Owning a dog can be a wonderful experience. We love our dogs because they are intelligent,
loving and very loyal pets. Dogs tend to look up to their masters, being willing to love
them as if they were a fellow pack member. Throughout history dogs have evolved to serve
various purposes for mankind. They are now our guards, companions, helpers, and even considered
to be family members. Having a pet is a big responsibility. However, the responsibility
of pet ownership does provide enormous rewards.
Being a dog owner can provide for a wonderful companionship. However, if you decide to
bring a dog into your home, it is important to be aware of the health risks your dog may
encounter in their lifetime. Good lifestyle habits can go a long way towards ensuring
that your dog has a long, healthy life.
Statistics have shown that approximately 14% of the worldwide
dog population will acquire urinary tract infection. Urinary Tract Infections
(UTI's) are extremely common, and many pet owners aren't educated in how to prevent them.
This presents a major concern for your pet, as there is consistently a 10% chance that
some of the health issues that your dog will face will be related to a Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections arise when bacteria begins to overcome your dog's immune
system. Bacteria can infiltrate your dog's body by ingestion, usually related
to an unclean food or water supply. This type of bacteria is transmitted through the blood,
as well as the lymphatic system. This causes traces of the bacteria escherichia coli inside
your dog's badder. If this bacteria is not flushed out, it can cause further infection
of the urinary tract.
Escherichia Coli is not the only type of bacteria that can cause your dog to be affected
by a UTI. There are other bacteria, such as esterococcus, coagulase positive straphylococcus,
proteus mirabilis, klebsiella, and pseudomonas are also commonly associated with UTI in
dogs.
Urinary tract infections occur in the area where urine is produced and excreted out of
the body. Urinary Tract Infections encompass the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, and
prostate gland. If your dog is constantly ingesting contaminated food, a UTI may develop
and begin infiltrating your dog's other internal systems. This is classified as an ascending
UTI.
Female dogs are much more likely to develop urinary tract infections than male dogs. This
is because the length of a female dog's urethra is shorter compared to a male dog's urethra.
This means that it is easier for bacteria to find their way into a female dog's bladder,
as well as other internal systems.
Being a dog owner means that you are entirely responsible for your dog's health. With
UTI being one of the most common health conditions to affect dogs, it is important that
you know what this disease is, how it is caused, and what your responsibilities are in
the treatment of this disease.