Home Remedy for a Dog Urinary Tract Infection

It's not always easy to tell if your dog has a urinary tract infection. Symptoms can be subtle, but watch for more frequent urination or difficulty urinating. Blood in the urine is a sign of a more advanced infection. UTIs affect female dogs more often than males. Don't put off treating a UTI because if left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys.

Water

Encourage your dog to drink plenty of clean, fresh water. The more she drinks, the more diluted her urine will be. It helps flush bacteria from her system, too.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C acidifies the urine and that keeps the bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. Vitamin C also strengthens the immune system to help fight off infection. Sprinkle tablets on the dog's food.

Cranberry

Cranberry juice has long been touted as an aid to urinary tract health, but very few dogs will drink it. Fortunately, cranberry is available in tablet form and it can be mixed into food.

Citrus

Most dogs are not inclined to eat citrus, but some will. If your dog will accept it, offer orange or grapefruit sections. They are rich in vitamin C, antioxidents and fiber.

Pee Breaks

Take your dog for more frequent walks. The more frequently she urinates, the better. UTIs can cause incontinence, so walks help prevent accidents, too.

Bathing

Keep your dog clean, especially around her genitals. Bacteria can enter the urethra from the outside, so be sure to wash her regularly with a mild dog shampoo.

Resources

• Merck Veterinary Manual: UTIs