Treating a dog for a urinary tract infection (UTI) is similar to the same steps you would take to treat the condition if you developed it. If you take your pet to a veterinarian, the doctor will most likely prescribe a course of antibiotics for your dog's UTI. However, as long as you catch the urinary tract infection in its beginning stages, your dog's condition doesn't get worse, and your pet responds to your care, you can treat the urinary tract infection holistically and at home.
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Symptoms
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The first step in treating a dog's urinary tract infection is to educate yourself about the symptoms of UTI in canines. If you know the symptoms, you are more likely to notice that your dog is feeling unwell at the first signs of a UTI. This will enable you to begin treatment immediately and to have more success in treating the condition holistically. Symptoms include your pet urinating in inappropriate places and more frequent urination.
Herbs
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Herbs commonly used in treating a dog's urinary tract infection include garlic, which acts as an antibiotic. Echinacea is used to remove infection while rosehips are prescribed as a source of iron and vitamin C. Alfalfa and uva ursi are known to have properties that reduce acidity in the urine and help sooth irritation from the infection. Buchu and yarrow are also used.
Cranberry Juice
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As is the case with humans and UTIs, cranberry juice is one of the most useful natural remedies in curing the illness. You can provide cranberry juice to your dog as a mixture in the pet's food or offer it to the dog in a bowl. Some dogs will lap it up readily. In other instances, dogs may not be willing to take cranberry juice and you may have to provide it in the form of a capsule supplement. The general dosage is one cranberry fruit extract capsule for every 20 pounds of body weight.
Water
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It's important for your dog to drink more and urinate more while recovering from a urinary tract infection. The more the pet urinates the more quickly infection-causing bacteria will be flushed from his system. To encourage your pet to drink, ensure fresh, clean water is readily available. Take the dog for frequent potty breaks to encourage the pet to urinate and to keep him from holding urine in the bladder for long periods of time.
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