Dog Urinary Tract Infection & Excessive Thirst
Urinary tract infections are common in dogs, and are usually quite easily cured. However, there will always be a small percentage of dogs who develop difficulties during treatment, either from side effects of medication or the advancement of the disease itself. Dogs who are being treated for a urinary tract infection tend to drink more water because they urinate more frequently, and the body needs to stay hydrated. Excessive thirst should be reported to your veterinarian, though, as it could also be a sign of complication.
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When It Is Normal
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Urinary tract infections cause inflammation and discomfort, and can make your dog feel like she has to urinate more than usual. Even if she doesn't release a full amount every time she tries, she will release a little bit, and this adds up over the course of the day. Because she is losing more fluids than usual, her body will attempt to fend off dehydration by increasing her desire to drink. This should actually be encouraged, as a constant supply of water helps flush the bladder, taking bacteria and urine crystals with it. Of course, younger or more active dogs will drink more than others no matter what.
Medication Reaction
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Some medications prescribed to treat urinary tract infections can cause excessive thirst. Certain antibiotics, diuretics and steroid medications are notorious for the large amounts of urine they produce, and any medication that tastes bitter will stimulate your dog to drink until the taste has left her mouth. Again, hydration is good for urinary tract infection treatment, but it is wise to notify your vet anyway in case he would prefer to switch the medication.
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Kidney Disease
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In some cases, kidney disease can present symptoms similar to a urinary tract infection, and is sometimes caused by them if treatment was begun late. A dog with a kidney issue will drink and urinate excessively, and the urine may contain blood. If she is currently on medication for the urinary tract infection, your vet may want to culture her urine to find out if the infection is resistant to her current antibiotic.
Diabetes
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Rarely, the excessive thirst may not be related to the urinary tract infection at all. Dogs with diabetes tend to drink and urinate very large amounts, and owners often think a urinary tract infection is to blame. A quick test of the urine will reveal glucose, which means that blood sugar is being excreted in the urine instead of being used by the cells, which is the hallmark of diabetes.
When To See The Vet
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If your dog has not been formally diagnosed by a vet as having a urinary tract infection, make an appointment as soon as possible. A simple urinalysis can rule out diabetes, and a blood test can confirm whether or not the kidneys are involved. Early, accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any illness, so do not try to diagnose the dog yourself.
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References
- Photo Credit dog big gulp image by Denise Kappa from Fotolia.com
