Urine Ph And Bladder Health
The urine of healthy dogs normally is slightly acidic .
When a dog’s urine becomes more alkaline, three problems may arise:
Maintaining a healthy urinary pH is therefore important – not only to avoid urinary tract infections but also inflammation and formation of crystals and stones.
You can use a pH paper strip to test your dog’s first urine in the morning. If it reads over 7.5, your dog’s system is on the alkaline side. In that case, consider adding apple cider vinegar to his drinking water.
How To Treat Bladder Infection In Dogs
Antibiotics are the number one treatment for bladder infections in dogs, although in some cases your vet may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications or pain killers depending on the severity and underlying cause of your pup’s infection.
Although in some cases bladder infections in people will clear up without the need for medical care, this is unlikely to be true for your pup. It is also the case that, since our canine companions are unable to tell us how they are feeling it is best to have any symptoms of illness checked out by your vet. Left untreated your pup’s bladder infection could become much more severe and lead to complications.
It’s also important to note that your dog’s bladder infection symptoms could be caused by a more serious underlying condition that needs veterinary care. When it comes to your pet’s health it is always best to err on the side of caution and see your vet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
When To See A Vet
These at-home treatments and remedies may be effective for clearing up minor infections, but more serious infections need to be treated by a professional animal doctor.
If your cat is experiencing mild or moderate symptoms, you can try these remedies to relieve their symptoms. If their symptoms show no sign of improvement in a few days, talk to a veterinarian. If your cat seems to be in pain or is unable to pass urine, see a vet immediately. This could be a sign of urethral obstruction, which can be fatal if not treated within 24 to 48 hours.
A vet may be able to prescribe antibiotics to target the harmful bacteria. Be sure to give your cat the full dose of prescribed antibiotics to prevent the UTI from returning or becoming resistant to treatment.
Even if youre pursuing professional treatment, these remedies can be effectively used alongside antibiotics to strengthen the bladder and balance your cats pH levels. Some can also be used as a daily supplement to prevent the UTI from coming back. Remember to check the urine pH prior to starting some of the remedies to make sure you don’t make the problem worse.
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Symptoms Of Dog Urinary Tract Infections
Signs and symptoms are varied – Some dogs may not show any outward signs, while other dogs with UTIs may show some of the following symptoms:
- Peeing in inappropriate places, such as on the couch, on his own bed, etc.
- Painful urination
- There may be traces of blood in the dog’s urine
- The dog may be drinking more water
- The dog may become lethargic
- The dog may be feverish
To properly diagnose dog urinary tract infections, take your dog to a veterinarian for a urinalysis and possibly other tests, such as X-ray .
Can A Dog Urinary Infection Cure Itself
Generally, urinary tract infections require some form of treatment. Very mild cases of UTIs may resolve themselves on their own, but cases with serious symptoms require veterinary attention. However, even if the case seems mild to you, dont be passive and expect it to go away by itself. You should always play it safe and, at the very least, give the vet a phone call to discuss your dogs symptoms and book an appointment if necessary.
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How To Prevent Uti In Dogs
Below are three tips for preventing bladder infection in dogs.
Introduction The Origins Of Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a popular form of complementary medicine which was founded on the medical traditions and beliefs of the Greeks and Romans many thousands of years ago. Its real potential was not realised until the late eighteenth century and the pioneering work of the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. Medical treatments of the day seemed to rely on a large amount of good fortune. It appeared that the more pungent and unpleasant a medicine, the more effective it was likely to be. Many of the treatments, such as bloodletting, were harsh and most cures probably occurred as a result of the patients own ability to recover rather than as a direct benefit of any treatment.
As a consequence, Hahnemann gradually became disillusioned with the medical practices of the time. Instead, he advocated the provision of a good diet, increased exercise and better living conditions, basic commonsense advice which applies as much today as it did in Hahnemanns time. Eventually ceasing work as a doctor, he decided to earn a living instead, by translating medical texts into German.
His work on one book in particular, Cullens Materia Medica, was to become of major significance in the development of homeopathy. Cullens book suggested that the benefits of quinine in treating malaria was because of its action as an astringent. Knowing that other and more powerful astringents had no effect in treating malaria he set about trying to discover how and why quinine worked.
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Possible Causes Of Utis In Dogs
Dog UTIs are often caused by different forms of bacteria, fungi, or parasites that somehow have gained access to, and multiply in, the urinary tract .
It is not easy to determine exactly where the dog gets the infection from. Sometimes it can be from the skin, or it can be from the dog lying on a contaminated environment.
