Canine Bladder Infections - Top Five Causes Of Urinary Problems In Dogs

The first step in dealing with the problem is to understand the possible causes of canine urinary incontinence. Here are five causes of urinary problems in dogs:

1. Birth defects that affect the structure of your dog's urinary tract are sometimes to blame for urinary problems in dogs. The most common kind of defect that causes incontinence in puppies are ectopic ureters. The ureters are tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder, where it is then passed out of the body through the urethra. Ectopic ureters are positioned in the wrong place, completely bypassing the bladder and opening directly into the urethra or vagina. When this happens, the puppy will have no control over leaking urine. Siberian Huskies are most commonly affected by this defect. Recurrent bladder infections are also associated with this condition. The only way to fix the problem is with surgery.

2. Urinary problems in dogs can also result from a blockage of the urethra due to multiple crystals, a large bladder stone, or a tumor. If the urethra is blocked, your dog may have difficulty emptying has bladder fully. As the pressure builds, his bladder may leak urine around the blockage. It's important to take steps to treat this condition right away because once the urethra is fully blocked, your dog could die in as little as three or four days. A vet will need to diagnose the problem, which can be treated with medication and dietary adjustments, but surgery is sometimes necessary to correct this condition.

3. Older pets sometimes suffer from a weakened sphincter muscle, which can result in a constant dribble of urine. Urinary problems in dogs of advanced age can also result from overproduction of urine. The overly full bladder puts pressure on the ineffective sphincter muscle, causing a constant leak of urine. Your vet can prescribe medications to strengthen the sphincter, but this medicine carries a significant risk of side effects.

4. Hormonal changes in both male and female dogs after neutering or spaying can also cause canine urinary incontinence, but the condition is much more common in female dogs. In this case, your dog will urinate normally but may leak urine when at rest. A safe, homeopathic remedy is the best way to strengthen your dog's urinary tract and prevent future incontinence.

5. Perhaps the most common cause of urinary problems in dogs is a bacterial infection. It's important to properly diagnose an infection, since it can be lethal if left untreated. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotic medication to treat the problem, but unfortunately, this can sometimes backfire. Because dogs rapidly metabolize most of the medication, high doses of the medicine must be used for long periods of time. This can irritate the urinary tract and make the problem worse. What's more, bacterial strains are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotic treatment as a result of the overuse of these medications.

Now that you are informed about the possible causes of canine urinary incontinence, you can better chart a course of action for your dog's health. Make sure to get him to a veterinarian right away to diagnose the problem and get appropriate treatment.

Dog urinary problems can be unpleasant for both you and your pet, but the conditions that lead to incontinence can be corrected with proper diagnosis. In the most difficult cases, antibiotic treatment or surgery may be required, but in many cases, changes in lifestyle coupled with a homeopathic remedy may be all that is necessary. By making these changes, you can prevent the recurrence of your dog's urinary problems. Take advantage of homeopathic treatment options to help your dog recover from his urinary incontinence and prevent the problem from happening again.