Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Do I need any tests, such as urinalysis?
- What is the likely cause of my urinary tract infection ?
- Do I need medicine? How should I take it?
- What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
- When should I expect relief from my symptoms?
- What symptoms would indicate that my infection is getting worse? What should I do if I experience these symptoms?
- I get UTIs a lot. What can I do to prevent them?
- Do I need preventive antibiotics? If so, should I be concerned about antibiotic resistance?
- My child gets UTIs a lot. Could an anatomical problem be causing his or her UTIs?
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Utis
UTIs can cause such signs as:
- pain, burning, or a stinging sensation when peeing
- an increased urge or more frequent need to pee
- fever
- waking up at night a lot to go to the bathroom
- belly pain in the area of the bladder
- foul-smelling pee that may look cloudy or contain blood
If you have any symptoms of a UTI, you’ll need to go to a doctor right away. The sooner you begin treatment, the less uncomfortable you’ll be. Call your doctor’s office or clinic. If you can’t reach your doctor, you can visit an urgent care center or hospital emergency room. The most important thing is to take action as soon as possible.
A Pharmacist Can Help With Utis
You can ask a pharmacist about treatments for a UTI. A pharmacist can:
- offer advice on things that can help you get better
- suggest the best painkiller to take
- tell you if you need to see a GP about your symptoms
Some pharmacies offer a UTI management service and can prescribe antibiotics if they’re needed.
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Wipe From Front To Back
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces gain access to the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.
Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can lead to infections.
After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from coming into contact with the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus.
Preventing Urinary Tract Infections
There are many natural cures for urinary tract infections, but the best way to deal with a UTI is by preventing it from happening in the first place. UTIs are often preventable simply by making certain lifestyle changes:
- Wear loose clothing, such as loose pants, skirts, dresses, and cotton underwear. Since bacterium grows in moisture, tight clothing or clothing which restricts the flow of air can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
- Drink plenty of water. Its good for you and helps flush bacteria from your system.
- Wipe from front to back, to stop bacteria from spreading.
- After sexual intercourse, urinate to clear out any bacteria.
If you are suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections, then there is likely something which is causing them to keep occurring. Constant medical visits and use of antibiotics may not be the answer. Simple lifestyle changes can help you stop this annoying reoccurrence. Drinking plenty of water, using natural remedies, and using proper hygiene practices can help keep UTIs away for good.
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When To See A Vet
At the first signs of a UTI in your dog, we suggest that you have your dog’s urine tested at your vets.
They can confirm the diagnosis and you can then take action knowing what you are dealing with.
Indeed, these symptoms may indicate a bacterial urinary tract infection, but they may also suggest an onset of kidney disease/infection or the presence of crystals or stones in the bladder.
Often, we notice the first signs of an infection only when it is well-established, since our dogs are good at hiding things! If your dog has a more advanced bacterial infection, it may need antibiotic treatment prescribed by a vet.
Read further to learn about the natural solutions to this uncomfortable condition.
Not Being Able To Empty Your Bladder
If you’re unable to empty your bladder fully, any bacteria that get inside may not be flushed out when you go to the toilet and can multiply more easily.
You may not be able to empty your bladder fully if:
- you have a blockage in your urinary system, such as a bladder stone
- you’re pregnant, as the baby may be pressing on your bladder
- you have an enlarged prostate gland that presses on the urethra
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Treatment From A Gp For Utis That Keep Coming Back
If your UTI comes back after treatment, you may have a urine test and be prescribed different antibiotics.
Your doctor or nurse will also offer advice on how to prevent UTIs.
If you keep getting UTIs and regularly need treatment, a GP may give you a repeat prescription for antibiotics.
If you have been through the menopause, you may be offered a vaginal cream containing oestrogen.
Get Your Fill Of Water And Water
One of the first things to do when you have a urinary tract infection is drink plenty of water. Thats because drinking water can help flush away the bacteria that’s causing your infection, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . It puts you on the right track for recovery.
