Home remedies for dogs affected by urinary tract infections

When a dog develops a urinary tract infection, it surely develops some pitiful symptoms that can make the dog miserable. Typically affected dogs will develop the following symptoms:

• Straining to urinate
• Blood in urine
• Increased drinking
• Increased urination
• Inappropriate urination
• Licking genitals

Both male and female dogs can be equally affected. Diagnosis is confirmed by urinalysis. Urine must be collected in a sterile container and should not be older than 4 hours old and preferably refirgerated.Treatment commonly consists of a course of antibiotics.

When the symptoms are caught early enough there are some home remedies that may help the dog overcome the infection before it may require the aid of antibiotics. These home remedies however, will work only in UTI' s at their very first stages and when very mild.

Home remedies may not work all the time and a veterinarian should be consulted if the dog does not respond to home treatments or he/she seems to be uncomrfortable and lethargic.

If your dog is starting to show the first signs of a urinary tract infection in the evening, you may try these home remedies to help your dog get through the night but your dog should see a vet first thing in the morning. Make sure you when you take your dog to the vet the morning after that you bring along your dog's urine sample not older than 4 hours.

• Water

Water will effectively help flush out the harmful bacteria. Make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water and encourage to drink as much as possible. If you need to encourage your dog to drink, it may help to make a "soup" with water and your dog's kibble or offer some baby food (with no onion or garlic as ingredients and dilute it with water. Some dogs may like to eat ice cubes which are another great way to get some extras fluids. Make sure your dog does not gulp too much water at once or he may get a dog upset stomach.

• Vitamin C

VItamin C helps acidify the urine and prevent the recurrence of urinary tract infections. However, caution is needed since some stones can be caused by acidic urine according to Robert Pane with South Kendall Animal Clinic (see video).

• Cranberry Juice

While some vets do not believe works, some think it may be helpful. Cranberry juice may work in lowering the PH of the urine and preventing bacteria from attaching to the bladder's wall, however, just as with Vitamin C, it may cause the urine to become acidic which may be a problem if the dog happens to have oxalate crystals. According to veterinarian Jon Rappaport, the best option would be to consult with a vet before using cranberry extract.

• Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a very helpful remedy in humans. Dogs may benefit from it as well and the principle again remains in its acidic content. Acetic acid will effecitvely neutralize the harmful bacteria causing the infection. One tablespoon to two tablespoons (depending on size of dog) can be added to some plain yogurt or the apple cider vinegar may be added to the dog's food or water.

*Note: Uristat, phenazopyridine HCI is not safe for dogs! Please do not try to use human medications on dogs as they can be toxic or cause unwanted side effects.

Urinary tract infections may not be an immediate emergency but owners should keep a watchful eye on symptoms and report signs of worsening to their veterinarians promptly. Symptoms of bladder stones may mimic those of a urinary tract infection, so it is highly advisable to consult with a veterinarian about the appropriate corse of action.

Disclaimer: the above article is not to be used as a diagnostic tool nor a replacement for veterinary advice. If your dog is acting sick please report to your veterinarian for proper advice. By reading this article, you automatically accept this disclaimer.