UTI's
- RFFDMSUK
- Nov 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 24
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying medical condition, such as:
✅ Bladder or urethra stones
✅ Diabetes
✅ Kidney stones or other kidney issues
✅ Tumour
While these conditions are less common, early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Antibiotics: Use with Caution
Veterinarians often prescribe antibiotics as the primary treatment for UTIs. However, their use should be carefully considered:
🔹 Impact on Gut Health – Antibiotics eliminate harmful bacteria but also disrupt the beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut.
🔹 Inflammation vs. Infection – Some holistic veterinarians suggest UTIs may result from inflammation rather than bacterial infection. In such cases, antibiotics may disturb your dog's microbiome without addressing the root cause, leading to chronic or recurring infections.
🔹 Antibiotic Resistance – Frequent use of antibiotics reduces their effectiveness over time, contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
Additionally, the effectiveness of antibiotics may diminish if their concentration in urine is insufficient. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to determine optimal treatment durations.
Natural Remedies for UTIs
Several home remedies may help manage UTIs in dogs before resorting to antibiotics. However, consulting a pro raw veterinarian is recommended as not all options will be suitable for all dogs. A pro raw vet or a 1 on 1 nutritionist will be able to help with dosing and sources to buy from where they aren't indicated below. Some natural options include:
🌿 Cranberry – Known for its UTI-fighting properties in humans, cranberry supplements can also benefit dogs. Avoid cranberry juice due to high sugar content
🌿 Horsetail – Offers antimicrobial benefits, especially useful for UTIs with minor bleeding. Best used alongside a soothing herb like marshmallow root.
🌿 Couch Grass – A common North American weed with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diuretic properties.
🌿 Parsley Leaf – Acts as a natural diuretic and possesses antiseptic properties that aid UTI treatment.🌿 Marshmallow Root – Soothes inflamed tissue and forms a protective barrier against harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. Dosage: ½ tsp of dried root per lb (454g) of food, sprinkled onto food once or twice daily
Final Considerations
When using these remedies, follow dosage recommendations based on your dog's weight. Monitoring your dog's response is crucial as these may not be enough on their own.
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