Urinary Tract Infections in Cats and Dogs

Urinary tract infections are painful whenever they occur and can also infect animals, like cats and dogs. Dogs and cats can also be affected. Ensure that the animal’s immune system is sustained to ensure that UTIs do not occur. If left untreated, the urinary infection can result in health complications or in severe cases, death. The good news is that this infection is treatable and with early intervention, can save your pet’s life.

The Causes of Urinary Tract Infections in Cats and Dogs

The reason why urinary infections occur in cats and dogs is because of E.coli which is a particular kind of bacteria and it stays near the urethra and enters it when the pet’s immunity is compromised and then reaches the urinary tract and the bladder. The problems that are caused because of this bacteria are kidney stones, stress, bladder abnormalities, diabetes, bladder cancer, abnormalities of the spinal cord and bladder tumors to name a few. For dogs, a prostate disease can result in this infection. It is necessary that your pet’s diet and intake of water is taken care of as that goes a long way in boosting the health of the urinary tract.

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms in Cats and Dogs

A lower urinary bladder infection can result in licking around the urinary opening, bad smelling or cloudy urine, and difficulty while urinating. Other symptoms include blood in the cat’s or dog’s urine, if there are accidents in the house or there is urine leakage. When it comes to cats, they will cry out or scream when they try to urinate. In cases of upper urinary tract infection, cats and dogs may show a lack of interest in eating, weight loss and vomiting. Serious symptoms can show lethargy, fever and abdomen tenderness. It is necessary that when such symptoms are present in your pet that you take them to a veterinary immediately. Even if there are no symptoms present, it is necessary to take your pet to a vet on a regular basis.

How to Treat a UTI in Cats and Dogs

The vet will run a few tests to check the severity of the urinary tract infection and depending on the results will either put them on antibiotics or in some cases, increase water intake, diet or prescribe herbal remedies which will help treat the infection. In cases that are more severe, urinary catheterization or surgery will be required.

The vet may suggest treating an underlying disease, like diabetes, which could be causing the urinary tract infection. All these measures will go a long way in treating the infection. It is recommended that you keep the animal’s surroundings clean, the litter boxes should be made available to cats, there should clean drinking water and a well balanced diet should also be implicated.