A bladder infection occurs in a dog when bacteria enters its body, typically through its urethra, and then enters the bladder, causing inflammation. Bladder infections are relatively simple to treat, but the first step in receiving help for your dog, is recognizing the symptoms of the condition.

Types of Symptoms

Symptoms of bladder infections in dogs include drinking large amounts of water, accidents that are uncommon for your dog, urinating only a small amount at a time, and urinating frequently and in many different spots, reports Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Occasionally, blood will be noticeable in your dog's urine.

Time Frame

The symptoms of bladder infections in dogs typically worsen over time, so you may not notice them initially or may see more evidence of them as time goes on.

What You Won't See

Bladder infections affect only the organ that your dog uses to store urine, leaving the rest of its body unaffected. Because of this, your dog will not develop a fever or a decrease in appetite if it has a bladder infection, explains the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.

Diagnosing

In addition to the symptoms you notice in your dog, your veterinarian will take a urine sample to check for the presence of white blood cells and bacteria, which are indicators of a bladder infection.

Considerations

In some cases, bladder infections in dogs cause no symptoms at all, cautions Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. This makes it important to take your dog to the veterinarian as often as recommended.

Source:

Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infections

PetEducation.com: Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs