How to Care for a Dog With a Bladder Infection
- 1). Follow all of the veterinarian’s instructions to assist your dog’s recovery. Remember that the veterinarian developed the treatment plan based upon your dog’s specific needs.
- 2). Give the dog his medication on schedule. Since antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs fight the bladder infection, it is important to keep the prescribed dosage of medication in your dog’s system. Missed dosages can lessen the effectiveness of the medicine and may lead to a longer recovery period.
- 3). Encourage the dog to drink water frequently. Put a bowl of fresh water in every room. If the dog naps most of the day, keep a full bowl of water close by her rest area so she can reach it with little effort.
- 4). Take your dog outside for potty breaks often. Your dog will need to urinate more than normal because of bladder irritation. Walks will give him a chance to potty frequently to get rid of the bacteria in his bladder.
- 5). Provide a quiet and comfortable place for the dog to nap. The dog may nap more because of the medication and the cystitis. Place her bed in a cozy corner of the room where she can sleep undisturbed and regain her strength.
- 6). Keep the dog clean to prevent more bacteria from entering the urethra. Do not let the dog roll in the mud or get dirty playing outdoors. If the dog has not had a bath in over a month, bathe the dog with a gentle shampoo and moisturizing cream rinse designed for dogs. If the dog was groomed recently, a sponge bath is sufficient. Wipe the dog’s outer genital area with a soft cloth and mild dog shampoo. Rinse away all of the shampoo residue. Clean the dog's genital area with this method once a week during the infection.
- 7). Offer the dog citrus juice, if the veterinarian allows it. Juices such as cranberry, orange or lime, can increase the acidity of your dog’s urine to fight a bladder infection. Offer one cup of juice in three small dosages to help your pet drink it. Get your veterinarian’s approval to give your dog citrus juice to make sure it will not interfere with her medication.
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