What do you do when the mercury drops, or the snow is deeper than a dog’s belly? Dog owners need to strongly encourage their dog(s) to potty – actually, insist on it! Nancy Kern shares some ideas for dog owners. Consider sharing these on social media and in e-newsletters.
. . . the number of cases of urinary tract infections spikes in winter, when dogs tend to “hold it” for as long as possible, declining invitations to go outside at their usual potty times and failing to take the time to empty their bladders fully when they do go outside.
Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 31, 2019. Link.
The longer urine is held in the body the more bacteria can grow in that urine; when the population of bacteria tips past a level that the dog’s immune system can control . . . discomfort and systemic illness can result.