The likelihood of your dog having a bladder issue at some point in his life may be higher than you think. The most common bladder issues in dogs are bacteria-caused urinary tract infections, which are also very common in humans.
According to the American Kennel Club, “UTIs affect 14 percent of all dogs throughout their lifetime.”
But, is there anything you can do to prevent bladder problems? Absolutely!
There are plenty of things pet parents can do to help their fur babies avoid the pain and discomfort of a UTI and other common bladder issues.
When it comes to preventing bladder issues, pet parents have three main lines of defense.
Get a Urinalysis
Your dog’s urine can teach a lot more than you think. Gross, right? It might be hard to believe, but looking at the contents of your pet’s pee will be many times more enlightening than any conclusions you make searching Google.
And the best part? You can get your pet’s urine analyzed regularly to ensure he’s healthy as a horse. Well, you know what I mean.
The easiest way to get a urine sample is the mid-stream free flow method. This method is exactly what you’re imagining. Use a sterile container with a lid to catch some urine when they go.
If your pet’s having trouble urinating, your vet will use other methods to get a urine sample via catheter (catheterization) or syringe (cystocentesis).
Optimize Your Dog’s Diet for Bladder Health
What kind of diet is good for the bladder? One that’s low in minerals that can build up in the urinary tract (e.g., phosphorus and magnesium). If these build up–whether because there’s too much of them or the kidneys are struggling to filter them out–they can form bladder stones and make urinating painful.
It's also important to make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water at all times and to encourage him to drink regularly to flush out his system and keep all of his organs working optimally.
Regular vet checkups
This goes without saying, but the first rule of proactive pet parenting is to take your fur baby to the vet regularly.
Yearly checkups are a must to make sure your pet’s anatomy is in tiptop shape, is getting the nutrients he needs, and doesn’t have any underlying medical risks you weren’t aware of.
Your dog may also benefit from urinary support supplements disguised as treats. You can try pawTree’s Bladder Support Plus.
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