The dog’s urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), bladder, and urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). These organs work together to produce, transport, store and excrete urine.
The urinary system has several important functions. It not only processes and removes waste products from the body. It also helps to maintain the correct balance of water and salts (electrolytes) within the body’s cells and process the important vitamin D.
Which is why a healthy urinary system is crucial for your dog’s internal functions.
Urinary, bladder and kidney problems are unfortunately common in dogs, especially as they get older. The most common urinary health problems in dogs include:
Some urinary health problems in dogs are easier to treat, or at least manage, than others. The treatment will depend on the urinary health condition and how advanced the condition is. Early detection is therefore very important and will make the treatment and/or management of the condition easier and more likely to be successful.
Treatments and management of urinary health problems in dogs may include medication, surgery, diet changes and supplementation. Diet and supplementation can also help to prevent some dog urinary health problems, e.g. may help preventing recurring urinary tract infection in dogs.
Elisabeth
