Introduction
Urinary tract infections in dogs are usually caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and travel to the bladder. Dogs can also experience urinary tract infections if they have developed bladder stones or if they have certain types of medical conditions.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs
Bacteria
A bacterial urinary infection is the most common cause of urinary tract infections in dogs. It is believed that female dogs are diagnosed with the condition more than male dogs because they have a shorter urethra, and bacteria have an easier journey from the urethra to the bladder. Dogs that are born with narrow urethras may also develop repeated urinary tract infections.
Other Medical Conditions
The development of bladder stones is also a frequently diagnosed cause of bladder infections. Some dogs develop bladder stones due to diet, and other dogs may be more genetically predisposed to bladder stone conditions.
Urinary tract infections in dogs may also be caused by an underlying medical condition. A healthy dog is generally able to fight off bacteria that may cause a urinary tract infection, but if a dog’s immune system is already weakened then frequent bladder infections may occur.
Diabetes is a condition which can cause frequent urinary tract infections to repeatedly develop in dogs. Diabetes affects the dog’s immune system, and the high sugar levels in the dog’s blood create condition the bladder that promote bacterial growth.
In rare cases, urinary tract infections in dogs can be caused by medical conditions such as Cushing’s Disease or bladder cancer. Conditions, such as tumors on the spine or disc disease, which interfere with a dog’s ability to completely empty the bladder, may also cause urinary tract infections.