by 
The Curious Bag
-
The canine urinary tract includes the urethra, the bladder, the ureters and the kidneys. In most cases, dogs suffer from an infection that affects the bladder, but any portion of the urinary tract can potentially become infected.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a canine urinary tract infection (UTI) include frequent urination (poillakiuria), blood in the urine (hematuria) and painful urination (dysuria), which may be detected by howling or whining when urination is attempted.
Bacteria
The majority of UTIs in dogs are caused by bacteria entering the urethra and spreading to the bladder or other portion of the urinary tract.
Fungi
In some instances, though rare, it is possible for fungal infections to enter the urethra and cause a UTI.
Bladder Stones
Dogs with bladder stones may also suffer from reoccurring bladder infections. This is due to the stones causing irritation and bleeding within the bladder, thus allowing an infection to occur.
Diabetes
Dogs diagnosed with diabetes may suffer from frequent bladder infections. This is because diabetes affects the immune system. Also, higher levels of sugar aid in creating an optimal environment for bacteria and other invading organisms to thrive.
Medical Conditions
Some dogs may suffer from UTIs due to various medical conditions, such as bladder cancer or Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism).
Source:
Pet Education: Urinary Tract Infections
MarvistaVet: Urinary Tract Infections
Pet Wave: Causes of Urinary Tract Infections
More Information:
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC