Your Dog’s Bladder Health: What to Know

What Is Bladder Health for Dogs? 

 

Bladder health in dogs often goes overlooked, but it is vital for their overall well-being. A healthy bladder means your dog can control their need to urinate, hold it when needed (like when you're away for a few hours), and most importantly, urinate without pain or discomfort. Healthy bathroom habits include regular, trouble-free trips to the bathroom without any signs of distress, dribbling, or unusual changes in urine color or odor.

Keeping an eye on your pet’s bladder health is important, not just for your pup’s comfort but for their long-term wellbeing. While regular veterinary check-ups are essential, it’s equally important to monitor any changes in your dog’s bathroom habits at home.

Using tools like Pet Life Unlimited’s Health Tracker dog pads can help you stay on top of your dog’s urinary health. Green spots on the pads indicate normal urine pH and good bladder health, as long as you don’t notice other concerning symptoms. However, consistent purple spots could be a sign of an early urinary issue, such as a bladder infection or imbalance in pH levels—and may show up before more obvious signs of a bladder issue appear, like straining or accidents. 

Read on to learn what healthy bladder function looks like in dogs, how to spot the signs of bladder infections, and what causes kidney and bladder stones. You’ll also find tips on how to address these issues and keep your dog feeling great.

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What Are the Causes of Bladder Infection in Dogs? 

 

Bladder infections in dogs, most commonly referred to as urinary tract infections (UTIs), occur when pathogenic bacteria colonize the lower urinary tract. According to Dr. Sarah Dodd, BVSc., Ph.D., DECVCN, of Veterinary Nutritional Consultations, Inc., these bacteria can enter the bladder in two primary ways:

1. 1. Ascending Infection: Bacteria from the external environment enter through the urethra and travel up into the bladder. This is the most common cause of bladder infections in dogs.

   2. Iatrogenic Introduction: This occurs when bacteria are introduced during medical procedures, such as cystocentesis (bladder aspiration), urinary tract catheterization, or cystotomy (bladder surgery).

Once bacteria make their way into the bladder, they can multiply rapidly, leading to irritation and damage to the internal lining of the bladder and urethra. This can cause discomfort, pain, and the feeling of needing to urinate more frequently or urgently.

Certain factors can increase the risk of bladder infections in dogs:

• • Male dogs that are not neutered may be at higher risk of developing prostatitis, an infection of the prostate gland, which can result in bacteria entering the urine.

  • Female dogs, particularly those with a recessed or "tucked" vulva, are more likely to develop local skin infections around the vulva. These infections can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, leading to a bladder infection or UTI.

Understanding these causes can help pet parents take preventative measures and identify potential risks to their dog’s bladder health.

 

 

How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Bladder Infection

 

Luckily for us pet owners, bladder infections in dogs often present with several clear signs. According to Dr. Dodd, some of the most common symptoms to look out for include:

• • Increased Frequency of Urination: Your dog may need to urinate much more often than usual.

  • Inappropriate Urination: Accidents in the home, even if your dog is usually house-trained.

  • Straining to Urinate: Your dog may have difficulty urinating or seem to struggle when trying to go.

  • Vocalizing During Urination: Whining, whimpering, or crying while urinating is an indicator of discomfort or pain.

  • Malodorous or Bloody Urine: A strong, foul smell or visible blood in the urine can signal a bladder infection.

Additionally, higher urine pH levels can be an early sign of a bladder infection. Pet Life Unlimited's Health Tracker dog pads can help you monitor your dog's urine pH. If you notice purple spots on the pad, it indicates that your dog’s urine pH is elevated, which could be a sign of a urinary issue like a bladder infection.

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Learn more about Health Tracker pads

 

Can Dogs Get Kidney Stones? 

 

Yes, dogs can develop kidney stones, also known as urinary stones. These mineralized concretions form within the kidneys. “Urinary stones can cause obstruction of the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder, and potentially lead to acute kidney injury, a condition with serious consequences,” says Dr. Dodd. The kidneys are delicate organs, and any acute damage can result in chronic and sometimes progressive reduction in their functional capacity.

Certain small dog breeds are more susceptible to kidney stones, including Bichon Frises, Pomeranians, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, and Miniature Schnauzers.

