Most individuals have had a urinary tract infection, commonly known as bacterial cystitis, at some point in their lives. Getting therapy and pain relief from a doctor or drugstore is usually simple. UTIs affect dogs as well, and the symptoms are identical.
A variety of factors can cause urinary tract problems in dogs, but the most prevalent is a bacterial infection. Urinary tract infections are prevalent in dogs, and they are more common in dogs over the age of seven. A urinary tract infection can affect any dog breed, but Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, and Yorkshire Terriers are prone to urinary tract stones, which are related diseases.
Male dogs have a longer urethra, so bacteria take longer to move upwards. Female dogs have a shorter urethra, so bacteria take shorter to go upwards. In any case, this illness should be treated as soon as symptoms appear to ensure a speedier recovery.
What Is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs is the same as it is in humans. Bacterial infections are the most prevalent cause of UTIs in dogs. Bacterial UTIs afflicts 14% of all dogs at some point in their lives. That implies there’s a high chance your dog will get a UTI at some time throughout his or her life.
When regular skin and gastrointestinal (GI) tract bacteria get past the urinary system’s defenses, most dogs acquire UTIs. The bacteria invade the urinary system, resulting in illness. The most frequent bacterial cause of UTIs is E. coli, although other bacteria and even fungus can also cause infections.
A variety of causes might cause a UTI in your dog. UTIs are more common in female dogs than male dogs, although male dogs can also acquire them. UTIs are also more common in dogs with other health issues, such as chronic renal disease or Cushing’s disease.
The main critical aspects that will help you detect the indications of a UTI in your dog will be discussed in this post. Also, consider how critical it is to respond if you notice blood in your dog’s urine.
Symptoms of UTI in Dogs
Some common UTI symptoms include:
- Urine that is bloody or hazy
- During urinating, squeezing or whining is standard, as there are accidents in the house and the need to be outdoors more frequently.
- licking the entrance to the urine tract
- Fever
Some dogs, on the other hand, may not show any signs of a UTI at all. In some cases, your veterinarian may find the illness while performing additional tests.
These symptoms might indicate a potential UTI in symptomatic dogs. However, your veterinarian will want to rule out a few more serious illnesses first.
Urinary tract infections are already dangerous enough. If left untreated, they can cause lower urinary tract dysfunction, kidney or bladder stones, prostate gland inflammation, infertility, blood poisoning, and potentially kidney infection and failure. Similarly, certain symptoms might indicate something far more dangerous than a UTI.
Bloody Urine
Blood is one of the most concerning signs of a UTI. If you suspect blood in your dog’s urine, call your veterinarian right away. While this might indicate a UTI, it could also indicate one of the following conditions:
- Poisoning
- Kidney disease
- Trauma
- Cancer
- Stones in the urinary tract
Causes of Dog UTI
Bacteria from urine, feces and other forms of detritus contaminate the region surrounding a dog’s genitalia. An infection develops when germs move up the urethra and into the bladder. Although E. coli is the most prevalent cause of UTIs, numerous other bacteria can cause disease.
The body has a more challenging time combating infection, whether a dog is exceptionally young, elderly, or has a weaker immune system due to an illness.
If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can lead to more severe problems, including kidney infection (pyelonephritis), kidney stones, and even kidney failure. Diet also has a role since it affects the pH of the urine. The bacteria grow more quickly in an alkaline pH environment; therefore, a slightly acidic pH is desirable.
Home Remedies for Dog UTI
You’ll want to be ready to treat and care for your pet in the best way possible, whether it’s something little like an upset stomach or painful paws or something more serious like a urinary tract infection.
In any household, but especially in a family with children or pets, having natural medicines on hand for many purposes is a smart idea. Here are some natural remedies for dog UTI and advice for a dog UTI that you might find helpful.
Herbs can also aid in long-term urinary tract health and give calming treatment for a variety of ailments:
Cranberries
It is common knowledge that when we get a UTI, we are advised to consume cranberry juice. Can our dogs, on the other hand, do the same?
Although this has not been established scientifically, there is every reason to assume that cranberries can benefit your dog. They may aid in lowering urine pH and therefore preventing germs from developing in the bladder.
To avoid weight gain, don’t give your pet cranberry juice that is excessively sweet. Some cranberry dog treats may be more appropriate and safe. Consult your veterinarian to see if this therapy is appropriate for your pet. In rare situations, cranberries may be advised to avoid.
