Does your dog suddenly have to go out more than usual? When he urinates, but nothing comes out? Then he could be suffering from a bladder infection (called cystitis). Cystitis in dogs is an inflammatory disease of the lower urinary tract. This painful disease can occur acutely, chronically or as a result of recurrent episodes of inflammation.
Bladder infection in dogs – what is it?
Everyone knows it, the cystitis – in humans. The question then arises: How does this manifest itself in the dog and what needs to be considered?
Cystitis in dogs usually affects several organs of the lower urinary tract, especially the urethra and the urinary bladder (vesica urinaria). It is caused by the body’s reaction to harmful stimuli, usually bacteria. It can also be triggered by fungi, viruses or parasites. However, this case is rather rare. Dogs of all genders and ages can get bladder infections. Puppies can also be affected. Nevertheless, (neutered) bitches and older animals are more at risk.
There are basically two types of cystitis in dogs:
- Acute cystitis : immediate mostly sudden inflammation, often due to bacterial causes
- Chronic cystitis : recurring inflammation
Acute cystitis
Acute cystitis usually comes on quickly and suddenly and is usually a bacterial infection (infectious bacterial cystitis).
Chronic cystitis
One speaks of chronic cystitis when it occurs more than twice within six months or more than three times a year. It is also often called recurrent cystitis. A distinction is made here between recurrent cystitis and reinfection.
In the recurrent variant, the pathogens survive in the lower urinary tract if they have not been properly treated beforehand. The reason for this can be wrong or too low doses of medication or multi-resistant germs. The treatment needs to be reconsidered. A weakened immune system of the four-legged friend can lead to reinfection as new germs cause more and more infections.
In the case of chronic cystitis, detailed examinations should be carried out to identify the exact trigger. If necessary, the form of treatment must be adapted or changed.
What to do if the dog has a bladder infection?
It is important to contact a vet directly. He can make the exact diagnosis and prescribe medication. What you can do is keep your dog warm and provide him with adequate water. Home remedies such as bubble teas or cranberries can also help with recovery.
What are the causes of cystitis?
There are various causes of inflammation. There are infectious and non-infectious causes of disease. Infections due to infectious agents are more common than inflammations caused by non-infectious agents. Infectious agents include:
- bacteria
- parasites
- Mushrooms
- Mycoplasma (bacteria without a cell wall)
Bacterial cystitis
In most cases, bladder infections in dogs are caused by bacteria. These enter the bladder via the urethra. These are often intestinal bacteria, the so-called Escherichia coli. These are also known as coliform bacteria and occur naturally in the intestines. But other bacteria such as staphylococci, streptococci, Proteus mirabilis or Klebsiella can also cause cystitis.
In 80% of cases, the inflammation can be traced back to a bacterial species. The remaining 20% ​​are caused by mixed infections. The bacteria travel from the genitals through the urethra to the bladder, where they lodge and multiply. In this case, only the mucous membrane (urocystitis) or the entire bladder wall (pancystitis) of the urinary bladder are affected.
Inflammation of the urinary tract occurs more quickly in a weakened immune system than in a healthy animal. An infection does not always have to be present. Urinary stones can also trigger a bladder infection. Small crystals form in the urine, which then coalesce. They irritate both the bladder and the urinary tract. Tumors within the urinary tract are also a trigger for cystitis. In addition, a narrowing of the urethra or a misalignment of the urinary organs can promote inflammation of the bladder.
Bladder infections are particularly common when dogs have been hypothermic for a long time. This can be the case in winter, after a walk, romping around in the snow or after swimming. Make sure that your dog is not exposed to the cold temperatures unprotected for too long.
This disease increasingly affects older dogs or neutered bitches. Bitches are more likely to get bladder infections because they have a shorter and wider urethra than males. This allows the bacteria to get into the bladder faster. In addition, the distance between the anus and the urethral opening is small, which makes it easier for bacteria to get into the bladder. The estrogen level in spayed bitches is lower, which also promotes the spread of the bacteria.
The protective function of the hormones is significantly lower than in non-neutered bitches. In addition, the sphincter muscle of the bladder can be weakened in spayed bitches and thus not adequately keep out the invading bacteria. Dogs suffering from diabetes mellitus are also more affected. The sugar content in the urine promotes bacterial growth.
Is there a risk of infection?
Anyone who owns a second or third dog is now wondering: is a bladder infection in dogs contagious? Theoretically yes! In practice, however, this is somewhat complicated. The pathogens would have to get from the sick dog directly into the vicinity of the urethra of the other dog. This can happen through licking, while swimming or during mating. In principle, it is therefore possible for the dogs to infect each other, but this is rather unlikely.
Symptoms: How do I recognize a bladder infection in dogs?
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate a bladder infection. However, they do not only point specifically to the cystitis. They can also be a sign of other diseases, which is why a veterinarian should always check on the diseased dog. Nevertheless, it can often be recognized by redness, pain and functional limitations. Here you can see all symptoms at a glance:
- Increased urination
- Moderate urination
- restlessness
- Dog has to go out more often and is no longer housebroken
- Dog tries to squeeze out urine
- arched back
- pain sounds
- Changed color (cloudy or reddish with blood), consistency and strong smell
- In severe infection: fever, fatigue and weakness
A typical symptom of a bladder infection is the increased urge to urinate. Your dog then has to go out much more often and tries to urinate. Most of the time he doesn’t succeed. If the inflammation is severe, the dogs will show pain when urinating. For example, they walk with an arched back or make cries of pain.
