Causes of UTI in Canines - Possible Primary and Secondary Causes

UTI is short for urinary tract infection. UTI in canines is the number reason for veterinarian visits for dog owners. The causes of UTI in canines are generally one of a number of different types of bacteria. The list of odd sounding, difficult to pronounce, bacterial culprits include escherichia coli, proteus mirabilis, staphylococcus, pseudomonas, and klebsiella. That said, escherichia coli (E.coli) is likely to be the primary bacteria but this should always be confirmed through urine testing. All of the listed bacteria are quite resilience and the potential for re-occurrence is very high if the infection is misdiagnosed and/or the wrong antibiotic is used for treatment.

But while bacteria is the underlying cause there are many other factors which make it possible for the invading bacteria to gain a foothold and eventually work its way up to the bladder and even to the kidneys.

The truth is one could easily make the case that the actual causes of UTI in canines are the factors that facilitate the bacteria抯 march through the urinary tract and into the lives of both canine and pet parent.

First and foremost on this list is a weakened immune system. While young healthy dogs with strong immune system can become infected it is rare unless there is some other underlying contributing factor. The vast number of urinary tract infections in dogs are reserved for older pets (generally over the age of 8) whose immune system can no longer fight off the bacteria. That said, if you were to look at a chart the number of cases would start to increase around the age of 4.

Second on our list of causes of UTI in canines is what is known as 搃diopathic cystitis? Put in simple term this means that despite rigorous testing no cause can be found! By some estimates this accounts for almost half of all cases prior to the age of 10.

Third on our list of causes of UTI in canines have to do with bladder stones, or some type of urethral blockage such as a tumor which cause bacterial laden urine to linger in the lower urinary tract and make it difficult for the body抯 immune system to prevail.

There are other possibilities as well than would fall under contributing factors such as lack of exercise, not urinating often enough, dehydration leading to a reduction in bathroom breaks, sugar in urine probably due to diabetes, and perhaps even a diet that fails to take into account age and general health.

Perhaps not so surprisingly as a dog ages the less mysterious a UTI becomes with the number of idiopathic cases dropping dramatically and causes involving diminishing kidney function and instances where multiple causes are involved moving to the top of the list.

In conclusion, while we would like to be able to say that the causes of UTI in canines is just simply a bacterial concern we really cannot due to the number of contributing factors. Because of this if you start to notice your dog leaving urine puddles in inappropriate places, straining to urinate, urine which seems particularly foul smelling, unexplained excess water consumption, or blood in the urine it may be time to consider a trip to the veterinarian for testing.

Additionally, many pet parents have found homeopathic pet urinary tract supplements to be a great way to both prevent these types of infections and aid in the recovery process when antibiotics are needed.

Rob Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural health and natural living
with over 10 years experience in the field.
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