Not only humans but also their four-legged best friend can get a bladder infection (cystitis). The disease is relatively common in dogs. As a rule, it is easy to treat – sometimes even without the help of a veterinarian with the help of home remedies.
Bladder infection in dogs
- Bacteria, colds or an overstretched bladder often trigger acute cystitis in dogs.
- Chronic bladder infections in dogs develop slowly and are often complicated.
- Fested molars can cause chronic cystitis.
- Mild cystitis can be treated with first aid measures in the form of home remedies.
This creates an inflamed bladder in the dog
If your four-legged friend suffers from cystitis, this is often the result of bacteria. These settle on the external genital organs and can reach the bladder via the urethra. Once there, the bacteria multiply, damage the bladder wall and cause the typical symptoms. The fecal germs only cause discomfort if the fur nose’s immune system is (temporarily) weakened. Even when playing in the great outdoors, four-legged friends run the risk of contracting bacterial cystitis. In summer, a dog bathes in cool water and can become hypothermic. In winter, inflammation of the bladder can result from a long walk in the snow.
Acute and chronic bladder infections are possible
Veterinarians differentiate between two different types of cystitis in dogs: the acute and the chronic form. The four-legged friend struggles with an acute infection if it occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. Such simple urinary tract infections are easily treatable. A chronic form can be assumed if the bladder inflammation recurs. If this is the case, it can be assumed that the immune system of the four-legged friend is weakened; older dogs are more often affected here. Reinfection occurs when the infection recurs with various pathogens and the invasion of bacteria repeats. A relapse occurs when the four-legged roommate is given the wrong medication and home remedies. If the dog’s cystitis is treated incorrectly, the pathogen can survive in the urinary tract.
Recognize cystitis in dogs
The symptoms of a dog’s cystitis can either be severe or absent. In most cases, the four-legged friend feels the urge to urinate more intensely, just like a person. But in contrast to a healthy dog, the four-legged friend lets out less urine – often only a few drops. In extreme cases, the four-legged friend cannot hold his urine or make painful sounds. At the same time, the dog “presses” the urine out, arches its back, or smacks its lips. Sometimes cystitis is accompanied by psychological symptoms. Another indication of a urinary tract infection is the four-legged friend’s sudden apathy. It can happen that the dog shows no appetite and at the same time drinks a lot.
Good to know: bitches are more often affected than males.
Treat cystitis in dogs
If there is a suspicion of a urinary tract disease, there is often no way around the vet. After the medical professional asks questions, he conducts a clinical examination on the pet. Then he takes a close look at the dog’s urine. With a visual diagnosis, he can determine whether the urine is frothy or cloudy. Sometimes small amounts of blood can be found in the urine. By examining individual drops under the microscope and using a urine stick, he confirms his medical assumption. The vet detects the bacteria with a laboratory test. On the basis of the examinations, he determines which antibiotic he uses for a bladder infection in dogs. In severe cases, further examinations using ultrasound or blood tests are necessary.
Treat uncomplicated cystitis in dogs with antibiotics
Acute, uncomplicated cystitis usually heals without consequences. Depending on the findings, the vet initiates appropriate therapy – often with juice, tablets, and antibiotics. It is important to follow the doctor’s orders carefully. Even if the four-legged friend is noticeably better after a few days, the antibiotic should continue to be administered. If there is complicated cystitis, it can make sense to give the antibiotic for several weeks.
Home remedies for dogs with cystitis
In mild cases, it may be sufficient to treat annoying cystitis in four-legged friends with the right home remedies. It is important to keep an eye on the animal and, if there is no improvement, to consult the veterinarian.
Warm places and sufficient fluids help the sick four-legged friend
Warmth brings some relief to the afflicted animal. With a warm place to sleep and lie down, no cold rises through the underlay. A dog sweater also warms your four-legged friend. A hot water bottle can also be used to keep the bladder and kidneys warm. A dog with cystitis has an increased need for fluids. He must therefore drink enough fresh, lukewarm water every day. If the pet allows it, medicinal chamomile or fennel tea can also be given.
Canned foods and cranberries are helpful for treating cystitis
Canned food helps your four-legged friend to absorb sufficient fluids during cystitis. Theoretically, it is also possible to use cranberries against cystitis in dogs. In fact, there are no scientific findings to date that prove the effectiveness of cranberry extracts against cystitis. On the other hand, it is also not known that the administration of cranberries harms four-legged friends. However, an owner should pay attention to the correct amount. A maximum of one gram per 15 kilograms of body weight is recommended.
D-mannose is an effective preparation against urinary tract diseases
The highly effective preparation D-mannose is often used in human medicine. The sugar enters the urine unchanged, where it binds the bacteria and then excretes with the urine. A big advantage of the powder is that it is not metabolized and tastes sweet. Thus, a dog likes to consume the powder, which has hardly any side effects. One gram of powder every two hours is enough for a small dog, two to three grams for a large dog.
Home remedies for dogs from homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies are also suitable for treating cystitis in dogs without great expense. You do not receive any chemical active ingredients, but only show an effect after a certain period of time. Globules of strength D6 have proven themselves for home use. Aconite relieves severe pain and high fever. Cantharis works quickly against the constant painful urge to urinate. The bittersweet nightshade (Dulcamara) helps purulent bladder infections as a result of hypothermia.
Administer globules several times a day
The deadly nightshade (belladonna) is the first choice when it comes to weather-related bladder infections. If the bladder infection is mild, Pulsatilla D12, the pasque flower, can be administered. The dosage is identical for all D6 globules: the four-legged friend is given five globules three times a day directly into the mouth. These are so small that they can easily fit under the dog’s tongue and can be taken whole.
In an emergency, however, homeopathic remedies are no substitute for a visit to a medical specialist!
Pay attention to the special case of puppies and prevent cystitis in dogs
Some dogs are particularly prone to developing bladder infections. The following recommendations help to assess the risk groups and to better prevent cystitis.
- Puppies urinate more often than adult dogs. This makes it difficult for them to recognize cystitis right away. As soon as the almost house-clean puppy urinates in the apartment more often, a bladder infection may be present.
- Older bitches are more prone to developing cystitis than males due to their smaller urethra. The low levels of estrogen make it easier for bacteria to get into the urinary tract, as the urinary bladder sphincter no longer functions properly.
- Non-contagious cystitis in dogs can be avoided if the four-legged friend does not sit on the wet floor indoors and outdoors. In this way, the dog neither develops a cold nor does it have a wet coat after a walk. If you want to wrap your four-legged friend up warm and want to avoid wet fur, you can use a dog coat or a raincoat for dogs.
- With long and regular walks, your four-legged friend gets the chance to relieve his bladder. This is how he regularly flushes the bacteria out of his body. As a result, the bacteria in the bladder do not accumulate as much and do not multiply.