Bacteria thrive in an alkaline environment. The urine of a healthy dog normally has a slightly acidic pH level because dogs consume meat, which makes the urine slightly acidic. So for dogs whose diet is meat-based, their urine environment is hard for bacteria to survive.
On the other hand, if a dog is fed a grain-based diet, his urinary pH will become more alkaline, making it much easier for bacteria to grow and multiply.
So you can see that an improper diet is often the cause of dog urinary tract infections, can’t you? That’s why if your dog suffers from chronic urinary tract infections, be sure to take a look at his diet.
Feeding your dog a higher-protein, low-carbohydrate, grain-free diet may create an optimal urinary pH level that bacteria find it hard to thrive.
There are other factors that can contribute to an overgrowth of bacteria, such as:
- A lack of fresh, clean water
- Prolonged use of certain medications
- Not enough bathroom time resulting in the dog holding urine
Efficacy Of Natural Urinary Tract Infection Remedies In Dogs
Remember that a dog showing signs of a UTI may not always have bladder crystals/stones or a severe bacterial infection , but may simply have minor form of cystitis .
Herbal remedies can be effective in changing the pH balance of your dogs urinary tract, helping prevent an infection from establishing. Reducing inflammation with herbal supplements will help your dog feel better. If your dog is susceptible to recurrent urinary tract infections, preventive care might be necessary to keep from having treat and retreat.
If your dog does not urinate for 12 hours or more or is straining to pass urine but none is appearing, it is vital your dog sees your veterinarian right away.
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Urinary Tract Infection Starter Pack For Dogs And Cats *
Probiotic digestive aid may help address urinary tract, bladder and kidney inflammation and infections in dogs and cats and may help rebuild proteoglycan and glycosminoglycan content in the bladder matrix.
Natural plant steroid, antibiotic and pain reliever may help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with bladder and kidney infections and inflammation.
Adaptogen content may help identify dysfunction in the bladder and kidneys and work to nutritionally correct toward balance.
May help tone connective tissue of the bladder and urethra and may be useful for incontinent pets and those suffering bladder loss.
Adaptogen plants may help address conditional needs related to related stones, crystals and calculi, common when urinary infection and inflammation occurs. May help address conditional needs of active stones as well as may work to help prevent future urolithiasis by helping prevent proteins, mucous and blood from binding when urinary inflammation is present, the building process for most stones, crystals and calculi.
May help address symptoms related to cystitis and pyelonephritis and may be used for conditional needs related to FLUTD and FUS.
*as suggested by holistic veterinarians
Natural Urinary Tract Infection Remedies Recovery In Dogs
Rest for your dog during treatment is important. However, allow your dog outside to urinate frequently. Cleaning out the urinary tract during this time will be essential to create the correct pH balance for a healthy urinary tract.
Once your dog is feeling better, begin to add cranberries and blueberries to their meals. Some natural food brands and prescription foods are specifically designed for urinary tract issues and are created with natural foods that promote a healthy urinary tract.
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Homeopathic Remedies For Dog Spay Incontinence
Homeopathic remedies also work well for dogs with urinary incontinence, especially those who have the problem after spaying.
Common homeopathic remedies for remedies for incontinence include Cantharis, Causticum, Pulsatilla, Bryonia.
Here is a homeopathic remedy product that works well for many pets:
Only Natural Pet Herbal Remedy
This herbal remedy contains:
- Wild Yam: This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and may help resolve urinary tract issues. Also, wild yam has been found to have hormone-normalizing effects by supplying estrogen-like compounds.
- Dong Quai: This Chinese herb is considered a female herb as it regulates estrogen levels.
- Corn Silk: This herb is effective for chronic urinary problems, especially chronic urinary incontinence. It contains mucilage and has astringent properties. It supports normal flow of urine because it can tighten and strengthen the bladder lining and smooth-muscle tissues of the urinary tract.
- Saw Palmetto: This herb also supports bladder control by strengthening and nourishing the smooth-muscle tissues of the urinary tract. In addition, it strengthens the prostate and normalizes sex hormone levels.
- Cranberry: Cranberry helps normalize urine pH and prevent UTIs and stone formation.
- Olive Leaf: Olive leaf also helps prevent infections as it has powerful antibacterial properties.
- Pumpkin Seed Extract: Pumpkin seed extract has cleansing action that supports bladder health.
- Rehmannia Root: This herb supports the kidneys and is widely used in Asia for urinary incontinence.
