Did you know that having a pet can benefit your health? Studies have shown that they can reduce stress and cholesterol levels. Not only that, but they can help ease loneliness, especially dogs and cats. It’s important to remember, however, that pet ownership comes with many responsibilities. For one thing, you have to provide them with proper health care. After all, they can get sick too. Take urinary tract infections, for example, they’re a common reason for vet visits.
Has your pet experienced it? Want to know how to prevent UTIs in cats and dogs? If so, you’re on the right page. We’ve put together a guide with all the information that you need to know below.
Keep reading to learn more!
What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system. This includes the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureter.
These types of infections are common in dogs, especially females. In cats, they’re rarely seen in those less than the age of 10.
The good news is that there is an antimicrobial treatment for pet UTIs, which can be prescribed by your vet.
Symptoms of UTIs in Dogs and Cats
UTI symptoms are fairly similar in dogs and cats. These include cloudy urine, bloody urine, frequent urination, crying out while urinating, and straining to urinate.
The only difference is that dogs will need to be let outside more frequently whereas cats can simply urinate in their litter box. With that said, accidents aren’t uncommon. For example, a dog may go inside the house and a cat may urinate outside their litter box.
How to Prevent UTIs in Cats
Cats often develop UTIs due to feces entering the urethra. To prevent this, it’s important that you clean their litter box daily; that will reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
It also helps to provide them with clean, freshwater every day. The more they drink, the less their chance of developing an infection.
Finally, you want to reduce stress in the home. For example, it helps to keep their litter boxes in a quiet, calm area of the house.
How to Prevent UTIs in Dogs
Let your dog outside more often if possible. The longer they hold their urine, the greater their risk of UTIs.
Also, you want to provide them with fresh drinking water; that will help flush bacteria from the bladder. Make sure to change it often as germs can settle in their bowls.
There are also dog probiotic supplements that you can get that’ll encourage the growth of healthy bacteria.
Preventing Urinary Tract Infections In Pets
And there you have it—a short guide on how to prevent UTIs in cats and dogs. As you can see, these infections are preventable.
For more pet-related posts, be sure to visit the rest of our blog!