Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue in dogs and cats.
Recognizing the signs and implementing preventive measures are crucial in ensuring your pet’s well-being.
In this article, we will cover how to identify the symptoms of UTIs, their causes, and effective treatment options, including natural remedies.
Contents
Discover effective natural remedies to prevent and treat UTIs in dogs and cats. Learn about the signs, causes, and expert tips for maintaining your pet’s urinary health.
Recognizing the signs of dog UTIs
Urinary tract infections in dogs can be identified by several telltale signs, such as:
- Blood in the urine or cloudy and foul-smelling urine
- Difficulty urinating or signs of pain while urinating
- Frequent urination and excessive requests to go outside
- Reduced urine output and excessive licking of the urinary tract
- Fever and signs of distress
Common causes of UTIs in dogs
UTIs are more prevalent in female dogs due to their shorter urethra.
The primary causative agents are Escherichia coli, staphylococci, or proteus bacteria.
Factors like infectious cystitis, urinary obstruction, anatomical abnormalities, and immunodeficiency can also contribute to recurrent UTIs.
Diagnosing and treating UTIs in dogs
A veterinarian typically performs a cytobacteriological examination of the urine (ECBU) to identify germs, crystals, or bladder adenocarcinoma.
Once the cause is determined, appropriate antibiotics are prescribed based on an antibiogram.
Regular follow-up ensures effective treatment and helps prevent complications like incontinence.
Natural home remedies for dog UTIs
Several simple and effective natural remedies can help prevent UTIs in dogs:
– Ensure a high-quality diet, such as balanced barf or premium kibble or canned food.
– Incorporate cranberry supplement (ad) to lower urine pH and inhibit bacterial growth.
– Use probiotics supplement (ad) to support beneficial bacteria in the gut, helping prevent infections and improve digestion.
– Add apple cider vinegar to the diet or water bowl to reduce urinary pH and eliminate bacteria.
Add a teaspoonful to his diet or even his water bowl for ten days
– Administer vitamin C supplement (ad) to acidify urine and prevent bacterial growth.
– Consider colloidal silver (ad) as a versatile, natural antibiotic to treat various conditions, including cystitis.
Give your dog 2 to 10ml (depending on the weight) 3 times a day for 10 days.
Homeopathic treatment for canine UTIs
Most naturopathic veterinarians prescribe:
– Apis Mellifica which is indicated to relieve burning, difficulty urinating, and frequent urination
– Aconitum Napellus which is primarily indicated to soothe a dog distressed by burns from cystitis
– Nux Vomica is prescribed to relieve spasms, cramps, and burns.
For better efficiency, choose a 30CH dilution then let 3 granules melt in a little water, shake then administer the remedy with a syringe (without needle!) directly into the dog’s mouth 3 times a day.
As a loading dose, administer 3 granules of each product then repeat 2 times, spacing the intake by 15 minutes (total 3 doses).
The dosage is the same regardless of the dog’s weight.
Managing dog kidney stones with natural remedies
There are three different types of kidney stones in dogs.
- The most common, struvite, is composed of minerals (magnesium, ammonium, phosphate).
- Next comes calcium oxalate which is formed when urine is too acidic.
- The last one, ammonium urate has more to do with a genetic disorder.
Depending on the size of the stone, surgery may be scheduled to remove it.
But if small stones are in place, the procedure can be avoided except if the dog or cat is suffering from urinary difficulties or cystitis.
If your vet has detected the presence of crystals or small stones in your doggie’s kidneys, it may be wise to combine these three natural remedies :
For a 10 pounds dog:
– a teaspoon of honey
– a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
– two tablespoons of green tea
With luck, plenty of water to drink, and a more liquid diet, this simple remedy can help your dog clear small stones through the urinary tract.
Just give it a teaspoonful a day.
Note that this natural solution is just as effective for cat crystals.
If you have to deal with calcium oxalate stones, you will be amazed at how effective sodium bicarbonate is.
Its action is radical to make the urine more alkaline while raising the PH and thus reduce both stones and recurrence of infections urinary.
A study conducted on humans demonstrates its benefits with a dosage of 2000mg per day.
You can apply a dosage of 100mg per day for 10 pounds of weight for both dog and cat diluted in water or directly in his diet.
Frequently asked questions about UTIs in dogs and cats
What are the signs your dog has a UTI?
The major sign of acute urinary tract infection is difficulty urinating resulting in a few drops during urination.
It can also manifest through incontinence.
The urine is dark and sometimes contains blood.
Finally, intensive licking of the genitals is a sign of discomfort and pain.
How long does cystitis last in dogs?
UTI in dogs can last for about a week if treated in time.
The veterinarian provides an antibiotic prescription for a period of 10 days to 2 weeks.
To treat the acute phase, he adds anti-inflammatories to relieve the pain.
What are UTI meds for dog?
Amoxicillin is the antibiotic of choice for veterinarians to treat bacterial cystitis in dogs.
A new protocol encourages it to be prescribed for only 5 days if the dog is not prone to recurrent UTI.
It is sometimes necessary to combine several antibiotics to overcome urinary tract infection.
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Ensuring a healthy and happy pet
Recognizing the signs of UTIs in dogs and cats is essential for timely intervention.
Alongside traditional treatments, natural remedies can play a vital role in preventing and managing UTIs.
Always consult a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations for your pet’s specific needs.
By taking proactive measures and using effective remedies, you can ensure your furry companion enjoys a healthy and comfortable life, free from the discomfort of urinary tract infections.