Dog Urinary Catheters: Definition, Uses & Features

Jun 30, 2023JE SILICONE

Dog urinary catheters typically have several features to ensure safe and effective urine drainage. If you are looking for urinary catheters in dogs, cats or other pets, you are in the right place. JEsilicone is a lead manufacturer of medical silicone products in China.

What is Dog Urinary Catheter?

Urinary catheterization in dogs or cats is used a procedure done by a veterinarian. This is when the veterinarian places a plastic tube, known as a catheter, into the dog’s penile urethra or vulva urethra. Urinary catheterization is often used to diagnose and treat underlying problems involving the dog’s urinary tract system.

The goal of performing a urinary catheterization in dogs depends on why the procedure is being done. One goal of the procedure may be to collect urine from the dog. Urine samples are often used for tests such as cytologies, urinalysis, and/or dipstix. Another reason a urinary catheter may be placed is due to help the urine move if there is an obstruction in the bladder area.

Features of dog urinary catheters:

Size and Length: Dog urinary catheters come in different sizes to accommodate the varying sizes of dogs. The appropriate catheter size is determined based on the dog's breed, weight, and the specific purpose of catheterization. The length of the catheter is designed to reach the bladder from the external urethral orifice.

Material: Urinary catheters for dogs are usually made of flexible medical-grade materials such as silicone or polyurethane. These materials are soft and pliable to minimize discomfort and irritation during insertion and use.

Lubrication: Catheters may come pre-lubricated or require external lubrication. Lubrication helps ease the insertion process and reduces friction and trauma to the urethra.

Balloon or Retention Device: Some urinary catheters for dogs have an inflatable balloon or a retention device near the tip. Once the catheter is inserted into the bladder, the balloon is inflated to hold the catheter in place and prevent accidental dislodgment.

Multiple Side Holes: Catheters usually have multiple side holes along the length of the tube. These side holes allow urine to flow into the catheter and drain from the bladder.

Sterility: Dog urinary catheters are sterile to minimize the risk of infection during catheterization. They are typically individually packaged and should be handled with proper aseptic technique.

Connectors: At one end, the catheter may have a connector to attach to a urine collection bag or a drainage system for efficient and controlled urine collection.