A urinary tract infection is usually to blame for dogs to have frequent urination. However, younger dogs and puppies are more susceptible to an infection because their immune system hasn’t been challenged yet. Females are also susceptible to UTI’s because their urethra is shorter and broader than that of a male, making it easy for bacteria to get into their bladder, helping infection to grow. When infected, the bladder will become inflamed, causing frequent urination.
Canine diabetes is becoming more and more common. That is why it is important to know the symptoms and watch for them in your dog. Diabetes in a dog will cause high levels of sugar. Instinctively, the dog will drink more water than normal in order to be rid of the extra sugar, causing frequent urination. (See Reference 1) Other symptoms to watch out for are unexplained tiredness and weight gain or loss. If you ever suspect diabetes in your dog, don’t wait to take them to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment because it’s a very serious disease.
Cushing’s disease is often not found in dogs until its late stages because owners often think the symptoms are simple signs of aging since the disease is usually found only in older dogs. In addition to the dog drinking more water, and hence urinating frequently, hair loss and weight loss may also be present.
Hormonal imbalances, especially in older female dogs, can be to blame for frequent urination. These types of imbalances can affect the kidneys, making them unable to concentrate urine properly. Hormonal imbalances can cause the dog to not only urinate frequently, but also become dehydrated. This can be dangerous if not found and treated properly.
Urinary problems in dogs can also be caused by bladder stones that irritate the dog’s bladder. The stones are formed when high mineral levels in the urine crystallize. The bladder stones can be as small as a grain of sand to the size of a pea.
If you are afraid your dog may be suffering from any of these diseases or conditions call your local veterinarian and make an appointment. Within a couple of hours of the appointment, obtain a urinary sample from your dog. The easiest way to do this is by using a ladle to catch the stream of urine. This will make it easier for the veterinarian to run tests. The veterinarian may also take x-rays to find the reason for frequent urination. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. Most diseases and conditions can be treated with antibiotics or other types of oral medication. The important thing to remember is not to delay if you are afraid your dog might have a problem.
