Humans and pets often suffer from the same problems, urinary tract infections included. Although cats are more likely to suffer from a urinary tract infection, the problem is not too rare in dogs. There are signs to look for if you think your pet may be suffering. If the signs and symptoms are present, then you should take your pooch to the veterinarian immediately. If left untreated, a tract infection can cause serious complications.

A urinary tract infection, often referred to as a UTI, is a bacterial infection located anywhere in the urinary tract, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters (urinary ducts), and urethra. More frequently, a UTI is a problem in the bladder; although, kidney infections are almost as common. UTIs can also be caused by bladder stones, tumors, or prostate infections. In most cases, the infection can be cleared up fairly easily. But, if the infection is left untreated, it can cause serious problems. For instance, if a pet is suffering from bladder stones, then there is a chance that a stone can become lodged in the urethra. The lodged stone will prohibit the animal from urinating; thus, causing urine to back up into the bladder. If the bladder is not relived, it can rupture. A ruptured bladder is nothing less than a medical emergency.

Signs of a UTI are fairly straightforward. If your pooch suddenly needs to urinate more frequently, then this could be your first sign. Even though your dog needs to go more often does not mean that it is easy for him to go; and, sometimes, he may be unable to urinate or he may urinate very little. If you have an indoor dog, then frequency is easy to monitor since he relies on you to go outdoors. Your pooch may also go uncontrollably, mimicking incontinence. Straining and difficulty during urination are additional indicators of a UTI. If you notice blood in the urine or if the urine has an unusually foul odor, then realize that these are also indicators of a UTI. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, including abdominal pain, then take him to your veterinarian immediately.

Once you arrive at the vet's office, he or she can confirm the presence of a UTI. Your vet will rely on a urine sample as a way to test for the infection. The sample may be collected as your pet urinates, from a spot where your pet urinated, using a needle tap into the bladder, or by using a catheter. Once a sample is collected, the vet may test for bacteria presence by use of a urine culture, and he or she may test the makeup of the urine by means of a urinalysis. If the infection is caused by a simple bacterial buildup, then your pet will be prescribed antibiotics for a number of days. It is important that you follow the vet's instructions and make sure your pet takes all of the antibiotics to prevent a recurring infection. If the infection is caused by stones or other, more complicated problems, then your vet will advise you on what needs to be done.

Although you can't completely prevent your pet from getting a UTI, there are a couple of things you can do to help prevent one. First, take your pet outdoors to urinate as often as he needs to; holding in the urine can lead to infection. If he is not asking to go outdoors to urinate, take him outside anyway and encourage him to do so. Also, make sure that your pooch always has access to lots of clean water.

It seems that our pets suffer from the same problems we do, including urinary tract infections. To put it simply, a UTI is a bacterial buildup anywhere in the urinary tract. If left untreated, UTIs can be extremely painful and deadly. If your pet is exhibiting signs of a UTI, then you need to take him to your veterinarian immediately. Your vet will take a urine sample and perform tests to confirm the presence of the infection. If the infection is minor, then your pooch will have to take antibiotics. Once you get home, make sure you take your pet outdoors to urinate often, and always provide him with clean water!