What Home Remedy Can I Give My Dog for a UTI?

UTIs, or urinary tract infections, are common in dogs. Urinary tract infections arise when bacteria takes over a dog's immune system. Dogs can ingest bacteria in an unclean water or food supply. Bacteria can be transmitted through the blood, as well as the lymphatic system. This causes traces of bacteria inside a dog's badder. If this bacteria is not flushed out, it can cause further infection of the urinary tract. The bacteria that causes UTIs may begin infiltrating other internal systems. This is classified as an ascending UTI, and it can cause many health problems in dogs.

To treat UTIs, veterinarians often prescribe antibiotics to reduce the amount of bacteria found in the dog's urine. Additionally, UTIs in dogs can be treated with antimicrobial drugs.

Owners of dogs with UTIs are encouraged to allow the dogs to urinate frequently, as holding urine can cause bacteria to build and cause infection.

There are several common home remedies for urinary tract infections in dogs. Orange juice, lime juice and cranberry juice can help with UTIs by boosting the acidity of the dog's urine, thereby reducing the amount of bacteria in the urine. Because some dogs do not like the taste of citrus juices, they can be consumed in smaller amounts over a long period of time if necessary.

Another proven home remedy for UTIs in dogs is apple cider vinegar. About 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can be mixed into the dog's food or water once per day for three days. The apple cider vinegar neutralizes bacteria in the urine, which can end the UTI.

One common home remedy for prevention of UTIs in dogs is frequent bathing. Keeping the dog clean will ensure that bacteria from the urine will not travel to the urethra (this greatly increases the complications of a urinary tract infection).

To treat and prevent UTIs in dogs, a lot of water is recommended. Dogs that have access to a clean water supply and consume it regularly can lower their chances of bacterial infections.