Home Treatments for UTI in a Dog

Dogs can get a urinary tract infection (UTI) just like humans can, and it can be just as irritating and uncomfortable. A UTI is not life-threatening but needs to be treated right away as to prevent kidney problems from occurring. The signs for a UTI in dogs is the same as for cats, which includes blood in the urine, a strong odor in the urine, the dog needing to go outside more or having accidents in the house and crying and straining when it tries to urinate. Treating a dog UTI can be as simple as using a few home remedies as long as it is a mild case. If it is more severe, the dog should be taken to the vet immediately.

  1. Citrus Juices

    • Citrus juices such as cranberry juice, orange juice or lime juice can be a good way to effectively treat UTI in dogs. Give the citrus juice of your or your dog's choosing in their water bowl. Citrus juices can increase the acidity in the dog's urine. With an increase in urine acid, the bacteria can be reduced. Your dog may not be able to take a full glass of citrus juice so try to give it to him in small amounts.

    Fluids

    • Make sure your dog has plenty of fluids so she can flush out her urinary system. Make sure she has clean, full and clear water in her bowl at all times. If she is not drinking enough fluids, dip some food or bread in chicken broth and give it to her.

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    • Apple cider vinegar doesn't only work for humans with a UTI; it can work well for dogs with a UTI as well. It can help lower the bacteria in a dog's urinary system and can help ease the discomfort from a UTI. You can either add a 1/2 tsp. of it to your dog's food once a day or give it to him in his water for three days to help relieve the symptoms of a UTI.

    Herbal Tincture

    • An herbal tincture called goldenrod horsetail compound can be a way to treat a dog's UTI. This herbal tincture contains corn silk, goldenrod, horsetail, pipsissewa leaf and juniper berry. You can get this herbal tincture online or at natural or health food stores. Give different doses depending on the dog's size. For example, a dog that weighs 15 pounds can have a half dropper full of this herbal tincture twice a day in its food. A good dose for larger dogs is one or two droppers full a day.