Canine Bladder Problems - How to Treat and Prevent Them

Canine bladder problems can be excruciatingly painful and lead to other more serious health issues. As with any health condition, it is important to follow a healthy treatment and prevention plan. In this article, you'll learn what to do to help your dog get better fast.

Symptoms of canine bladder issues include:

• Difficulty controlling urination
  
• Fever
  
• Tenderness in the abdominal region
  
• Frequent urination
  
• Foul smelling urine
  
• Frequent licking of the genital area
  
• Depressed mood
  

These symptoms can indicate a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, kidney problems or an injury, so it is important to take your pet to the vet. It's important to note that for struvite bladder crystals and urinary tract infections, your vet will probably recommend antibiotics, but you may want to think about this treatment more carefully since antibiotics can be harsh and cause side effects that can make your pet's suffering even worse. An good alternative to drugs is natural remedies.

Although there can be many causes of canine bladder issues, improper diet is probably the biggest cause and this is where prevention becomes increasingly important. It is also believed that prematurely spaying female dogs (before the onset of puberty) can lead to bladder problems later on in life. Since this can set the stage for recurring infections, again, you'll want to make sure that you have a practical prevention plan in place.

Usually urinary issues are set into motion by an improper pH level in the bladder. When the pH is not within the normal range, the bladder becomes a host to bacterial infections and promotes the formation of bladder stones. Although a good diet can help keep the pH at the proper levels, a natural supplement can accelerate the healing process, especially if your dog is suffering from pain. Best of all, a good supplement is gentle enough to use daily for prevention. Look for one that contains ingredients like Uva Ursi and Cantharis which have been proven effective at healing canine bladder problems and preventing them from happening in the first place.

Of course supplements are always more effective when given with a healthy diet. Avoid processed dog food by giving your dog organic food instead. Dog food should be made of real meat (not meat byproducts) and should not contain chemicals or cheap grains which can alter the pH. Moist food is better than dry kibble because the higher water content makes it easier to digest which means your dog will get more nutrients with each bite.

Another important thing to do is make sure to give your pet filtered water. You do not have to go to the expense of providing bottled water. Water that has been filtered has had the harmful chemicals removed. Make sure your dog always has plenty of water because it helps to flush the kidneys and promotes healthy urine flow. Finally, make sure your dog gets regular exercise.

So there you have it: some practical, effective treatment and prevention tips for canine bladder issues. Follow them and your dog will get better quickly and stay that way.