Other symptoms include changes in the color and smell of the urine. The urine may be bloody, cloudy or slightly foamy. At this stage, the dog may lose control of their bladder and may leak urine unintentionally. If the disease is far advanced, the kidney pelvis can become inflamed and the dog shows other symptoms such as reduced performance, fever or exhaustion. Your dog will then appear very worn out and no longer full of joie de vivre.
How do I recognize a bladder infection in dogs?
You can tell a dog has a bladder infection by the fact that it very often feels the urge to urinate. He’s not housebroken anymore. Often there is still no urine. He may also make cries of pain and hunchback as he tries to push out urine. The urine could also become discolored and the consistency could be changed.
Diagnosis & Treatment: What to do if the dog has a bladder infection?
The diagnosis
It is important: If there is a suspicion that a bladder infection is present, a veterinarian should always be consulted. With his specialist knowledge, he can make the exact diagnosis and prescribe helpful medication. If a bladder infection is not treated, the bacteria can penetrate into the kidneys and cause a dangerous inflammation of the renal pelvis.
He examines your dog as closely as possible and then takes a urine sample. The urine is tested using a bacteriological test. At best, it is punctured directly from the bladder using a sterile sampling device. This so-called cystocenteseur can be assessed better than collected urine, since it is not contaminated by germs from the genitals. Various parameters can be detected under a microscope and using a urine test strip. For example, the pH value, bacteria, inflammatory cells, blood or urine crystals can be seen here.
After completing the examination of both the patient and their urine, the veterinarian can make the final diagnosis. Sometimes a blood test may be needed if the urine test is not clear. If you bring your own urine sample to the vet, it should be stored in a clean container and not be older than one to three hours.
If necessary, X-ray or ultrasound examinations of the affected areas and especially the bladder are also carried out.
The treatment
Depending on the cause and findings, the doctor will prescribe a suitable treatment for your dog. As a rule, the dogs are given an antibiotic and, if necessary, a painkiller. The pain when urinating subsides and the inflammation subsides.
You should always administer the antibiotics for the entire specified period of time. Otherwise the four-legged friend can develop resistance! In the case of an acute bladder infection, this can be between 10 and 14 days. In chronic cystitis, the period can be 3 to 4 weeks to ensure successful therapy and avoid further relapses.
The dog can be given a homeopathic remedy that can have a positive effect on the recovery process. As a rule, with appropriate treatment, the dog recovers quickly and without consequences. An untreated cystitis can lead to complications such as kidney pelvis inflammation, urinary stones or prostate inflammation (in males).
Which antibiotic helps against cystitis in dogs?
An antibiotic should always be prescribed by the veterinarian. This can make an exact diagnosis of which pathogen is the reason for the bladder infection. He will then prescribe you the appropriate antibiotic.
Home remedies for cystitis in dogs
Anyone who recognizes a bladder infection can help their four-legged friend to get well with a few small things. However, to avoid overdosing, you should still consult a veterinarian. Whether the dog responds to the home remedies is different for all dogs. Some respond well to it, others unfortunately not so much.
These home remedies include
- Bladder teas (e.g. marshmallow, horsetail, bearberry leaves, nettle, juniper berries, birch)
- Cranberries (juiced or dried)
To support your dog in recovery, the following things can be taken up:
- High liquid intake
Through continuous liquid intake and frequent urination, the bacteria are excreted more quickly. Adding water to the dry food or broth to the drinking water makes drinking more palatable for the dog.
- Warm ground
- Avoid soaking and hypothermia
Cold ground and general hypothermia of the dog promote the development of a bladder infection. Make sure that your dog has a warm and dry place to sleep and put blankets or a sheepskin on his place. Also, protect him on walks with a dog coat or sweater. In the house, care should be taken to avoid drafts.
- Physical exertion should be avoided
Give your dog a few days of rest. Going for a walk every day is a must, but other activities should be avoided. Here your dog shows you whether he wants to move. If he’s in pain, he won’t want to go outside.
- Needs-based nutrition of the dog helps to strengthen the body’s immune system and contributes to health
Prevention: This is how you avoid a bladder infection in your dog
Prevention is better than cure. That’s why we’re giving you a few tips on what you can do for your dog to avoid bladder infections.
The same applies to dogs as to humans: Always drink a lot! In this way, the dog’s bladder is flushed regularly and germs can be excreted. Among other things, they find it more difficult to settle down. He should therefore always be given the opportunity to empty his bladder frequently. If he has to stop for too long, the bacteria can multiply profusely in the full bladder.
Nevertheless, you cannot protect your dog from inflammation in principle, but you can reduce the risk of illness with some measures. That’s why short-haired dogs should sit down less in bad weather and ideally wear a dog coat. In general, dogs should not overcool. In general, therefore, make sure that your dog does not have to sit or lie down for too long in cold and wet weather. If your dog likes to play in the water, you should always rub him dry afterwards. Then he does not cool down and the risk of cystitis is reduced.
A place to sleep that is warm and without drafts is also advisable. Here it can then dry completely in peace if it cannot be rubbed completely dry immediately after the walk. Insulating mats and beds work well.
In general, as long as your dog is optimally cared for, its immune system remains intact. Therefore, the diet should be balanced and tailored to the needs of the animal.
