I'm hoping someone can shine some light on what's going on with my furry friend. My dog, Bella, has been showing all the typical signs of a UTI—frequent urination, straining, and even the occasional accident in the house, which is so unlike her. I was convinced it was a UTI, so we went to the vet and had her urine tested, but surprisingly, there were no bacteria found. The vet seemed puzzled and suggested it could be something else, maybe crystals or even stress-related. I'm beside myself with worry because she's clearly uncomfortable, and I hate seeing her like this. Has anyone else experienced something similar with their dog? What other issues could mimic UTI symptoms? I just want to help my girl feel better. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Hello there! I'm so glad you reached out. It sounds like your pup is quite uncomfortable with those UTI symptoms. When there are no bacteria present in the urine, it could be something called "sterile cystitis," which means inflammation without infection. This can be caused by factors like stress, bladder stones, or even certain medications. In some cases, conditions like interstitial cystitis can also mimic UTI symptoms.
At home, make sure your furry friend is drinking plenty of water. You can encourage this by offering fresh water more frequently or even adding a bit of water to their food. Taking your dog on more frequent bathroom breaks can also help flush out any irritants in the bladder.
Keep an eye out for any concerning signs like blood in the urine, straining to urinate, or signs of pain and discomfort. If your dog isn't urinating at all or seems very distressed, those could be signs of a more serious issue that needs immediate attention.
I'm here to help you further, so I encourage you to book a video consult with Dial A Vet. We can discuss your dog's symptoms more thoroughly and find the best solution together. Take care!
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