A bladder infection is one of the most common problems suffered by canines, and is easily treatable. The problem is noticing the symptoms early on so that your pet doesn't have to suffer. Some of these symptoms may be blood in the urine, foul-smelling urine, difficulty in urination and frequent urination. Unless the owner is very observant of changes in the pet's urinating habits, it is not uncommon for dogs to go months, even years, without being treated. Here are some common and not-so-common treatments methods to curing your dog's bladder infection.
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Oral Antibiotics
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The most common treatment for a canine bladder infection is a prescription of oral antibiotics. Usually the veterinarian will treat the dog with a 14-day course of oral antibiotics, which in most cases cures the infection completely. You can administer the pill by either dropping it into the back of the canine's mouth or by mixing it in with soft foods.
The veterinarian will usually prescribe amoxicillin, unless your dog may be allergic, then they will most likely prescribe cephalexin. If the dog does not respond to the first course of treatments, a second, more powerful round of antibiotics may be needed. If your dog is showing signs of improvement, do not discontinue the use of the antibiotics but make sure that you finish the entire bottle.
Natural Remedies
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There are many herbal treatments as well that can be used to treat canine bladder infections. Even though homeopathic methods of treatment should not be a substitute for the veterinarian's assessment, many of these herbs have had varied success in treating bladder infections in canines. You can use rosehips, which have high levels of vitamin C and iron, which work as an effective tonic for the animal's kidney. Echinacea is a powerful herb that has been found to help remove the infection in canines altogether, and keep it from returning. Alfalfa has been known to balance the pH level of urine in canines while reducing irritation in their bladder. Bearberry and barberry have also been know to effectively treat canine bladder infections because of their natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
Buchu is a small flowering shrub native to South Africa that has been found to have amazing results in treating canine bladder infections. This shrub has been used for years as an effective remedy for urinary tract infections. It is rich in essential oils and works to line the bladder with mucous membrane that helps to eliminate the irritation.
While herbal remedies may be successful in treating your canine's bladder infection, you will want to closely monitor the amount you are giving to your canine, as well as their reactions to it. If your pet has a bad reaction to one of these herbal remedies, discontinue dosage immediately and contact your veterinarian.
What if the Bladder Infection Comes Back
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If your canine seems to keep getting bladder infections over and over, this may be a symptom of a more significant kidney or liver problem. You will want to assess your dog personally to try to find out if there is anything it may be eating or drinking that may be causing these infections. You will want to encourage your dog to drink plenty of clean, fresh water to help cleanse the bacteria from its body. You may also want to add in a few drops of cranberry juice into your dog's water bowl to help raise the acidity level in your dog's urine, helping to kill bacteria.
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