Natural Remedies For Utis In Dogs

Does your dog seem prone to UTIs? Check out the common causes and symptoms, along with natural solutions like cranberry, probiotics, and more.

Frequent urination, accidents in the house, and blood in your dog’s pee may indicate a urinary tract infection. These signs require prompt attention. In this article, we’ll focus on the causes and symptoms, along with natural remedies for UTIs in dogs.

What can cause a UTI in your dog?

Dogs get urinary tract infections when bacteria such as E. coli enter their urinary tract. A UTI affects the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. It causes discomfort and inflammation. According to scientific research, 14% of dogs get at least one UTI in their lifetime. Several factors can cause UTIs in dogs:

• Weak or compromised immune system: This can be due to an autoimmune problem, old age, or a poor diet.
• Iron deficiency: If your dog is low in iron, they may be unable to fight off infections like UTIs. 
• Female gender: Female dogs are at a higher risk for UTIs. Their shorter urethras are more susceptible to infection compared to male dogs’.
• Catheter use: Dogs receiving a catheter for surgical procedures or other treatments face higher risk for UTIs. As with humans, catheters can promote bacteria in a dog’s urinary tract. 
• Medications: Certain drugs increase your dog’s susceptibility to urinary tract infections. These include steroids and other medications used for autoimmune diseases. 

How do you know if your dog has a UTI? 

A dog with a UTI may not have a fever or other noticeable signs of infection. However, common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Having peeing accidents in the house
• Bad odor from the urine
• Blood in the urine
• Constant licking of genitals

Why do some dogs get frequent UTIs? 

“Smaller breeds or female dogs with a recessed vulva are prone to UTIs,” says veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier. “However, in many cases, there is no clear reason why a dog contracts this infection. In my practice, dogs with recurrent infections are checked for bladder stones or tumors. They may also need a referral for evaluation of congenital issues.”

Certain medical problems may also make your dog susceptible to frequent UTIs. These include conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• Bladder or kidney stones
• Incontinence — fecal or urinary 
• Cushing’s disease
• Spinal disc disease
• Cancer
• Kidney disease

Which antibiotics are used to treat canine UTIs? 

If your vet diagnoses a UTI in your dog, they may recommend antibiotics to get the infection under control. Following are four typical antibiotics prescribed for canine UTIs:

1. Ciprofloxacin: kills E-coli and staph infections
2. Trimethoprim sulfa: commonly used to treat UTIs in dogs
3. Amoxicillin
4. Doxycycline: prevents bacterial growth 

What natural remedies help treat a UTI?

The severity and type of bacterial infection determine if antibiotics are the only solution. According to Dr. Messonnier, herbs like Marshmallow, Cranberry and Uva Ursi can help, along with the homeopathic remedy Catharsis. 

For best results, work with your holistic or integrative vet before giving your dog any herbs or homeopathics. 

Ensure your dog drinks plenty of water so they can urinate frequently. Consider giving them wet food to increase their fluid intake. 

Urinary tract infections are no fun for you or your dog. If your dog shows signs of a UTI, consult your vet. They may need a course of antibiotics. However, natural remedies for UTIs in dogs can help treat the problem and may even prevent it from recurring. 

What are some natural ways to prevent UTIs in your dog?

A variety of supplements can help give your dog a healthier urinary tract that resists infection. These urinary acidifiers naturally disinfect the urinary tract and deter bacteria. They include:

• Cranberry extract
• Vitamin C
• Methionine
• D-mannose

If your dog has stones, a tumor, or another health condition causing frequent UTIs, address that first. Consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog these or any other supplements. 

Here are some additional suggestions for preventing UTIs in your dog:

1. Keep their water bowl clean.
2. Provide them with 24/7 access to clean, pure water. 
3. Feed your dog a healthy, natural, high-quality diet. 
4. Take them for regular veterinary checkups. 

Are you giving your dog probiotics?

Antibiotics eliminate the bacteria causing urinary tract infections but also destroy the good bacteria in your dog’s gut. give your dog probiotics during their antibiotic course to prevent the loss of good bacteria. A complete high-quality probiotic can help:

• Prevent yeast infections
• Get rid of diarrhea
• Improve your dog’s coat and skin
• Help fight allergies
• Eliminate itching, scratching and paw biting.
• Increase your dog’s muscle mass
• Improve their energy level

When choosing a probiotic for your dog, consider the following points: 

• Choose a product with these strains: Enterococcus faecium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacillus subtills. 
• Look for probiotics with documented studies listed on the package. 
• Use a product recommended by your holistic or integrative vet. 
• Opt for powdered probiotics – they’re easier to administer to a dog because you can control the dosage more easily.

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