Why doesn't the dog go to the toilet?

One of the most important physiological acts performed by a dog’s body is urination. Toxic metabolic products leave the body with liquid secretions. When this process is disrupted and the dog has difficulty urinating, many serious problems arise. Many of them are fatal, so your pet needs to be taken to the vet immediately.

When is this a problem?

First, determine if your dog actually has a problem. As a starting point, dogs typically walk once or twice a day.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) lists the signs of constipation in a dog. This:

A break of several days between bowel movements.
Pebble-like, hard, dry excrement.
Tenesmus, which is when your dog strains with little or no effect. Or produces a small amount of liquid fecal matter with blood.
Painful or difficult bowel movements, also known as dyschezia.

Diagnostics

After arriving at the clinic or calling a veterinarian at home, you need to tell the specialist in as much detail as possible about the symptoms that you observed in your dog. As a rule, the veterinarian will begin with a complete examination and taking blood tests from the animal and, if possible, urine samples. This is very important, since in cases where poor urination is due to the presence of an infection, its causative agent must be identified and destroyed as soon as possible.

But first you need to treat the urethra with an anesthetic, give the dog sedatives if necessary, and try to insert a catheter into the cavity of the urethra. This way you can diagnose its blockage.

What causes constipation?

Constipation can be caused by many reasons. Some of them can be easily eliminated, for example, by changing the dog's diet - adding more fiber to it. However, constipation can also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a tumor in the colon or rectum or an intestinal obstruction. Veterinarians can usually identify the problem based on where in the digestive tract it occurs.

Along with nutrition, the AKC identifies other common problems related to constipation in dogs:

Aging.
Activity level.
Tumors in the gastrointestinal tract.
Other tumors.
Anal gland diseases.
Prostate enlargement.
Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
Medications.
Metabolic disorders.
Diseases and injuries of the spine.
Central nervous system disorders.
Stress and psychological problems.
Orthopedic diseases.
Postoperative problems.
Other disorders of the digestive tract, for example as a result of ingestion of foreign objects.

If your dog is constipated and it hasn't been long since his last bowel movement, there are some solutions you can try at home. For example, add wet dog food to your pet's diet. The high moisture content of this food can help move the intestinal contents forward. Exercising your dog more frequently can help, and you should also make sure he drinks enough water.

If constipation continues for more than a few days, consult your veterinarian to make sure it is not the result of a medical condition. Be sure to tell your veterinarian the last time your dog pooped, what the consistency of his stool was, what his diet was like, and any other signs of a problem. If you have an intestinal obstruction, a special procedure may be needed to clear the blockage.

Symptoms

The problem of why a dog can't pee can quickly become a pressing situation. Don't hesitate to take your dog to the vet if you see any of the following symptoms:

Urine that flows in streams or streams;
Frequent attempts to urinate (often delayed and unsuccessful);
Display of strain when attempting to excrete urine;
Leakage (this can happen because the bladder is so full that it can no longer hold fluid);
Blood in the urine;
Licking the urinary opening;
Low appetite;
Vomit;
Tender abdominal area;
Lethargy;
Disinterest in normal activities.

Urination

What if the dog doesn't urinate?

The average healthy adult dog should urinate three to five times a day. A puppy or older dog may need to urinate more often.

A dog that doesn't pee is just as serious a problem as a dog that doesn't poop. This could be a sign of a health problem. If your dog truly cannot urinate, the inability of the bladder to remove toxins from the body can quickly become fatal.

The AKC notes typical causes of urinary problems:

Infection.
Bladder stones.
Tumors.
Kidney disease.
Spinal damage.

It should also be noted that environmental stressors can also cause an animal to be unable to urinate. A dog that is uncomfortable in its surroundings—for example, due to the recent addition of another dog—may not urinate for a long time. This in itself is not a cause for concern. Just give her enough time and opportunity to go to the toilet, and she will eventually feel more comfortable.

Your dog and veterinarian are counting on you to spot the first signs of a health problem. That's why it's important to pay attention to any changes in your pet's typical behavior and toilet routine. While it may not always be convenient to watch your pet doing his business, it is often one of the most noticeable signs of a dog's overall health. So if you see changes in her behavior when she relieves herself or defecates, or changes in the consistency of her stool, take the time to contact your veterinarian to see if you need to come in for an evaluation.

Signs of "trouble"

Dogs are not cats. In most cases, they pee on the street, and therefore many owners notice that something wrong is happening to their pet at the very last moment. So if this is exactly the case in your case, do not delay - contact your veterinarian immediately. You should hurry if you observe any of these symptoms in your dog:

Urine is released in streams, as if in fits and starts. The dog may squat, grunt, or otherwise express discomfort.

Frequent attempts to urinate (which constantly end without apparent success).

When a dog tries to pee, his entire posture and behavior express an extreme degree of tension.

Spontaneous leakage of urine. Occurs when fluid begins to flow out of a fully filled bladder under pressure.

Blood in urine.

The animal constantly licks the genital area.

noticeably reduced.

Vomit.

The abdominal cavity is very tense on palpation.

