern for your pet as there's always a 10% chance that the health issues that your dog is currently facing is related to UTI.
Urinary tract infections arise when bacteria start to overcome your dog's immune system. The bacteria would infiltrate the dog's body through the food they eat and the water they drink. The bacteria present in contaminated foods are transmitted through the lymphatic system and the blood. This is the reason why there were traces of escherichia coli in the dog's bladder. Such bacteria, if not flushed out, would cause further infections in the dog's urinary tract. However, escherichia coli is not the only type of bacteria that can cause UTI in dogs. Other bacteria such as esterococcus, coagulase positive straphylococcus, proteus mirabilis, klebsiella, and pseudomonas are also common culprits of UTI in dogs.
Urinary tract infections occur along the entire part where urine forms and excreted out of the body. It encompasses the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, and prostate gland. But more than the food your dog ingests, UTI may also develop if the bacteria had gained entry into the dog's internal system via the external urinary orifices. This instance is called the ascending UTI.
Between male dogs and female dogs, female dogs are more likely to develop. This is because the length of a female dog's urethra is shorter compared to male dogs. As such, it is easier for bacteria to find their way up the dog's bladder, including other internal organs.
Taking care of your dog means you have to always look after its welfare. With UTI being one of the most common diseases of dogs, it is but important that you know what this disease is, how it happens, and what you should do if ever your dog is suffering from it.
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