Recently one of my pets had their annual veterinary visit and as my pet and I were ushered to the examination room I was once again reminded of how big a problem UTIs in animals really are. In fact, 80 percent of the cats and dogs spending the night in the hospital area for observation were being treated for bacterial UTI.
Note: The ratio was about 60 percent dogs and 40 percent cats.
Really a quite shocking number considering all the possible diseases, conditions, and possible injuries.
So What Is a Pet UTI Anyway?
Urinary tract infections are generally bacterial in nature and occur when our cats and dogs immune defenses fail to keep invading bacteria from adhering and colonizing in the urinary tract.
There are a number of aggravating factors that may put your pet in the high risk category for a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. Three of the most common are diabetes, bladder stones, and kidney disease.
Typically the invading bacteria gains access through the urethral opening. Once having gained access to this otherwise sterile area it then works its way up the urinary tract to the bladder; in extreme cases to the kidneys. If the conditions are conducive for the bacteria to flourish in the bladder your pet may start to show signs and symptoms in a matter of days. If less than favorable it could take weeks or even months.
Note: About one out of every 20 cases are symptomless.
Additionally, it is not unusual for aging pets to have problems fully emptying their bladders. This combined with an already weakened immune system (due to aging or disease) can make getting rid of the infection quite challenging despite the fact there are a number of very effective antibiotics on the market. Recurring bacterial pet UTI in this demographic is well over 50 percent.
Unfortunately this nightmare scenario may call for a lifelong regimen of low dose antibiotics just to keep the infection at bay.
Signs and Symptoms for Pet UTI
Warning signs for bacterial urinary tract infection in pets include:
Frequent attempts to urinate; Urinating in inappropriate or uncharacteristic places; Only passing small amounts of urine; Straining both visually and/or vocally when attempting to urinate; A hint of blood in the urine; A low-grade fever; Tenderness in the lower abdominal area; and Pungent urine that smells a lot like ammonia.
My personal experience tells me many of the above symptoms do occur but oftentimes in combination with fatigue/lethargy and sometimes excessive fluid intake.
Note: I once had a cat that showed no visible signs except chronic fatigue and an insatiable desire for water. Urine tests were run and came back positive for bacteria.
Keep in mind many of the symptoms of listed above are not exclusive to pet UTIs as other urinary problems and diseases may produce similar signs and symptoms.
Preventative Steps
In the world of pet bacterial urinary infections consider the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment". This statement is likely true on a couple a different levels with the first being wear and tear on your pet and the second being potential cost.
Below are a few suggestions recommend by my veterinarian a number of years ago that have worked well for my pets, and I am sure they will work well for yours:
*Keep your pet active. This tends to encourage urination and bolster immune system function ultimately reducing the chances of infection.
*If you own a cat be sure to use more than one litter-box and keep them clean as litter-boxes are a favorite breeding ground for bacteria.
*If you own a dog beware of public pet areas where feces may accumulate as it creates a similar risk to dirty litter-boxes.
*Encourage your pet to drink plenty of water to keep bacteria flushed out. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that a compound in raspberry, blueberry, and cranberry juice make it difficult for invading bacteria to attach to the lining of the urinary tract. So a few drops of one of the above could be worth considering, that is if it does not reduce overall water consumption.
*If your pet is overweight consider putting them on a diet.
*If your cat or dog eats mainly dry food consider giving them a can of wet food once in a while as the water in canned food tends to increase hydration and promote urination.
*Talk to your veterinarian about an age appropriate diet designed to balance urine acidity and fill any nutritional deficiencies.
*Bathe them regularly and keep the hind quarter area closely trimmed.
*And last but not least consider a herbal or homeopathic pet urinary tract tonic. These formulas are great in a number of ways and can be used as part of a preventative strategy or safely in conjunction with most conventional treatment methods.
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