Urinary tract infection or UTI is a fungal, bacterial, or algal infection along the urinary tract that includes the ureters, urethra, kidneys, and bladder. Yorkshire terriers are known to suffer from urinary infections all the time.
Yorkshire terriers, also known as Yorkies, came from England and were used to catch rats in clothing mills in the 19th century. The working class was the first ones who owned dogs until they became a companion to families of high society in Europe.
The Yorkshire terrier is usually four to seven pounds. It has a long tan and blue coat that is silky and fine. It has small ears and dark eyes. They are playful and friendly. The Yorkies are stubborn, bold, and inquisitive. They don’t need to exercise outside but they do need short walks because they need to explore. The Yorkies require constant contact with people. Their long coat needs to be brushed daily. They are noisy but with proper training, they can quit the habit.
One thing that they are prone to be urinary tract infection. It is more common in female dogs than in male dogs. Environmental or intestinal bacteria enter and go through the urethra into the bladder and that usually causes UTIs. Stones in the bladder or urinary tract can also cause urinary tract infections. Medical conditions and diseases can also cause infections. There are cases where organisms aside from bacteria could cause UTIs. These include mycoplasma, algae, fungi, viruses, and chlamydia.
Most dogs with urinary tract infections don’t show indicators of an infection.
The symptoms they show include:
- cloudy urinedepression
- blood in the urine,
- incontinence, lethargy,
- several attempts to pee
- excessive need to urinate
- urinating in inappropriate places
- straining to urinate
If you see these signs with your Yorkshire terrier, you should contact your veterinarian right away.