Apathetic state.

In the most severe cases, when it comes to uremia, neurological seizures ending in coma are possible.

Treatment at home

A dog can be treated at home only after examination by a veterinarian, who will definitely prescribe general urine and blood tests. In some cases, an ultrasound examination is required to determine the presence of stones, sand, the extent of inflammation, cystoscopy to examine the inside of the bladder and therapeutic lavage. Based on the examination results, the specialist will make a diagnosis, determine the nature of the inflammation, prescribe medications and select the appropriate dosage.

ADVICE! Treatment should not be started without consulting a veterinarian. It is necessary to identify the cause of inflammation and treat cystitis comprehensively. If you only remove the symptoms, the inflammation will become chronic and will regularly remind itself of itself with relapses.

Medicines

The doctor allows treatment of cystitis in dogs at home only after diagnosis and if the disease has not reached a critical stage. Otherwise, hospitalization of the animal is necessary.

Therapy is carried out comprehensively with drugs from several groups:

1) Antibiotics - drugs in this group are necessarily prescribed for cystitis. They help eliminate inflammation. It is preferable to choose not tablets, but a solution for intramuscular administration. This way antibiotics act much faster, stronger and without side effects. The most effective antibiotics are Tsiprolet, Monural, Baytril, Tsnftriaxon, Furadonin.

2) Immunomodulators - these medications restore reduced immunity. Ribotan, Gamavit, Immunofan are often prescribed.

3) Antispasmodics - drugs are necessary to relieve pain during urination. Thanks to antispasmodics, swelling of the urethra decreases, urine comes out freely. Veterinarians prescribe Cyston, No-shpu.

4) Antimicrobial drugs Antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of cystitis are prescribed to an animal if the disease is of an infectious nature. They kill pathogenic microorganisms found in the urinary tract. Most often prescribed are Norbactin, Furagin, Nitroxoline.

5) Antihistamines - the veterinarian prescribes antiallergic medications if cystitis has developed as a result of an allergic reaction. Suprastin and Allervert are considered popular.

6) Diuretics - diuretics are necessary to ensure that urine is excreted on time and in normal quantities. This way it will not stagnate and cause inflammation and intoxication. Canephron is considered the most effective drug.

ethnoscience

Along with drug therapy, the treatment of cystitis in dogs can be supplemented with folk remedies (if the veterinarian allows it). Together, they allow you to quickly cope with the disease. Decoctions of oregano, lingonberry, and bearberry help. They have a mild diuretic effect. Strong diuretics should not be given to a dog for cystitis. Infusions of parsley and St. John's wort help reduce inflammation. Decoctions of mint and lemon balm relieve spasms and pain when urinating. Auxiliary treatment with folk remedies should not last more than 10 days.

The role of water in the dog's body

Water plays an important role in a dog's body. It ensures the normal functioning of the vascular and digestive systems, and is responsible for the condition of the skin, wool, and mucous membranes. A normal volume of fluid helps eliminate toxins, and in hot weather, water participates in the process of thermoregulation due to gradual evaporation. Moisture is part of the connective tissue, due to which the joints soften and movements become easier.

Dehydration for more than 12 hours begins to affect the pet's condition. He becomes lethargic, movements and metabolism slow down. Thirst is especially dangerous in hot weather - the temperature balance is disturbed, which is fraught with serious complications from the cardiovascular system.

Signs that your dog isn't drinking enough

The problem is also that dog owners often simply do not notice that the animal has problems with fluid intake. Many also prefer not to pay attention to it. Below are symptoms of dehydration that should help people identify the problem.

With a lack of fluid, the dog

more often refuses food, which can develop into a complete loss of appetite;
becomes apathetic, lethargic, inactive;
has a dull look, as dehydration causes the eyes to become noticeably sunken.

All of the above signs are an alarming signal that should prompt the owner to seek help from specialists.

Classification of cystitis in dogs

There are several classifications of cystitis in dogs. Thus, they distinguish between primary (develops independently) and secondary (results from another disorder in the body) inflammation. The disease can be descending or ascending. In the first case, the infection enters the urinary system through the bloodstream or from the kidneys - this is rarely observed, mainly a consequence of pyelonephritis. Ascending cystitis develops in most cases; the source of infection can be the urethra, vagina, or anus.

In addition, according to the type of inflammation, the following types of cystitis are distinguished:

hemorrhagic – a consequence of injury to the bladder;
eosinophilic – reaction to allergens, helminthiases, microbes;
ossifying – the result of metastasis of bone tumors;
polyploid – provokes the formation of polyps;
emphysematous - develops due to the activity of microorganisms that produce gases.

Cystitis can also occur in an acute or chronic form, characterized by periodic exacerbations.

Disease or normal reaction of the body?

When talking about how a puppy behaves in the heat, it should be remembered that any animal reacts to heat in approximately the same way. In the wild and zoos, the entire biological rhythm obeys one rule: during the day, in intense heat, animals move little, hide from the sun, do not hunt or feed. This also applies to our pets. If you have good air conditioning at home, you won't notice the difference; the only advice from veterinarians is to move your walks to early morning and late evening.

