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Dogs With Bladder Infections Home Treatment

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How Is This Diagnosed

How to Make Dog UTI Home Remedy (Budget-friendly)

If you notice symptoms of bladder wall thickening or any symptoms related to your urinary tract system, see your doctor.

Theyll likely have you undergo several tests, such as a urinalysis. For this test, a sample of your urine is checked for signs of infection, blood cells, or abnormal protein levels. If your doctor suspects bladder cancer, theyll check for cancer cells, too.

If cancer is a possibility, a cystoscopy may also be performed. During this procedure, a thin, flexible scope is guided up the urethra to check the lining of your urethra and bladder. A cystoscopy can also evaluate recurrent infections in the urinary tract.

In addition, a woman may undergo a pelvic exam to help diagnose an infection or other disorder.

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What Are The Risk Factors For Getting Bladder Infections And Other Uti Infections

A person is more likely to get a bladder infection if they dont urinate frequently enough. If they hold their urine in, the bacteria can collect in the bladder and lead to infection. Try to go to the bathroom at least every two to three hours to keep this from happening.

Not drinking enough water is another risk factor for bladder infections because your body doesnt move as much urine through the bladder as quickly.

Risk factors for urethritis include having a sexually transmitted infection or from trauma to the urethra, such as due to the insertion of a urinary catheter.

In addition to these specific risk factors for bladder infections, there are general risk factors for all UTI types. These include:

risk factors for uti

  • having diabetes, as a person experiences changes to their immune system that make them more prone to UTIs
  • having an enlarged prostate
  • having low levels of estrogen, such as when a woman is post-menopausal
  • having a history of kidney stones, which can block the flow of urine through the urinary tract

Women are also more likely than men to get UTIs because their urethra is shorter. The bacteria have less distance to go to reach the bladder and can cause infections.

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Warm Places And Sufficient Fluids Help The Sick Four

Warmth brings some relief to the afflicted animal. With a warm place to sleep and lie down, no cold rises through the underlay. A dog sweater also warms your four-legged friend. A hot water bottle can also be used to keep the bladder and kidneys warm. A dog with cystitis has an increased need for fluids. He must therefore drink enough fresh, lukewarm water every day. If the pet allows it, medicinal chamomile or fennel tea can also be given.

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What Are Common Dog Uti Signs And Symptoms

It can be hard to tell if your dog is in pain, because they may not show any signs at all. However, if youre seeing bloody, cloudy or their urine has a strong smell, you dog may have a UTI.

You may also notice straining or crying during urination, accidents in the house, needing to urinate more frequently, increased water consumption, or licking around their back end excessively after urinating, youll need to get them checked out by your veterinarian to rule out a UTI.

Also, if you have a dog thats all of a sudden not house-broken, especially puppies, its important to get them checked out for a bacterial UTI.

An important distinction is UTI doesnt always mean an infection. It can mean urinary tract inflammation versus urinary tract infection.

There are many causes of lower urinary tract problems that can lead to the symptoms mentioned. If you notice a change in your dogs urinary habits, make sure to get them checked out.

Some of the other causes of dog UTI signsinclude:

  • Bladder inflammation or infection
  • Crystals or sludge in the bladder or urethra
  • Congenital abnormalities like inverted vulvas
  • Cancers like transitional cell carcinoma

This is why its so important to get your pet checked out by your veterinarian if youre noticing any of the mentioned dog UTI symptoms.

Causes Of Bladder Infection

BestLife4Pets Dog UTI Bladder Support Supplement

When the bacteria attack the urinary tract, it results in a bladder infection. Women get affected by a bladder infection also due to the short length of their urethra. In men, it is mostly caused due to sexual intercourse with an infected female. The use of contraceptive diaphragms or spermicidal agents is also a reason for bladder infection. Other causes are:

  • A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.

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Use Essential Oils With Caution

Oregano essential oil is well known for its strong antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that oregano oil can be very effective at killing E.coli, but it should be noted these studies are generally done in vitro meaning in a lab using scientific techniques, not performed in humans with infections.. Lemongrass oil and Clove oil may also be a home remedy for UTIs because of their antimicrobial properties, but both have been studied against harmful bacteria in similar experiments as Oregano oil.

Its important to take care before using essential oils as a treatment. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy advises against ingesting these oils. Instead, essential oils may be safely used topically with a carrier oil or inhaled from a diffuser.

How To Prevent Utis

Additionally, there are a few general lifestyle behaviors you can practice to help prevent UTIs before they occur, including:

  • When you feel like you have to urinate, go don’t hold it.
  • After urinating and especially after a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering your urethra.
  • Urinate before and after having sex.
  • Avoid using scented soaps, bubble baths, or douches.
  • Avoid tight pants.