However, more commonly, dogs develop bladder stones, which form within the bladder itself. These stones can vary in size. “Bladder stones can be very uncomfortable if there are many of them in the bladder or if they are large,” says Dr. Karen Fine, DVM, author of The Other Family Doctor: A Veterinarian Explores What Animals Can Teach Us About Love, Life, and Mortality (Vintage, March 2024).

When it comes to bladder stones, size matters. Smaller stones or "sand" might pass through the urinary tract without issue, but larger stones can get stuck in the urethra, leading to a potentially life-threatening obstruction. If a dog is unable to urinate due to bladder stones, immediate emergency surgery is required to relieve the blockage. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has a urinary tract blockage.

In some cases, bladder stones can be dissolved with a special diet formulated for bladder stones, while in others, surgical removal may be necessary. Treatment depends on factors such as the size and type of stones, as well as the dog's overall health.

Causes of Kidney Stones in Dogs 

 

Kidney stones in dogs can form due to a combination of factors. Some of the main causes include:

1. 1. Urine pH Levels: The pH of a dog's urine plays a significant role in the formation of kidney stones. If the urine becomes too alkaline or acidic, it can lead to the formation of salt crystals that eventually develop into stones.

   2. Salt Retention: When salt is retained in the urinary tract or when there is a high concentration of salt in the urine, it can encourage the formation of crystals and stones. This is often compounded by dehydration, which concentrates the urine.

   3. Bacterial Infections: When bacteria enter the urinary tract, they can damage the internal lining of the bladder and urethra, causing pain, inflammation, and increased frequency of urination, says Dr. Dodd. The presence of bacteria in urine can increase the amount of salt and other minerals, contributing to the formation of urinary stones. 

   4. Dietary Factors: Some veterinarians believe that diets high in certain minerals can increase the risk of stone formation. Foods that are rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein have been linked to the development of kidney stones. High levels of these minerals in the diet may contribute to the buildup of crystals in the urine, which can eventually form stones.

 

 

 

How to Promote a Healthy Bladder for Your Dog

 

Promoting a healthy bladder for your dog involves a combination of proper hydration, regular veterinary care, and proactive management of diet and urinary health. Here are the key steps:

1. 1. Hydration: Ensuring your dog is properly hydrated is one of the best ways to support bladder health. Increased fluid intake helps produce more urine and encourages frequent elimination. This not only supports healthy bladder function but also flushes out potential pathogens or minerals that could form into stones. Offer your dog access to fresh water at all times, and consider feeding a high-moisture dog food to further support hydration.

   2. Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Routine visits to the veterinarian are essential for monitoring your dog’s overall health, including their bladder function. For healthy dogs, an annual check-up is recommended, but senior dogs may need to be seen more frequently (every 6 months). These visits typically include tests such as bloodwork and urinalysis, which can detect underlying urinary issues or conditions before symptoms arise. Early detection is key to preventing more serious problems.

   3. Diet Management: Discuss your dog’s diet with your veterinarian, especially if they are at risk for bladder stones or kidney stones. Certain foods, particularly those high in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Your vet may recommend a specialized diet that helps prevent stone formation or eliminates foods known to cause kidney stones in dogs. A well-balanced, breed-appropriate diet can also promote healthy kidney and bladder function.

By focusing on hydration, regular veterinary care, and diet management, you can help promote long-term bladder health and prevent urinary issues in your dog.

 

Buy Health Tracker Dog Pads

 

Monitor Your Dog’s Urinary Health with Pet Life Unlimited

 

Worried that your dog might have a urinary health issue? Their urine could hold the answer—and now, you have the tools to find it. Pet Life Unlimited’s Health Tracker dog pads are designed to give pet parents the insights they need to take early action if something’s not right.

These innovative pads make it simple to monitor your dog’s urine, helping you track the impact of their diet, lifestyle, and medications on their bladder health. It’s an easy, proactive way to stay on top of your dog’s wellbeing and address potential issues before they become serious.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Diana Kelly Levey is a freelance content marketing writer and former magazine editor with more than a decade of experience covering pets and animal health topics. In 2023, she was nominated for “Freelance Excellence” by the Women in Content Marketing Awards. Her snoring coworker—an adopted Coonhound-Lab-Shepherd mix named Jackson—provides inspiration for her articles. Follow Diana on Instagram for dog pics.