A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common diseases that affects canines. Research has shown that approximately 14% of dogs may get affected by this infection. Bacteria are usually the causal pathogens for urinary tract infections in dogs. Bacteria may enter your pet's body if your pet drinks contaminated water or consumes contaminated food. Once they infiltrate into the pet's body, they are transported through blood and lymphatic system to the lower part of the body, that is, to the urinary tract. Female dogs are more prone to UTI as they have a shorter urethra than male dogs. So, it is easier for the bacteria to travel to the bladder, especially if a dog is suffering from a kidney infection. Thus, this condition should not be left untreated for a longer time, as this may lead to severe damage of other internal organs.

Symptoms
The condition is categorized into two types - upper and lower UTI. The signs of an upper UTI include lack of appetite in dogs, vomiting and eating disorders. The symptoms of a lower UTI are related to urination problems. However, the general symptoms of UTI in dogs are difficulty in passing urine, fever, loss of appetite, smelly urine, increased urination and sometimes blood in the urine. Apart from the main symptoms, there are certain changes in dog behavior like lethargy, loss of weight, vomiting, frequent thirst and dehydration.

Home Remedies
Provide your pet with proper and nutritious dog food. Maintain hygiene and clean environment during meals. Keep your dog hydrated by providing sufficient amount of water, as it will help to flush out the toxins from your dog's body. You can also provide your dog with citrus fruit juices. He may not like the taste of the acidic juice, so add something to it to change the flavor. Acidic juices will make the urine more acidic, and this will lower the bacteria count.

Treatment
Once the diagnosis is done by a veterinarian, antibiotics are prescribed depending upon the severity of the infection. Your pet has to undergo certain sensitivity tests to check for any allergic reactions. After treating with antibiotics, if you notice any major changes in your dog's health, consult a vet to change the dosage of the antibiotics. Another way for treating UTI in canines is by antimicrobial drugs. The dosage of antimicrobial drugs continues for two to three weeks depending upon the intensity of the infection. If you do not prefer giving your dog any antibiotics, then you can try some homeopathic remedies to treat a urinary tract infection. Treating your dog with apple cider vinegar can be an alternative.

If the symptoms have disappeared, do not assume that your pet is free from infection. It is advisable that you take your pet to a veterinarian for further checkups at least for few days, so as to rule out complications. Certain precautionary measures should be taken even after the symptoms disappear.