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How Are Lower Urinary Tract Problems Treated

The vet will determine your dogâs treatment plan after they diagnose the underlying cause of the problem. The best treatment will depend on whatâs causing the symptoms.

After your dogâs diagnosis, your veterinarian may recommend some of the following:

  • Surgery to remove bladder stones or tumor
  • Surgery to correct congenital abnormality

If the vet determines your dogâs urinary tract problems are being caused by an underlying condition, theyâll seek to treat the underlying cause first.

Antibiotics are the typical treatment for UTIs in dogs, and the vet may also prescribe pain medication, because UTIs can be very uncomfortable for dogs. If your vet prescribes antibiotics, make sure you give your dog all of the medication, even if they appear to be doing better, to be sure the infection is resolved and to help prevent reinfection.

After the antibiotics, itâs important for your vet to recheck the urinalysis to confirm the infection is gone. If not, theyâll need to look for other issues that might be causing continued or repeat infections.

Urinary Tract Infections In Paralyzed Dogs

Home Treatment for Dogs With a Urinary Infection

Paralyzed pets are high risk for developing a Urinary Tract Infection as they are unable to fully empty their bladder without help. In many cases, paralyzed and incontinent pets need their pet parents to help express their bladder to ensure that their bladder is completely empty. Expressing a dogs bladder is the best way to prevent UTIs in paralyzed dogs.

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Uti Diagnosis In Dogs

If its obvious your dog has a UTI and you want to use home remedies, you may not need your vets help. But if you want to confirm its a UTI, your vet will need to test a urine sample from your dog.

  • Make sure the container you use is clean
  • Try to collect your sample from your dogs first pee of the day
  • Refrigerate the sample until you can get it to the vet

If you cant manage it yourself, take your dog to the vet where they have different ways to get the sample from your dog.

The urinalysis will tell your vet whether your dog has a bacterial infection. If youre going to use antibiotics, theyll do a culture to find out which bacteria is causing the problem. You wont need this information if youre planning to use home remedies for your dogs UTI.

So now, if you think your dog has a UTI, you have some information thatll help you recognize the symptoms as well as some home remedies that can help resolve this unpleasant condition.

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Encourage Your Dog To Drink Plenty Of Water

The more water your dog drinks, the more shell be able to flush out her urinary tract, which will help keep bacterial populations in check. For most dogs, all youll need to do is make sure that they have constant access to fresh, clean and cool water theyll take care of the rest.

However, some dogs are poor drinkers.

In such cases, you may want to try a few of the followingthings, which may encourage her to consume more water:

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Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection:

UTI is associated with irritation and redness of the urinary tract lining. The following symptoms may be experienced by a person having a UTI:

  • Pressure in the lower groin region
  • Frequent urge to urinate, an urgency to pass urine or incontinence
  • Need to urinate at night
  • Pain while urinating
  • Abnormal colour of your urine and a strong or foul smell emitting from your urine
  • A pain in the side or flank, groin area or abdomen.1

Other symptoms that you might notice if you have a UTI are:

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Utis Make Urination Very Uncomfortable

BestLife4Pets Dog UTI Bladder Support Supplement  Natural Urinary ...

You might also be able to tell that your dog has a UTI by watching their behavior when they pee. UTIs can cause difficulty urinating, so your dog might whimper, whine, or struggle while they try to go to the bathroom. This means your dog is in serious discomfort that should be addressed immediately.

If your dog has difficulty urinating or stops urinating altogether, its very dangerous. Your dogs bladder could rupture if they arent using the bathroom regularly. Difficulty urinating is not only a sign of a dog UTI but could also indicate other issues like prostate disease or an obstruction in the urinary tract. If you notice your dog struggling to pee, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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How To Get Rid Of A Urine Infection

Drink plenty of water

One of the first things to do when you have a urinary tract infection is to drink plenty of water.

Thats because drinking water can help flush away the bacteria which are causing your infection.

Eat plenty of food and drink plenty of fluids high in vitamin C

Getting plenty of vitamin C is important because large quantities will make your urine more acidic.

This will then help prevent further growth of bacteria in your urinary tract.

However, it should be noted this method could cause your bladder to become irritated due to the acidic impact, so it might be painful when urinating.

Cut out spicy food, nicotine and more from your diet

Irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, nicotine or fizzy drinks can irritate your bladder further, making it harder for your body to heal.

Instead, opt for healthy, high-fibre foods which are good for your digestive system such as oatmeal or lentil soup.

Go to the toilet as much as you can

Every time you empty your bladder you rid it of some of the bacteria causing the infection.

So drinking plenty of fluids and going to the bathroom regularly will help you flush away the infection in no time.

Can You Treat A Uti Without Antibiotics

For some women with no other serious health problems, it can be possible to treat a UTI at home without antibiotics. For instance, mild or uncomplicated UTIs may clear out of the bladder naturally, as a strong immune system can help resolve these infections.

