Bladder infections in dogs are common for females and uncommon for males. The location of the female dog’s urethra predisposes it to contamination with fecal bacteria. The shorter length of a female dog’s urethra offers a shorter distance for the bacteria to migrate into the bladder where they cause infection. If a male dog has a bladder infection, there is almost always another problem that has caused it.

What Will I See If My Dog Has A Bladder Infection?

Most commonly you will see an increase in the frequency of peeing when dogs have a bladder infection. This may be seen as your dog urinating in the house, peeing more often on walks, or marking more than normal. Dogs with a bladder infection might strain to urinate or pass little to no urine. Often, blood can be seen in their urine, but not in all cases.

What Else Can Cause Signs Similar To A Bladder Infection In A Dog?

Bladder stones and cancer can cause signs similar to bladder infection in male and female dogs.  Prostatic disease can also cause similar symptoms in male dogs.

What Is Done To Determine If My Dog Has A Bladder Infection?

Your veterinarian will examine your dog to see if there are any physical abnormalities that can predispose your dog to a bladder infection. Tests that may be run to determine if your dog has a bladder infection and why they have one can include urinalysis, urine culture,veterinary x-rays,blood work, and an abdominal ultrasound. Which tests are run will depend on how long your dog has had the infection, if it has come back recently, or is not going away with initial treatment.

What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Has A Bladder Infection?

Do not wait and see if your dog’s bladder infection will go away on its own. Contactyour veterinarianright away to schedule anexamination for your dog. The sooner the appropriate treatment is started, the sooner your dog will feel well again. Remember, dogs are designed not to show signs of illness and by the time they do, they have been suffering for quite some time.

Yours in health,

Dr. Kent Morley