6 Natural Tips to Quickly Treat Your Dog's UTI at Home 2023

Having a canine family member means there's a possibility that you would need dog uti treatment at some point of your precious pet's life. Diseases involving the urinary tract as well as bladder infection can get in the picture without warning and it's crucial that you know how to properly deal with them at home.

In this article, I will not just guide you through the signs that your dog may be going through a urinary tract issue, but also get you in on the natural ways to deal with this health problem as we go along.

With this knowledge, you will have the opportunity to take action against any early symptoms with an array of over-the-counter treatments and home remedies that you can prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen and pantry.

• Click to learn more : 👉 Natural product for your dog during his UTI 🐶 
  
  

What exactly is canine urinary tract infection?

UTIs in dogs pertain to various urinary tract problems caused by harmful bacteria. Both male dogs and female dogs can be vulnerable to this health issue. It is important to take note that all dog breeds are prone to UTIs in dogs.

While most dog UTI cases go away after treatment, some can lead to chronic utis. There are even cases of canine UTI that can bring about kidney stones, bladder stones, and kidney disease if left untreated.

However, unlike what a lot of people mistakenly think, there are natural ways to treat utis in canines and we will go through them in just a bit.

• RELATED ARTICLE: My Dog Has Diarrhea! What Can I Give Him?
  

What are the causes of urinary tract problems in dogs?

UTIs in dogs are set off by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia Coli. They infiltrate a dog's urinary tract through the urethra and eventually reach the bladder. Moreover, dog UTI may also be a sign of the presence of bladder stones.

A dog that does not urinate often is more prone to bacterial urinary tract infections since bacteria have more time to migrate and develop in the bladder. This is why providing frequent wee breaks and potty breaks for your dog is crucial.

Are some dogs more prone to frequent UTIs?

Some dogs are more susceptible to recurrent UTIs compared to others. UTIs in dogs are usually common among older female dogs, but can also affect younger canines, especially those suffering from an underlying cause or disease like diabetes mellitus as well as a weakened immune system.

Diet plays an important role as well as it influences the pH level of your dog's urine. A slightly acidic pH is preferred, as bad bacteria develop more easily in an alkaline environment. Besides some underlying health condition, tumors or urinary crystals can also lead to urinary tract problems and even chronic UTI.

Is UTI in dogs the same as bladder infection?

The short answer is no.

UTI occurs when harmful bacterial growth manages to slip into a dog's urethra and somehow eludes white blood cells. UTIs in dogs tend to trigger other urinary tract problems like bladder stones, bladder issues and even kidney failure in extreme cases.

 
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What are your dog's symptoms that might indicate he has urinary tract problems?

The classic signs of a UTI in a dog—even with chronic UTIS—can be very subtle. Here are some examples:

• Your dog has a hard time holding his bladder, leading to frequent yet difficult urination.
• Male dogs need to wee in significantly small amounts, and more often.
• They start to have inappropriate urination-related "accidents."
• Noticeable dripping after they have finished urinating.
• Your dog's urine will look darker and will have a more pungent odor.

In the case of a more advanced urinary tract disease like chronic UTIS, common symptoms can change as follows:

• Your pet appears to be in moderate or severe pain when urinating.
• UTI in dogs causes blood to appear in the urine due to bladder wall damage.
• Your dog becomes incontinent.
• Frequent genital licking ensues.
• Your dog turns apathetic all of a sudden.
• The condition can be so unbearable, some dogs may even require pain medication.

When to see a vet?

At the first signs of urinary tract infections in dogs, we suggest that you have your pet's urine tested at your dog's vet. A urine culture or urine sample is often checked. A culture and sensitivity test may also be conducted.

Based on the urine culture, they can confirm the diagnosis and you can then take the appropriate next step . The vet will generally prescribe medication and usually an antibiotic treatment is recommended.

Indeed, these symptoms may indicate a bacterial urinary tract infection, but they may also suggest an onset of kidney disease/infection or the presence of crystals or stones in the bladder.

Dogs tend to skillfully conceal their pain and discomfort, which means UTIS are often discovered when they are already well-established! If your dog has a more advanced bacterial infection, a vet will prescribe potent antibiotics.

How do I naturally treat my pet's UTI symptoms?

For this part of our discussion, let's go over some natural treatments and over-the-counter home remedies that can help deal with your dog's urinary tract disease or blood in dog urine.

These remedies are particularly effective in the early stages of the disease. For more advanced cases, they are an important asset in completing a vet treatment.

It’s important to act early since bladder issues like bladder stones can gradually evolve into a kidney infection.