But if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a UTI, you should always check in with your doctor first. They can help you determine whether you’re able to treat your UTI at home, without antibiotics.

Because they’re at higher risk for complications, men and pregnant women should never try to treat a UTI at home, according to Rena Malik, M.D., a urologist and director of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

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Administer Fresh Blueberries Or Cranberries

Usually, cranberries are often given to humans for assistance with a UTI, and they can also work well for your dog.

The blueberries and cranberries will reduce the PH of your dogs bladder, which prevents the bacteria from attaching to the urethra and bladder walls.

Plus, blueberries and cranberries will better the functionality of your dogs gastrointestinal tract.

Required Ingredients:

  • Fresh cranberries or blueberries

Process:

  • Chop the cranberries or blueberries finely and add approximately two teaspoons to your dogs food.
  • Repeat twice daily for 7-10 days.
  • Notes: To avoid your dog choking, chop the blueberries or cranberries well. If you do not have access to these fresh fruits, you can use dried- be sure there is no added sugar.

    Can I Give My Dog Cranberry Juice

    How To Treat Dog UTI At Home

    We have heard time and time again that cranberry juice can help get rid of a UTI for humans. But what about dogs? Is cranberry juice for a dog UTI safe? We recommend speaking to your dogs vet about this. Each dog is unique, and what works for one may be dangerous for another. We strongly urge you to speak with your dogs vet before administering any type of treatment.

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    Are Certain Breeds More Prone To Getting A Bladder Infection

    All dogs are at risk for bladder and urinary tract infections, no matter what breed they are. The main risk factors for such infections are gender, age, and pre-existing conditions. To recap, female dogs are much more likely to get UTIs than male dogs, and older dogs have a higher risk.

    Some breeds have a greater risk of developing kidney stones, which can contribute to UTIs, as we previously covered. Those genetically predisposed to kidney stones are generally small breeds. These include the Bichon Frise, Miniature Schnauzer, and Yorkshire Terrier.

    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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    Symptoms Of Uti In Dogs

    It is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms ofUTIs so you can begin treatment as quickly as possible. UTIs are certainly nofun for your dog, and she deserves prompt veterinary treatment anytime shesuffers from one.

    Some of the most notable and common symptoms of UTIsinclude:

    • Frequent urination
    • Drinking copious amounts of water

    Note that these symptoms can also indicate a number of otherproblems, many of which are much more serious than UTIs.

    For example, frequent urination in dogs can also indicate things like kidney failure, kidney stones, kidney infections, prostate problems , or even septicemia.

    It is also important to note that UTIs can occasionally fail to trigger any obvious symptoms at all. These silent UTIs are particularly troubling, as they can often become quite serious before you begin treatment.

    Home Remedies For Uti In Dogs

    Cranberry Pills for Dogs

    There are a few home remedies to treat UTI in dogs, but they are unlikely to be completely effective.

    This includes things like:

    • Bathing your dog especially her genital area in warm baths
    • Encouraging her to drink more water

    I know this isnt a very satisfying answer, but the truth is, youll just need to take your dog to the vet anytime she suffers from a UTI. Its the only completely safe, effective, and humane way to treat the issue.

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    Use Of Antibiotics For Treating Utis In Dogs And Cats

    JD Foster

    VMD, DACVIM

    Dr. Foster is an internist and Director of the Extracorporeal Therapies Service at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C. He has lectured around the world on various renal and urinary diseases and authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters on these topics. He is the current president of the American Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology.

    Urinary tract infections are common in small animal practice it has been reported that up to 27% of dogs will develop infection at some time in their lives.1

    Most UTIs are successfully treated with commonly used drugs, dosages, and administration intervals. However, infections can be challenging to effectively treat when they involve the kidneys and prostate . In addition, it can be difficult to create an appropriate antibiotic prescription in patients with kidney disease due to reduced drug clearance.

    Understanding drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is essential when determining the most effective antibiotic therapy. In addition, successful antimicrobial therapy requires appropriate choice of antibiotic, including dose, frequency, and duration .

    Figure 1

    Does My Dog Have An Inherited Urinary Disease

    Some inherited diseases can cause chronic urinary problems in dogs and you can test your dog to see if hes at risk. EasyDNA has an at-home DNA test kit that you can give your dog, mail it in, and get results in just a few weeks. Diseases tested for include:

    • Hyperuricosuria: a genetic disorder that involves elevated levels of uric acid in the urine, which can cause the formation of stones in their bladders and sometimes kidneys. This EasyDNA test is available for all dog breeds.
    • Cystinuria: another autosomal recessive disorder that causes the kidneys to fail to reabsorb amino acids . This can lead to the formation of cystine crystals and stones in the urinary tract, leading to possible blockage of the urethra. This EasyDNA test is available for Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands.

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