Most people can be assured theyre getting the water they need by simply drinking water when thirsty, according to the health and medicine division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. But to be safe, you may want to make sure youre drinking at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. General recommendations have suggested that women get about 91 oz of water daily and men get about 125 oz each day, including water from food, as also noted in that group’s report.
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How To Prevent Utis In Dogs
If you know that your dog is having chronic urinary tract infections, its possible to use these natural products.
In addition, as discussed earlier, making frequent trips out to allow your dog to urinate regularly is a good strategy to adopt.
Ask a nutrition expert, such as a vet, to make sure that your pet’s food is adequate.
Finally, providing fresh water and encouraging your dog to drink plenty of water is an important benefit in the prevention of UTIs in dogs.
Now that you are well-equipped to identify a dog UTI at the first sign, be sure to have these ingredients and our natural products on hand to help your pooch of its symptoms.
The faster you act, the more successful you will be in your treatment. And your dog will thank you for it.
You can keep cranberries, apple cider vinegar and vitamin C in your kitchen, as most are just as effective for your own urinary tract infections!
In addition, you will have all the delicious elements needed to concoct a good salad!
What Are The Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs
In most cases, UTIs are caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia Coli. They migrate from the outside through the urethra to the bladder. When the bladder is inflamed, this is called cystitis.
A dog that does not urinate often is more prone to bacterial urinary tract infections, as these bacteria have more time to migrate and develop in the bladder. That’s why it’s important to provide frequent wee breaks for your dog.
Some dogs are also more susceptible to UTIs and can have them repeatedly.
Diet plays an important role as well, as it influences the pH of the urine. A slightly acidic pH is preferred, as the bacteria develop more easily in an alkaline pH environment. See below how to help achieve this optimal pH level.
- Your dog has a harder time holding his bladder.
- They need to wee in small amounts, and more often.
- They start to have accidents in the house.
- Noticeable dripping after they have finished urinating .
- The urine looks darker and smelly.
In the case of a more advanced urinary tract infection, symptoms can change:
- Your pet seems in pain during urination, it seems forced.
- You notice blood in the urine.
- Your dog becomes incontinent .
- Your dog frequently licks its genitals.
- They become more apathetic in general.
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Can I Become Immune To The Antibiotics Used To Treat A Uti
Your body can actually get used to the antibiotics typically used to treat a urinary tract infection . This happens in people who have very frequent infections. With each UTI and use of antibiotics to treat it, the infection adapts and becomes harder to fight. This is called an antibiotic-resistant infection. Because of this, your healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments if you have frequent UTIs. These could include:
- Waiting: Your provider may suggest that you watch your symptoms and wait. During this time, you may be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids in an effort to flush out your system.
- Intravenous treatment: In some very complicated cases, where the UTI is resistant to antibiotics or the infection has moved to your kidneys, you may need to be treated in the hospital. The medicine will be given to you directly in your vein . Once youre home, you will be prescribed antibiotics for a period of time to fully get rid of the infection.
Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
Before I tell you how to get rid of bladder infections naturally, let’s look at what a bladder infection is.
Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is an infection affecting the urinary tract.
If the infection occurs in the lower part of the urinary tract it is called cystitis or a bladder infection.
Occurring in the upper part of the urinary tract, it is called pyelonephritis or a kidney infection.
If a bladder infection is left untreated, it can travel up the ureters and into the kidneys. This is a serious condition and medical help should be sought at once.
So, early detection is key to getting rid of a bladder infection naturally.
It is important to treat early and distinguish between an upper and lower urinary tract infection.
So, what is the difference?
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Here Is Some Trivia For You:
Did you know that bladder infections are more common in women than men?
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates 40 to 60 percent of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime.
This maybe due to the short urethra in women. The urethra is the tube that is about 1 ½ inches long and carries the urine out of the body.
The urethra’s short length makes it easy for bacteria to travel from outside the body to the bladder.
