Natural Cures for a Bladder Infection in Dogs

Most natural remedies for bladder infections in dogs are the same ones used for humans. Natural bladder infection remedies typically are much less expensive, are easier to obtain and have fewer side effects than prescription medications. Many natural remedies can also be used to avoid a recurrence of bladder infections in your dog. Combining several natural remedies can help speed the healing of your dog's bladder infection. Always check with your veterinarian before you give your dog any kind of medicine, natural or otherwise.

  1. Cranberry Juice

    • Cranberry juice or tablets can help prevent and treat urinary tract infections in dogs. Cranberry works by naturally lowering the pH levels and raising the acidity levels in the bladder. Bacteria has a tougher time growing in acidic environments.

      Cranberry can be given in juice form or cranberry juice oil tablets for dogs that are not fond of the taste of cranberry. Offer your dog fresh water in addition to the cranberry juice, as the water will help flush out the bacteria causing the bladder infection.

    Goldenseal and Echinacea

    • Goldenseal is a natural herbal antibiotic that can help heal bladder infections in dogs. Echinacea is considered an immune system booster, so by combining these two natural remedies together, you can treat the infection and boost the immune system of your dog to heal the bladder infection more quickly.

    Cantharis

    • Cantharis is also known as Spanish Fly and is extracted from the blister beetle. Cantharis is one of the main ingredients in commercially packaged natural remedies for canine bladder infections. Cantharis can cause a burning or blistering sensation and is given according to the homeopathic theory that "like cures like." Giving your dog cantharis will help alleviate the burning sensation associated with bladder infections and enable it to urinate more easily.

    Barberry and Bearberry

    • The Daily Puppy website states that "these herbs have antiseptic and antibacterial properties that make them especially suited for treating cystitis. The herbs will also reduce inflammation in the bladder and may help to strengthen the pet's immune system." Barberry (berberis vulgaris) is used to reduce inflammation and pain in the bladder, while bearberry (arctostaphylos uva ursi) heals the infection and reduces acidity in the bladder.