Home dog UTI treatment (over-the-counter)

Here are some natural home remedies that you can make in the comfort of your home. And you can easily integrate them in your dog's food, too:

Cranberries

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that cranberry juice may help in the prevention and easing of UTI. It works by lowering the urine pH levels and ultimately preventing bad bacteria from reaching the bladder.

Go for the plain variety since added sugar can potentially aggravate the situation. Make sure you also consult your vet to find out if this treatment is suitable for your pet. Cranberries may be advised against in some special cases, particularly when an underlying condition is involved.

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV helps relieve a bacterial urinary tract infection by neutralizing the bad bacteria in the bladder.

For small dogs, it is recommended to add a teaspoon of ACV to their water or food. For larger-sized pooches, a maximum of two tablespoons can be used.

You can give this remedy up to twice a day for seven to ten days, depending on the severity of the infection.

Make sure you also provide your dog with a ready bowl of ACV-free water or food, in case they do not like the taste.

Vitamin C

Using a vitamin C supplement to hinder the development of bad bacteria in the bladder is also one option you can go for.

When living in a somewhat acidic environment, bad bacteria are less able to thrive and adhere to the walls of the bladder. However, it is crucial to remember that using the wrong dose can already be counterproductive.

Make it a point to ask your vet for the correct dosage of vitamin C for your pet, as it will vary according to their weight, especially among large dogs like Labrador Retrievers.

Lots and lots of water!

This is perhaps the most straightforward yet one of the most effective strategies to relieve your pet's UTI.

By drinking a lot of water, your dog dilutes his urine and will relieve himself more often. This can be seen as a cleansing of the bladder, as all the water carries with it the bad bacteria. Additionally, you can also use this as a preventive measure even before you have a diagnosis of infection.

Good hydration is always a positive thing regardless of your dog's condition. A well-hydrated pooch has a more responsive immune system, which is the most effective tool against any disease or illness.

But how do you make your dog drink more water?

• Offer him several bowls of fresh water.
• Mix some water with his kibble to make a porridge.
• Your pet will appreciate having ice cubes in his water bowl during warmer days.
• Adding a few drops of beef broth to his water will encourage him to drink more.

Other natural products to consider for urinary tract infections in dogs 

We also offer these two natural products to help you with your dog's UTI:

A NATURAL URINARY TRACK SUPPORT NATURAL PRODUCT 

The URINARY TRACK SUPPORT NATURAL PRODUCT  is the perfect tool to support your dog when he is going through urinary tract infections. Besides helping relieve pain and discomfort caused by bladder inflammation, this natural product also gives a hand in maintaining the overall health and wellness of your canine family member's urinary system.

Moreover, this product is also suitable for cats, rabbits, horses and other animals suffering from mild urinary disorders.

A NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC - SILVERPET

Combining this product with the previous one is a good choice for your dog's urinary tract infections. The SILVERPET product acts as a natural antibiotic agent and can be used to stave off bacterial development in your dog's bladder.

In addition, this natural product helps strengthen your pet's immune system health to make him more resilient against disease and other health problems. It can also be used to support other animal species mentioned earlier.

How to prevent UTIs in dogs?

If you're noticing that your dog is exhibiting the symptoms of canine UTI, going for these natural products as early as possible is highly recommended.

Making frequent bathroom trips to allow your dog to urinate regularly is a good strategy to adopt, too.

It is also a smart choice to ask a nutrition expert and consult about your pet's diet.

Finally, providing fresh water and encouraging your dog to drink plenty of water is an important benefit in the prevention of UTIs in dogs.

Now that you are well-equipped to identify a dog UTI at the first sign, be sure to have these ingredients and our natural products on hand to help your pooch of its symptoms.

The faster you act, the more successful you will be in your treatment. And your dog will thank you for it.

About the author

Veronic Fournier

ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN

Véronique Fournier shares her extensive pet health know-how on Zumalka through her articles.

Véronique’s background as an animal wellness advocate began in Cégep La Pocatière in Quebec, which led to comprehensive internships and training with respect to the breeding, rehabilitation, and monitoring of various types of animals. The institutions she has worked with include the Quebec Aquarium and the SOS Miss Dolittle shelter, just to name a few.

Her immersion with various veterinary clinics in British Columbia and other places has made Veronique not just knowledgeable, but also quite perceptive in zeroing in on the right strategy to help keep pets in the best of health.

And can we get you in on a secret? Veronique shares that she has already made a lot of canine pals due to her stint as a foster mom in several shelters. Isn’t that cool?