UTI’s in Dogs and Cats

Unfortunately, urinary tract infections are common in dogs and cats. But there are some natural cures. Also, by feeding the proper diet, you can avoid getting them in the first place.

The UTI may be caused by a urinary pathogen or bacterial infection. But your dog’s urinary tract disease might not be what it seems. Bladder issues often stem from inflammation – with no bacteria causing them at all. In fact, many holistic vets say that UTI stands for urinary tract inflammation (not infection). This is important to help you treat bladder problems in your dog. 

If your dog is showing signs of a UTI, it’s a good idea to take a urine sample to your vet for analysis. That’s because UTIs can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition, such as 

• Bladder or urethra stones
• Diabetes
• Kidney stones or other kidney problems
• Tumor

These problems are much less likely … but are easier to treat if you catch them early. 

There are many natural remedies for UTIs in dogs–so it’s best to avoid antibiotics, even though most vets will prescribe them as the main treatment option. 

A Note About Antibiotics For Bladder Infections

Antibiotics are standard treatment for UTIs. The problem with this is that antibiotics don’t just kill the bacteria causing the UTI. They also destroy the healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut. Remember that many holistic vets say that urinary tract problems in dogs are actually inflammation, not an infection. So using antibiotics will damage your dog’s microbiome without effectively treating the real cause of your dog’s UTI. That’s why UTIs become chronic recurrent infections in many dogs. Urinary concentration of antibiotics is also a factor. The drugs are less effective if they don’t achieve high antimicrobial concentrations. In fact, a 2014 review of antibiotics for UTIs at University of Copehagen concluded: “there is little published evidence relating to antibiotic treatment of UTIs in dogs and cats. Well-designed clinical trials focusing on the duration of treatment are warranted to create evidence-based treatment protocols.”

Antibiotic resistance is also a concern. The more your dog takes antibiotics, the less effective they are. So save them for when they’re truly necessary and avoid antimicrobial resistance that’s becoming a problem for all of us!

Natural Remedies for UTI’s

D-Mannose

One of the most common bacteria causing urinary tract infections in dogs is E coli. Studies show that D-mannose stops E coli from attaching to the urinary tract. So D-mannose is a great remedy to use if your dog does have an infection. Studies also show that D-mannose can improve UTI symptoms. It’s been shown to work as well or better than some antibiotics. Flavonoids in cranberry may also activate your dog’s own innate immune system to battle bacterial infections. You can buy supplements with cranberry, which has natural D-mannose, or just a D-mannose supplement.

Amber Naturalz UTR Urinary tract support with antioxidants helps to maintain a healthy urinary tract system.

• High in antioxidants
• Supports immune functions
• Helps clean the urinary tract system
• Helps the body maintain a healthy inflammation response
• Helps calm occasional bladder discomforts
• Assists in drawing out unwanted buildup and toxins from the urinary tract system

For added support use both UTR & Kidney Rejuvenator together.

UTR is manufactured by Amber Naturalz in the USA and contains organic herbs: Olive leaf, mustard seed, black seed, pau d’arco, lemon, pine, alcohol, and filtered water. UTR has a 4-year shelf life.

Studies have revealed that cereal heavy diets are shown to increase alkaline levels in the urine, enabling the perfect environment for strains of bacteria like E. Coli to thrive and crystalize. Cereals and other grains also cause inflammation and other issues that contribute to strain on the body and immune systems.

The best diet to prevent UTIs is a balanced raw food diet, full of whole foods that contain B12 vitamins, Vitamin C and minerals that will support your dog’s immune system. Vitamin C can only do its work when biologically available and not synthetic essential amino acids are present in every meal the dog gets.

Additionally, one of the largest determining factors in your dog’s ability to fight off UTIs will be their hydration levels. If your dog eats 100% dry food all day you are counting on them to drink enough water to stay hydrated. Providing them a hydrated diet is a sure way to make sure their water intake is sufficient to flush the kidneys and ureters.

No matter what you feed you should make sure that your dog is getting a significant amount of Omega 3’s, which is a fatty acid that is an extremely important factor in a thriving and ready-for-battle immune system.

By implementing a nutritionally balanced, fresh, natural diet with raw protein, you will set your dog up for a healthy immune system and a urinary tract that is not disposed to infections or hosting hostile bacteria. 

For this reason, we would recommend Answers Pet Food as it has a good amount of vitamins (all food based) is grass fed so higher in Omega 3’s and has enzymes and probiotics. My second choice is Small Batch for the same reason. You would just need to supplement the enzymes and probiotics.  

Kristina