Cystitis is quite common in dogs and even more so in bitches. It must be treated quickly because without treatment, the animal risks serious complications. It is therefore necessary to be attentive to your little companion to detect the symptoms of cystitis. But before a treatment can be prescribed, the diagnosis must be confirmed and the cause identified. In any case, it is necessary to limit the recurrences. Zoom on cystitis in dogs, an inflammation of various origins that can sometimes be avoided.

Cystitis in dogs: symptoms
The symptoms of cystitis in a dog or a bitch are :
- Pollakiuria: very frequent urination,
- Dysuria: difficulty in urinating. Dysuria: difficulty in urinating. The dog makes an effort to urinate, even if only a small amount of urine is released.
- Stranguria: pain when urinating because it is difficult and sometimes does not allow any drop of urine to be released,
- Hematuria: bloody urine,
- Sustained and frequent licking of the genital area.
The dog may seem sad and lacking in energy.
Cystitis in dogs: diagnosis and treatment
This inflammation of the bladder wall must be diagnosed with certainty in order not to miss another health problem that may have one or more symptoms in common with cystitis. Usually, the veterinarian will order a urinalysis to identify the culprit if he or she thinks the dog has cystitis due to a bacterial infection.
Sometimes the veterinarian may need to investigate further to confirm the diagnosis, especially if another cause is suspected, such as stones obstructing the urethra. In this case, a blood test and an imaging examination are essential (ultrasound...).
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment is prescribed. The dog can be put on antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs depending on the case. A surgical intervention is necessary when the cause of the cystitis is a stone.
Preventing cystitis in dogs
To limit the risk of cystitis or recurrence, it is essential that the owner makes his dog drink very frequently to increase diuresis. Dogs that do not have free access to their water bowl may suffer more frequently than others from this type of inflammation. But it is also essential to allow the animal to urinate when it needs to. If your pet is confined to the house all day, and therefore obliged to refrain from relieving itself on the carpet, the risk of cystitis increases considerably.
Another solution is to acidify the animal's urine, but only on the advice of a veterinarian. The owner can then add a tablespoon of apple vinegar to the drinking water of his little companion, at a rate of one spoonful every two days.
Dogs that suffer from cystitis due to gallstones are usually forced to follow a special diet for many months, or even for life. This may include acidifying kibble, which can be purchased in specialty stores. This type of food is very useful and effective in the short term in the case of cystitis of bacterial origin. To acidify the urine - which limits the proliferation of bacteria - you can also add fruits rich in vitamin C to your dog's food or simply give your pet some cranberry juice.
Cystitis and urinary tract infections in dogs and bitches should never be ignored. If left untreated, depending on their origin, these problems do not disappear spontaneously and the dog may suffer complications. His bladder and/or kidneys are very exposed. Not to mention that cystitis can be very painful. The owner therefore has a duty to relieve his dog and to have him treated as soon as possible.