Couch Grass
Couch grass, often known as quack grass, is a prevalent weed in North America. According to Gregory L Tilford and Mary L Wulff’s Herbs for Pets, it’s a go-to for urinary tract disorders.
Couch grass has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pain-relieving properties. It’s also a diuretic, which means it can aid in the evacuation of waste.
Cook for 20 minutes with a heaping teaspoon of chopped dried root in 8 oz of water. Allow the mixture to cool before squeezing it. Place 1/2 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight twice a day in your dog’s mouth with a dropper or teaspoon. It’s also safe to put in your dog’s water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Is apple cider vinegar good for dogs with urinary tract infections? Yes, these types of home remedies for dog UTI, both widespread and popular among sick dogs, can help your dog’s urine pH. As a result, by neutralizing the nasty bacteria in the bladder, this liquid will aid in the relief of a bacterial urinary tract infection.
A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar added to their water or food is recommended for tiny dogs. One to two tablespoons can be added for a large dog. Depending on the severity of the infection, you can use this remedy up to twice a day for seven to 10 days.
If your dog doesn’t enjoy the flavor of apple cider vinegar, make sure they have a bowl of water or food that doesn’t contain it.
Vitamin C
To acidify your dog’s urine, you can also take a vitamin C supplement. As a result, the formation of germs in the bladder is prevented. Bacteria have a more challenging time adhering to the bladder walls when they live in a more acidic environment, making development more difficult.
An acidic environment, on the other hand, encourages the production of calcium oxalate crystals. As a result, vitamin C and the two previous products must be used in moderation. Consult your veterinarian for the proper vitamin C dosage for your pet, as it will vary depending on their weight and even their food.
Marshmallow Root
One of the most versatile natural remedies for dog UTI is marshmallows. It’s demulcent, which means it soothes and protects irritated and inflamed tissue, making it an excellent treatment for canine urinary tract infections. It reduces inflammation and acts as a barrier between the urinary tract’s lining and hazardous germs.
To use marshmallow root, follow these instructions. Sprinkle 12 tsp marshmallow root powder per pound of food on your dog’s food.
Lots of Water
This is one of the most popular and inexpensive home remedies for dog UTI. You’ll almost probably have it on hand, and it’s often regarded as the most effective treatment for a UTI in your dog. With this solution, you can’t go wrong.
Your dog’s urine will be diluted, and he will have to relieve himself more frequently if he drinks a lot of water. This can be viewed as a bladder cleansing, as all of the water carries the nasty bacteria with it as it is ejected from the body. You can utilize this technique even if your dog hasn’t been diagnosed with an infection.
Healthy hydration is always a good thing, regardless of your dog’s condition. The immune system of a well-hydrated animal is more effective, and the latter is the most effective tool against any sickness or illness.
Parsley Leaf
Another diuretic that can help with UTIs is parsley leaf. This is due to its antibacterial qualities. It’s also one of the simple home remedies for dog UTI to give your dog.
Tilford and Wulff advocate using a vegetable juicer to juice parsley leaves. 1 teaspoon of juice for 20 pounds of body weight is recommended. It’s better to take it on an empty stomach. If your dog doesn’t take it directly, you can put it in her water.
Horsetail
Horsetail is a powerful antibiotic that can help battle infections in the urinary tract. It also aids in the treatment of urinary tract infections and mild bleeding. Furthermore, combining horsetail with marshmallow root produces synergistic results.
However, using these types of home remedies for dog UTI treatment for an extended period of time is not recommended. Horsetail may cause modest side effects such as stinging and itching if used for an extended period of time.
If the UTI worsens or does not appear to be improving after trying these natural remedies for dog UTI, contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment for your dog to be evaluated.
When to See a Vet?
It is recommended that you have your dog’s urine tested at your veterinarian as soon as you see some serious signs of a UTI. They can confirm the diagnosis, allowing you to take action knowing precisely what you’re up against.
These symptoms could indicate a bacterial UTI, but they could also signify the onset of kidney illness or infection or the bladder’s development of crystals or stones.
Because dogs are so skilled at hiding things, we sometimes don’t notice the initial signs of infection until it’s well-established. If your dog has a more serious bacterial illness, and that will not be solved by home remedies for dog UTI then, they may require antibiotic therapy from a veterinarian.
Final Words
Urinary tract infections in dogs are serious. Therefore you should take your dog to the vet as soon as you see symptoms so that you can get a proper diagnosis and start treatment. Whether your dog’s UTI is caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or crystals, there are a number of natural remedies for dog UTI that you can try to avoid harsh conventional therapies.