Those who have decided to take him on vacation with them, where they will have to be in the open air 24 hours a day, are very worried about how the puppy behaves in the heat. In this case, you will need to find him a reliable shelter from the sun (in the shade of trees) so that he can rest peacefully there. Be sure to ask your veterinarian for advice, he will tell you how your puppy behaves in the heat, and what moments can be considered normal.

How much water should a pet drink per day?

The amount of water per day depends on weather conditions, physical activity, type of feeding and size of the pet. With dry food, more fluid is required, since the food causes a feeling of thirst after entering the stomach. The norm of fluid consumption for dogs is 20-70 ml per kg of pet weight per day. If your pet drinks less in cool weather, there is no need to worry. A dog can get moisture from natural food by eating snow, which is often found in huskies, malamutes and Samoyeds.

Photo: nellis.af.mil

Briefly about the main thing

Dogs require water for the normal functioning of their entire body. Lack of fluid leads to slow metabolism, exhaustion and disease.
Dehydration can be determined by pressing on the gums or by pulling the skin between the shoulder blades.
The average daily intake for dogs is 20-70 ml per 1 kg of weight. The total volume depends on the weather, lifestyle, and diet.
If the dog is only eating and refuses water, he needs to be given a rehydration solution or forcefully injected with a syringe.

Has it ever happened to you that your dog refuses to drink at all? Share in the comments how you dealt with this problem.

Features of the disease

With cystitis, the pathological process is localized inside the bladder, and it may involve not only the mucous membrane of the organ, but also the muscle layer.
In the vast majority of clinical situations, inflammation extends to the urinary tract. The disease is caused by the penetration of pathogenic microbes, which may include staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli and others. They penetrate the organ, have a destructive effect on the inner lining, and provoke the formation of ulcerations, ulcers, and wound surfaces. Cystitis can occur in dogs of any age and breed. Most often, the pathology is observed in bitches, which is due to the anatomy of the urinary system. In addition, frequent hormonal changes (childbirth, pregnancy, estrus) contribute to a decrease in immunity, which leads to increased proliferation of bacteria.

Dogs of small breeds, short-legged, and hairless are susceptible to bladder inflammation. Their body is unstable to low temperatures, which provokes hypothermia and the development of the disease.

Drinking regime

If you are planning to spend several days at the seaside, then do not forget that your dog should have a bowl of water with him. It needs to be refilled regularly. The dog should have access to clean water every minute. An excellent alternative to nutrition is kefir, because it is a great tonic, and dogs love it very much. Therefore, for hot days, save kefir or natural yogurt. Just don’t forget to immediately throw away the uneaten food to avoid problems with the digestive system. You should not leave your dog on a leash in the hot sun. To prevent heat stroke, accustom the animal to a Panama hat, the lining of which must be soaked in cool water.

All of the above recommendations are very important. A dog’s behavior in the heat is very revealing; you just need to be able to receive information. In the summer, all these rules can save your pet from many problems, as well as give amazing days of relaxing together in nature. Don’t forget that before going to the sea, you should visit a veterinarian so that he can examine the dog and give his recommendations. If the doctor is categorically against such a trip, then entrust the care of the pet to someone else or get together with him in a shady forest.

How to protect your pet from the heat

Since puppies endure heat more easily than adult dogs, you need to think about them first, especially if you are planning a trip to the sea. Most owners decide to take the animal on vacation with them, since there is no one to leave it with. This is not bad, especially if your pet has skin diseases. Sea air and water promote healing. However, this applies specifically to the sea coast; if you go to ponds and lakes located near industrial cities, then it is better not to allow your dog near the water. Ulcers and dermatophytes, mites and itching - this is what dogs are then brought to the clinic with.

In order for your baby to play calmly during the day, you need to protect him from direct sunlight. To do this, you will have to sew some semblance of a swimsuit at home. This can be a blanket on the back, with elastic bands, or a Panama hat. Very often, both the Panama hat and the blanket underneath are stitched with thin foam rubber and sprayed with water. Thanks to evaporation, the animal becomes less hot. Many owners ask whether it is possible to shower their dog in the heat. Yes, but not with ice water, like from a garden hose, but with a little settled water.

Signs of exhaustion and illness

If you find that your dog is not drinking enough water, you should check your pet for dehydration. To do this, use two fingers to pull back the skin at the withers or in the area between the shoulder blades. Normally, the coat with a layer of subcutaneous fat should quickly return to its place; slow drooping is the first sign of a lack of water.

The second way is to check the condition of your gums. In a healthy dog, they should be colored a rich red-pink color; with light pressure, the white tint that appears will immediately disappear. Dehydration is often accompanied by symptoms of exhaustion. The main ones:

loss of appetite, refusal to eat;
apathy, lethargy and poor mobility;
reluctance to go for a walk or play;
dullness of the eyes, change in the saturation of the iris shade;
redness of the whites.

To check the dog's condition, you can offer it any treat, give it a toy, or call it for a walk. A healthy and active animal should not refuse these offers.