Supplement Talk: This Week – D-Mannose

What is it: D-Mannose is a sugar that is related to glucose and is extracted from cranberries and some other fruits like apples and peaches.

What does it do: D-Mannose purportedly stops foreign cells from sticking to the walls inside the bladder and urinary tract by attaching to those cells and flushing them from the body, preventing or resolving a urinary tract infection. This includes the E-coli virus, a common source of most UTIs, and it can also help flush crystals in cats with blockage issues.

Safety: D-Mannose is considered generally safe and we found no reported side-effects in our research or at-home use. Some users may report bloating and sources say very high doses may lead to kidney problems.

Side Effects: Watch for bloating as it was the only side effect we could find.

Where to find it: Beastie Boutique

D-Mannose is an excellent supplement to keep is your pet has chronic bladder infections.

Here are some other things you can do to maintain optimal urinary and bladder health:

Keep your dog well-groomed and bathed.

By keeping your dog’s genital area clean, you’ll also be helping to support her bladder and urinary tract health.

Trim away long hair from around your dog’s genitals to help keep the area clean.

Allow your dog to urinate frequently.

Give her breaks as often as possible so urine doesn’t sit in her bladder for long periods. If it is not convenient to allow her outside every 3 hours or so, consider installing a pet door.

And here are some tips that apply to both cats and dogs:

Don’t allow your pet to drink potentially hazardous water. If you are on city water, you may consider bottled water.

Have water available – intake and frequent urination are nature’s way of cleansing the bladder and urinary tract.

If your pet is currently eating a commercial dry food, consider transitioning him to a moist or raw diet.

Keep in mind that carbohydrates, especially grains, are alkalizing to your pet’s urine and may cause a shift in pH.

A more acidic diet – as close as possible to a species-appropriate diet that is naturally low in carbs – the more ideal for your pet’s urinary health.

If your pet is prone to urinary tract infections, you can add a little warm water to their canned food, for extra moisture.

Pick up uneaten portions of moist or raw meals immediately so your pet won’t consume spoiled or contaminated food.

As mentioned, we do carry D-Mannose in our store. If you have any questions, please feel free to stop in and we’ll do our best to provide you with the answers you need.

If you have any concerns, please consult with your veterinarian first. I would recommend a holistic veterinarian or one who promotes natural supplements.