By Sue Averill, YGRR Kennel Manager with Dawn Burke, DVM

Bladder infections can either be occasional or chronic. Signs of a bladder infection can be frequent urination, excessive thirst, straining to urinate, straining after urinating and housebreaking accidents in a previously housebroken dog. The urine may be colorless (very dilute) or tea colored (tinged with blood).

Bladder infections are not unusual in young puppies. They tend to squat low and occasionally come in contact with the ground. Bacteria may be ‘wicked’ back up the urinary tract. In older dogs, this same thing may happen as they grow weaker in the hind legs. Bacteria can also be introduced via heavily coated or matted dogs if they are allowed to be dirty for too long.

If your dog shows any signs of a urinary tract infection, bring a urine sample to your vet. A sample is best collected first thing the morning, as this is usually the most concentrated urine of the day. To collect a urine sample, you will need two things: a container in which to collect the urine and a container to put it in. A plastic plate is a good choice for collecting. It’s shallow enough to slide under a female dog, and large enough place under a male’s urine stream. Avoid letting a male dog lift his leg on an object such as a shrub since debris may be accidentally collected with the urine and contaminate the sample. Transfer a couple of tablespoons to the sample container. Place the sample in a zip lock type bag labeled with your dog’s name, your last name AND the word ‘urine’. Refrigerate. It should remain refrigerated until you deliver it to your vet that same day.

A complete urinalysis always includes checking the color and specific gravity and a chemical analysis done with a dipstick and centrifuging which separates the heavier particles out of the urine and allows them to be studied microscopically. Your vet may also choose to have you come in for a sterile sample to send for culture and antibiotic sensitivity. This will help to differentiate between an infection or issues such as kidney disease, diabetes or structural problem.

If your vet determines that it is an infection, a course of antibiotics will be prescribed. Normally a follow up urine sample will be required to make sure that the infection is lessening or is completely cleared up.

If there are crystals present in the urine, your vet may also have you switch your dog food to help control their formation. Crystals are caused by minerals present in the urine, and can be caused by overly alkaline or acidic urine. Stuvite crystals are the most common crystals seen in out Rescue Goldens. Bacterial infections such cystitis makes the urine more alkaline. It can promote the growth of struvite crystals and the eventual formation of bladder stones. Some owners will use supplements designed to increase urinary Ph. Cranberry juice has two different bacterial inhibitors and is highly acidic. Several different holistic companies have supplements for acidifying urine. While these can be used quite successfully, make sure you check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

If the bladder infection is chronic, or your vet suspects bladder stones, he may recommend X-rays or an ultrasound. Most stones are easily visualized on X-ray. Some struvite stones can be treated with stone dissolving diets while other require surgery. The other stone types like Oxalate stones always require surgical intervention to resolve. The single biggest issue with bladder stones is that a dog may suffer with them for years without showing any outward sign. Bladder palpation during your dog’s annual physical exam is an excellent part of your dog’s overall health care.

Most bladder infections are easily cleared up with a course of antibiotics. Occasionally, a more stubborn infection may require a longer course of antibiotics. Sometimes a trip to a veterinary urologist may be required. Attention to you dog’s water intake, potty schedule, and diet combined with medication should help you get the issue under control and let your dog lead a happy and comfortable life.

Updated 1/10