Dog Bladder Infection (Cystitis)

A dog bladder infection (cystitis) is a bacterial infection of the bladder lining. It is common that an urinary tract infection precedes a bladder infection. What are the symptoms and causes of canine bladder infections? How is a case of bladder infection treated? Read on and find out!

The bladder is an organ that stores urine. In the case of dogs, it is located within the dog's abdomen in the area between the rear legs. When a dog releases himself, the muscles in the bladder wall contract, sneezing the urine out through the urethra (the narrow tube that carries the urine outside the body). A ring of muscle called a sphincter surrounds the urethra near the bladder, closing off the urine flow until it is time for the dog to release himself.

Dog bladder infection (cystitis) is a bacterial infection of the lining of the dog's bladder. Bacteria sometimes travel up the urethra into the dog's bladder, causing an infection. In many cases, an urinary tract infection precedes a bladder infection in dogs. Female dogs are more prone to urinary tract infections and bladder infections because their urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to travel upwards.

Bladder stones can occur as a result of bladder infections in dogs. The bacteria in the bladder can form a "nidus" (a central point) around which the stone develops. Bladder stones therefore can become a "hiding place" for bacteria against antibiotics. This leads to difficult-to-treat chronic bladder infections in dogs.

As well, a canine bladder infection, if left untreated, can lead to kidney infection which is more serious. It is therefore essential to take your dog to the vet if he shows signs and symptoms of a bladder infection.

Causes of Dog Bladder Infection

Underlying problems that can cause a bladder infection in dogs include:

Diabetes mellitus
Long-term corticosteroid therapy
Lack of fresh, clean drinking water
Insufficient bathroom time resulting in the dog holding urine

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Symptoms and Diagnosis of Dog Bladder Infection

The classic symptom of dog bladder infections is frequent and painful urination. A dog with a bladder infection usually strains to urinate frequently, and very often only a small amount of urine is passed. The urine is cloudy and has an abnormal odor. Because of the frequent urge to urinate, the dog may have "accidents" around the house.

Other canine bladder infection symptoms include:

Lethargy
Fever
Back pain
Female dogs may lick frequently at the vulva and have a vaginal discharge

Diagnosis is by a urinalysis to check for bacteria, white blood cells and red blood cells in the urine.

X-rays may be taken in order to rule out the possibility of bladder stones.

Treatment of Dog Bladder Infection

Conventional treatment of canine bladder infections is the use of oral antibiotics for two to three weeks. After that, another urinalysis will be done to ensure that the infection has been eliminated.

Prevention of Dog Bladder Infection Using Supplements

Bladder infections in dogs can be prevented by using the following supplements:

Cranberries: Cranberries (also blackberries and raspberries) are effective in preventing cystitis because they help to keep bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder and the urethra. They may also help to lower urine pH.
You can give non-sweetened cranberry juice (about half an ounce for dogs) to your dog, or you can use a cranberry powder product such as Solid Gold Berry Balance for Cats and Dogs.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C can acidify the urine which in turn helps to control bacterial infections. Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties and therefore can prevent infections.
Cod-liver oil: Cod-liver oil is rich in vitamin A which is essential in keeping the lining of the bladder and urinary tract in good condition. Here is a good natural product of cod-liver oil: Nordic Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil.

In addition to the above, you can also prevent canine bladder infections by making sure that your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Also make sure that he has plenty of bathroom time to release himself.

Also, feed your dog a high-quality natural diet instead of cheap kibbles which are usually packed with grain-based carbohydrates which can alter the pH of your dog's urine, creating an environment that encourages bacteria to thrive.