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Dog Urinary Tract Infections (Cystitis)
Dog urinary tract infections (UTIs) are rather common and are just as uncomfortable for dogs as they are for us.
Dog UTIs are often caused by different forms of bacteria, fungi, or parasites that somehow have gained access to the bladder or urethra.
If the infections are not properly treated in time, they can spread upward to the kidneys, causing serious life-threatening problems.
Female dogs are especially susceptible to urinary tract infections because of their short urethra. To protect your female dog from urinary tract infections, therefore,
keep her clean - wipe her bottom with a baby wipe after urination to get rid of the bacteria.
Possible Causes of Dog Urinary Tract Infections
Dog UTIs are mostly caused by a proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract. There are many factors that can contribute to this, such as:
- Feeding your dog cheap kibble that is full of chemicals, additives and fillers
- Lack of fresh, clean water
- Lack of regular exercise
- Insufficient bathroom time resulting in the dog holding urine
Symptoms of Dog Urinary Tract Infections
Your dog may have developed cystitis if he:
To properly diagnosis dog urinary tract infections, take your dog to a veterinarian for a urinalysis and possibly other tests, such as X-ray (to rule out the
possibility of bladder stones).
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Herbal Remedies for Dog Urinary Tract Infections
Herbs can also be used effectively to address the problem of urinary tract infections in dogs from three approaches:
1. To get rid of the actual infection
For this purpose, use herbs that are antibacterial such as Oregon grape,
echinacea, goldenseal, or
garlic can be used due to their antibiotic properties.
2. To stimulate urine flow
To this end, use herbs that are diuretic, such as dandelion root. It is a strong diuretic and it
stimulates the urinary organs.
Other effective herbs are nettle,
parsley, and juniper berry. These herbs are diuretic and at the same time antiseptic.
3. To coat and soothe the bladder
Marshmallow root is the herb of choice for this purpose. It is safe and contains mucilage that coats internal mucous membranes. In addition, it is antimicrobial and
immune-stimulating as well.
Try This Herbal Formula for Dog UTIs
Only Natural Pet Tract-Ease Herbal Formula 2 oz.
This natural herbal formula contains herbs effective for treating urinary tract infections, such as juniper berry, parsley, marshmallow root, ginger root, and goldenseal. It is designed to protect, soothe, strengthen and rebuild the entire urinary tract.
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Homeopathic Remedies for Dog Urinary Tract Infections
Homeopathy is also effective in treating dog urinary tract infections. There are
numerous homeopathic medicines (e.g. Aconite, Pulsatilla, Apis, Sarsaparilla) that are suitable for this disease, but we can only get the
best result if the most appropriate medicine is selected based on the numerous specific symptoms exhibited by the dog. Please therefore consult a holistic veterinarian
if you want to take the homeopathic treatment approach.
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Natural Supplements for Dog Urinary Tract Infections
Some natural supplements that are beneficial to dogs with urinary tract infections
include:
- Cod-liver oil: The vitamin A in the oil will keep the lining of the bladder and urinary tract in good condition.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C can acidify the urine which
in turn helps control bacterial infection. Vitamin C is also great for the lining of the bladder because it is a natural anti-inflammatory.
- Cranberry juice or powder: Cranberry is shown to be effective in preventing cystitis in animals (and people). Cranberry helps keep bacteria
from adhering to the lining of the bladder and the urethra. If you want to feed cranberry juice to your dog as a preventive measure against urinary tract infections,
remember to use the non-sweetened juice (about half an ounce for dogs). You may find it easier to get some cranberry powder (in capsules) and mix 1/4 of a teaspoon
of the powder with your dog's food.
Here is a good natural product:
Solid Gold Berry Balance for Cats and Dogs
- Clean Water: Yes - clean filtered water is essential in battling urinary tract infections in dogs. If your dog does not drink enough water,
she will not urinate a lot. This allows the bacteria to fester in the bladder and the urinary tract. If your dog does not drink enough water, try adding some water
to her food.
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Preventing Dog Urinary Tract Infections
Here are some of the things that you can do to prevent your dog from developing UTIs:
- Always make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water. Giving your dog filtered water is preferable because it helps flush out
impurities and toxins and does not contain chemicals like tap water.
- Feed your dog a natural, healthy diet. Stay away from
cheap kibbles which are usually packed with cheap, grain-based carbohydrates which can
alter the pH of your dog's urine, creating an environment that encourages the development of dog UTI and other urinary issues.
- Give your dog plenty of regular exercise and play-time. It has been shown that daily exercise reduces stress which in turn reduces infection,
inflammation and disease. Walk your dog at least twice a day.
- Make sure your dog has access to the "toilet" (wherever it may be) so he can urinate as needed. If his toilet is the yard, consider installing
a doggie door if you are not always home to let your dog outside. If your dog goes to the toilet indoor, make sure that the
wee wee pad is clean before you leave
home for work.
References
D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
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