Topics of the Month : July is Urinary Health

Healthy bladder, Happy home

This article was put together to help our clients and friends get a better understanding of urinary disease and prevention in our pet.

Signs of Urinary Problems:                               

Incontinence, “accidents” or leaking                                                                      

Urinating in unusual places                                                                         

Behavior changes, such as needing to go out more often or hiding.

Increase in groom or licking at penis or vulva

Trying to urinate without production

Discolored or strong smelling urine

*Please contact your veterinary if your pet displays any of these symptoms*

Stressors:

House guest, conflict with other pet, environmental changes and lack of suitable places to rest or hide. 

Pet Facts:

Some breeds of cats are more prone to urinary problems:

Struvites Crystals:  Beagles, Bichons, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature poodles, Shih Tzu

Calcium Oxalate Crystals: Bichon, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Toy poodles, Yorkies

 

Prevention in cats:

Creating a cat friendly home:

Exercise, toys and playtime

Hunting:

Scratching post

Resting perch

Pheromone therapy:

Maintain an Inviting litter box:   A cat may choose to “Hold it” than us a dirty litter box.  Cats may have many preferences to litter box maintenance like wheatear it is to dirty, shared with other cats, in a high traffic area or even filled with the wrong kind of litter. 

Fill the box with litter to a depth of at least 3 inches

Avoid perfumed litter

Clean out deposits everyday

Wash each litter box at least once a month with warm, soapy water

Avoid moving boxes

Never place boxes next to food or water bowls. 

Prevention in cats and dogs:

Encourage adequate water intake by:

Add small amounts of water to canned or dry food.

Place ice cubes in water bowls.

Use non-reflective bowls.

Offer water in various locations, materials, shapes, sizes or depths

Try giving bottled or filtered water.

Try adding low sodium broth to water.

Provide lots of opportunity to urinate.  Most dogs need a walk to fully empty the bladder.

Feed an appropriate diet (food) if prescribed by your veterinarian.