As you can see, all the herbs work synergistically to balance the estrogen levels, tighten and strengthen the tissues of the urinary tract, soothe the urinary tract linings, and prevent bladder infections and stone formation.
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More Natural Pet Health Information
1. Grab your FREE PDF on the Top 5 Ways to Optimize Your Pets Health!
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You may be spending hours and hours researching what is the best way to raise your puppy and other fur family and feeling lost, stuck and confused on what is the best path forward. Many pets are developing diseases early in life that are expensive, shortening their lives, and are stressful for pet parents to endure watching their pets not feel well. Weve created a program that guides you through the 5 pillars of health to help you gain confidence in the essential areas of pet health that will help reduce disease from occurring, keep your pets healthy and happy, reduce vet bills and help you feel empowered and confident as a pet parent to tackle anything. The best part is you gain access to an incredible worldwide community of pet parents and weekly 2-hour Q& As with Dr. Katie to gain further clarification and get your questions answered. If youd like to learn more, make sure to schedule a call with us here: Healthy Holistic Pet For Life Application
What Foods Should A Dog With A Uti Avoid
Does your dog ask you to go outside more frequently? Is he attempting to relieve himself more often than usual? Chances are, your dog might be suffering from a urinary tract infection or UTI. It can be hard to tell if your dog is in pain because he may not show any signs at all. However, if you see bloody, cloudy, or their urine has a strong smell, your dog may have a UTI.
In today’s article, we will focus our attention on UTIs in dogs, their causes and symptoms, and the ways we can approach UTIs in dogs with a proper diet. Unfortunately, certain everyday dog foods can exacerbate an existent UTI, which is why putting together a list of foods to avoid for dogs with UTIs will be helpful for all dog parents!
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Can Bladder Stones Be Prevented
Prevention is possible in some cases, depending on the chemical composition of the stones. There are at least five types of bladder stones common in dogs .
Whenever possible, bladder stones , should be analyzed for their chemical composition. This will permit your veterinarian to determine if a special diet will be helpful in preventing recurrence . If the stones formed because of a bacterial infection, it is recommended that periodic urinalyses and urine cultures be performed to detect sub-clinical recurrences and determine if antibiotics should be prescribed. Periodic bladder X-rays or ultrasounds may be helpful in some cases to determine if bladder stones are recurring.
Early recognition may allow your veterinarian to adjust your dog’s diet or medications before your pet requires surgery.
| Contributors: Tammy Hunter, DVM Ernest Ward, DVM |
How Do I Know If My Female Dog Has A Uti
Even though female dogs are more likely to develop a UTI, their symptoms should be no different from those of a male dog with the same infection. We already went over the common signs of UTIs, but well recap them here as well.
- Excessively licking the genitals
So, how can you tell if your female dog is in heat or has a UTI? First, it depends on whether or not your dog is spayed. Dogs who have been spayed do not go into heat, so if your spayed dog shows the above signs, it means they have a UTI or similar condition.
If your dog has not been spayed, she will go into heat about twice a year. This typically happens every 6 months, so you can keep track of your dogs estrous cycle and know when they will likely go into heat.
While the physical signs of heat and UTIs can be similar, the behavioral signs are very different. Dogs in heat want to mate, so they will actively seek partners. When you visit the dog park, youll probably notice your girl making a beeline for the male dogs. However, if your dog has a UTI, shell behave in the opposite way. Dogs in pain tend to act fearful and may hide. They are likely to show signs of fatigue and distress, not the energetic enthusiasm of a dog in heat.
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How Quickly Can Bladder Stones Form
Bladder stones can develop within a few weeks or they may take months to form. Speed of growth will usually depend on the quantity of crystalline material present and the degree of infection present. Although it may take months for a large stone to grow, some sizable stones have been documented to form in as little as two weeks.
Is Yogurt Good For Dogs With Uti
Yogurt may help reduce the risk of UTIs in humans because it contains healthy bacteria, but it is not a good option for most dogs. Yogurt contains lactose, which is very difficult for dogs to digest. Eating food with lactose can cause gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. This doesnt happen to all dogs, but you should generally avoid giving your dog yogurt or any lactose-rich product.
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Natural Supplements For Dog Urinary Tract Infections
Some natural supplements that are beneficial to dogs with urinary tract infections include:
Cranberry juice or powder
If you want to feed cranberry juice to your dog as a preventive measure against urinary tract infections, remember to use the non-sweetened juice . You may find it easier to get some cranberry powder and mix 1/4 of a teaspoon of the powder with your dog’s food.