What You Need To Know About Urinary Obstructions In Dogs

A urinary obstruction can be a dangerous health issue for any dog. Being aware of the symptoms and treatments available for an obstruction will help you assist your dog in its time of need. 

Symptoms To Watch For 

If your dog is dealing with a urinary obstruction, it will start displaying behaviors based on how severe the obstruction is blocking their urinary flow. One of the first signs of an obstruction is when your dog postures to urinate and the urine flow doesn't start or trickles out slowly. As the complications from the obstruction begin to progress, your dog may start crying when it urinates or begin to vomit. 

Effects Of A Urinary Obstruction

A urinary obstruction is dangerous for your dog because it quickly shifts from being a urinary tract issue to being a whole body issue. Your dog's kidneys filter toxins. If those toxins are allowed to build in your dog's bloodstream, they begin to poison your dog's body. One of the most dangerous substances is excess potassium. If excess potassium isn't filtered from your dog's blood supply, the potassium builds to a point where your dog's heart could fail. 

Treatment Options

If your vet determines your dog has a blockage in their urinary tract, the vet will insert a catheter into your dog's urethra until it reaches their bladder. This process will allow your vet to drain your dog's bladder which will allow your dog's condition to stabilize. While the catheter is in place, your dog may wind up staying at the vet clinic for several days. Depending on the cause of your dog's obstruction, surgery may be required after their bladder has drained and their condition is more stable. 

Ways To Care For Your Dog After Treatment

Your pup won't be feeling very well when it comes home from treatment. In order to make sure your dog has the best recovery experience, you will want to follow your vet's directions closely. This may mean feeding your dog a special diet. You may also have to make sure your dog doesn't lick the incision after surgery, as this can lead to infection. 

If You Think Your Dog Has An Obstruction

If you think your dog may have a urinary obstruction, treat the situation as a veterinary emergency. Get your dog to the nearest animal hospital so the obstruction can be quickly treated. Delaying treatment for a urinary obstruction may lead to severe health complications for your dog. Bringing your dog to the vet will make sure it can recover in the quickest and most comfortable way possible.