If your pooch has been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, your vet likely recommended medications for him. However, you may prefer natural remedies to powerful chemicals. If that's the case, a natural treatment for urinary tract infection (UTI) may be your preferred method of treatment.
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Definition
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UTIs occur when certain bacteria grows uncontrolled in the urinary tract, causing your pet discomfort and even pain while urinating. The bacteria get there through digestive processes after ingesting unclean water or food. While all dogs may get UTIs, female dogs are more likely to get them.
Significance
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Finding a natural remedy that is as effective as the drugs recommended by your veterinarian is essential, because a urinary tract infection that is not properly treated can progress into other, more serious health conditions, such as a bladder infection and even kidney failure.
Common Remedies
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Citrus juices such as orange, cranberry and lime juice all make urine more acidic. The higher acid content helps kill off the bacteria responsible for the infection in your dog's urinary tract. The downside is that most dogs won't easily drink a full glass of citrus juice. Apple cider vinegar is another common home remedy for UTIs. Adding a half-teaspoon of vinegar to your dog's food and water may be better tolerated. Like citrus juice, vinegar will help neutralize the bacteria in your dog's urinary tract. Various homeopathic products, such as Pet Alive UTI-Free also promise to help clear up dog UTIs. It claims to heal using a combination of herbs, including berberis vulg, cantharis and staphysagris.
Detoxification
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Keeping your dog's body clean will help keep new bacteria from entering his urinary tract, further complicating things. Bathe your dog at least weekly. Additionally, give him plenty of water to help flush out the bacteria already in the urinary tract. Fido should naturally be drinking more than usual during a bout of UTI. Simply ensure that he has a constant and clean water supply.
Considerations
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As in humans, natural home remedies are a viable alternative when urinary tract infections are still mild. When they become more serious problems, follow your veterinarian's recommendations to avoid serious complications. While UTIs are fairly common and easily treated with antibiotics, some of the complications that can ensue from lack of effective treatment, such as kidney failure, can be fatal.
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