Urinary difficulties are unfortunately common among dogs, ranging from bacterial infections to urinary stones. The process of urination is extremely painful, and the animals often make loud noises, and it is possible to urinate outside the place provided for that.
Difficulty urinating can occur in any dog breed. It can occur in both males and females although most commonly, males are affected. It is commonly caused by bladder stones that get stuck in the urethra and prevent passage of urine, but it can also be caused by muscle spasms in the urethra, cystitis, mucous plugs and certain cancers.
If your dog is diagnosed with a urinary problem, your veterinarian will work with you to treat the signs and underlying causes to make sure that your dog is as healthy and happy as possible.
Major Causes of Urinary Difficulties in Dogs
Bladder Stones
Sometimes the naturally occurring minerals in your dog’s urine can clump together, forming crystals or stones. Many things can cause the minerals to clump, including an infection, medication, genetics, diet, how often your dog urinates, and how much water they drink.
Cancer of the Urinary Tract
Cancers of the bladder, ureter, and urethra are uncommon in dogs but do occur.
The most commonly found type of these cancers is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). While other types of cancers do occur, transitional cell carcinoma seems to be the primary culprit, and certain breeds of dogs, such as the Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Shetland Sheepdog, appear to be predisposed to it.
Prostate Problems
There are several reasons for an enlarged prostate in dogs, including tumors, cysts, enlargement because of hormones in dogs that have not been neutered, and infection. Symptoms of prostate problems may include straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and incontinence. If the enlargement is caused by infection, signs may also involve drinking more water and needing to urinate more often.
Spinal cord lesions and injuries
Dogs with spinal cord lesions and injuries can experience multiple organ traumas. Though lesions and injuries can’t always cause paralysis, it can cause irregular movements of organs and body functions including the bladder movements and functions of your dog.
Cushings Disease
Some dogs with excessive levels of steroids produced by the adrenal glands (known as Cushing’s disease) have increased urination (polyuria), urinary bladder distention, and mild urine retention
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