Pets can experience urination discomfort caused by a urinary tract infection just like people. When your cat or dog displays symptoms such as frequent urination or excessive licking, they may suffer from a UTI. If you notice any signs of a UTI, schedule an appointment with our veterinarian at Walnut Valley Animal Hospital in Rowland Heights, CA. Our team can help provide treatment for your pet so they can feel happy and healthy again.
What is a UTI in Pets?
Urinary tract infections are common in dogs, especially females. They can be reoccurring and can cause discomfort during urination. Recognizing the symptoms of a UTI in pets is essential to help them receive treatment and provide comfort from the infection.
Essentially, a UTI occurs in pets when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethral opening and suppresses the immune system. The bacteria can cause an infection, such as E. coli, which is the most common bacteria found in UTIs. A UTI mostly occurs from an infection in the bladder, but can happen due to any part of the urinary tract, such as the kidneys or urethra.
Symptoms of a UTI
Sometimes it can be difficult to decipher if your pet may have a UTI. However, being aware of symptoms can make it easier to identify the infection and bring your pet in to see our vet a diagnosis and treatment. Some of the most common symptoms may include straining to urinate, frequent urination, accidents in the home, foul-smelling urine, excessive licking of the genitals, and blood in the urine.
Can a Veterinarian Help with Urination Discomfort in Pets?
Our vet can determine whether your pet has a UTI or another condition and provide treatment options. If your cat or dog has been diagnosed with the infection, our vet will treat it with antibiotics, which are meant to destroy the bacteria causing the infection. If the antibiotics do not work, our veterinarian may perform additional tests to determine the type of bacteria that is causing the infection and which antibiotic will work best. We may also prescribe pain medication to ease any discomfort your pet may be encountering.
Contact us for Treatment Today
If your pet is experiencing symptoms associated with a urinary tract infection, we recommend contacting out veterinarian at Walnut Valley Animal Hospital in Rowland Heights, CA, for a diagnosis. We will evaluate your pet and provide treatment to eliminate any pain and help keep them healthy. Contact us at (626) 965-4941 today to schedule an appointment!