The urinary system in dogs is comprised of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder with the bean shaped kidneys being the initiators of the urinary process.
The kidney actually play a three step role in your dog's health by filtering waste products out of the blood, producing a very important hormone (erythropoietin) responsible for stimulating red blood cell production, and maintaining water and electrolyte balance.
Once the kidneys have initiated the urinary process they then send the waste material (urine) into a ureter where it is transported to the bladder and then jettisoned out of the body with the help of a hollow tube known as the urethra.
With such a simple and effective mode of operation it is quite amazing that we even have to have this discussion about "Urinary System Concerns in Dogs".
Sometimes it seems that no matter how perfect the set up, there is something that can and likely will go wrong and two of the most common being bladder infection and urinary tract stones.
*Bladder Infection: Bladder infection is also known as cystitis and is one of the most common health concerns in dogs.
It occurs twice as often in female dogs than is does in their male counterparts.
If your dog has been infected you will more than likely notice a number of symptoms including changes in urination habits, painful urination, and foul smelling cloudy urine that gets its odor and color from the bacteria and blood in the urine.
While cystitis can be caused by a distended bladder or failure to drink water the most common triggers are urethral infections, aging, diabetes, or a damaged or weakened immune system.
If the above signs are noticed prompt action should be taken to avoid the spread.
Without treatment a run of the mill bladder infection can lead to kidney infection, a condition many times more serious than a bladder infection.
Cystitis is diagnosed through urinalysis and treated with oral antibiotics followed by a follow up urinalysis to confirm the infection is gone.
*Stones: Stones can form anywhere in the urinary system and are rocklike formations of minerals.
Most so called stones or uroliths are formed of magnesium ammonium phosphate and are called struvite.
Other stones are made of calcium oxalate or cystine.
Uric acid stones form in an alkaline urine and are often a by product of a bladder infection.
Canines can have a single large stone (as large a 3 inches) or many small stones scattered throughout the urinary tract.
While no dogs are immune to stones some have a higher incidence than others.
These would include Bulldogs, Shih Tzu, Dachshunds, Dalmatians, and Miniature Schnauzers.
Signs of stones are painful urination and bloody urine.
Identification will normally require X-rays combined with an initial hand examination in an attempt to feel the size and location.
Treatment consists of eliminating any infection that might be present along with diet modification to dissolve the stones.
If stones fail to dissolve or are interfering with urinary flow then surgery is likely the next step.
  In summary, the best solution for bladder infection or stones is prevention.
There are four easy steps that are essential to achieving this outcome; ample water intake, exercise, regular bathroom breaks, and a homeopathic supplement containing uva ursi.
Homeopathic remedies are very effective in treating canine urinary concerns because they contain natural tonics that are effective in strengthening and maintaining a healthy bladder and urinary tract.
If you have been searching for an affordable treatment and/or prevention option homeopathic remedies are an option worth considering.