Cut Back On Meat And Poultry
Some studies, such as one published in August 2018 in the journal mBio, have linked contaminated poultry and meat to E.coli bacteria strains that can cause UTIs. These studies havent proven that eating meat or poultry causes UTIs. In fact, some E.coli can live in the intestines without causing any problems. However, bacteria from the gut can enter the urinary tract and cause infection. This risk is greater in women than men, because women have shorter urethras than men, meaning the bacteria has less distance to travel to reach the bladder.
Cutting back on meat and focusing on fruits and veggies may slightly cut your risk of UTIs. According to a study of Buddhists in Taiwan, published in January 2020 in Scientific Reports, compared with nonvegetarians, vegetarians had a 16 percent lower risk of UTI.
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Be Aware Of Your Bathroom Habits
Take enough time to fully empty your bladder when urinatingdont rush it. Urinate after sex to flush away bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex. Clean the genital area before and after sex.
If youre a woman, wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement, to keep bacteria from getting into the urethra.
Are There Any Home Remedies For A Urinary Tract Infection
The best “home remedy” for a UTI is prevention . However, although there are many “home remedies” available from web sites, holistic medicine publications, and from friends and familymembers there is controversy about them in the medical literature as few have been adequately studied. However, a few remedies will be mentioned because there may be some positive effect from these home remedies. The reader should be aware that while reading about these remedies , they should not to overlook the frequent admonition that UTIs can be dangerous. If the person does not experience relief or if his or her symptoms worsen over 1 to 2 days, the person should seek medical care. In fact, many of the articles about UTI remedies actually describe ways to reduce or prevent UTIs. Examples of home treatments that may help to prevent UTIs, that may have some impact on an ongoing infection, and that are unlikely to harm people are as follows:
There are over-the-counter tests available for detecting presumptive evidence for a UTI . These tests are easy to use and can provide a presumptive diagnosis if the test instructions are carefully followed a positive test should encourage the person to seek medical care.
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Other Natural Products For Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs
We also offer these two natural products to help you with your dog’s UTI.
A NATURAL URINARY DISORDERS PRODUCT
The URINARY DISORDERS product is the perfect tool to support your dog when facing urinary tract infections in our canine companions. In addition, if you are looking to relieve your dog’s pain caused by inflammation of the bladder and even dissolves some urinary crystals, this product will help maintain the urinary system healthy.Its suitable for all animals suffering from mild urinary disorders.
A NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC – SILVERPET
Combining this product with the previous one is a good choice for your dog’s urinary tract infections. The SILVERPET product acts as a natural antibiotic agent and can be used in case of bacteria that develops in your dog’s bladder.In addition, this product helps strengthen the immune system and therefore helps your dog to help himself. It is natural.It can also be used for the other animal species mentioned above.
Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Utis
Studies, such as one published in January 2018 in Scientific Reports, have shown that apple cider vinegar has some antibacterial and antifungal properties, but theres no scientific or medical evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar cures UTIs. Drinking large amounts of apple cider vinegar could lead to throat irritation and tooth decay.
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Consider Switching Birth Control Methods If You Have Repeat Bladder Infections
If you have trouble with repeat bladder infections, talk with a health care professional about your birth control. Consider switching to a new form of birth control if you use diaphragms, unlubricated condoms, or spermicide, all of which can increase your chances of developing a bladder infection. Consider using lubricated condoms without spermicide or using a nonspermicidal lubricant.
Why Do Women Get Urinary Tract Infections More Often Than Men
Women tend to get urinary tract infections more often than men because bacteria can reach the bladder more easily in women. The urethra is shorter in women than in men, so bacteria have a shorter distance to travel.
The urethra is located near the rectum in women. Bacteria from the rectum can easily travel up the urethra and cause infections. Bacteria from the rectum is more likely to get into the urethra if you wipe from back to front after a bowel movement. Be sure to teach children how to wipe correctly.
Having sex may also cause urinary tract infections in women because bacteria can be pushed into the urethra. Using a diaphragm can lead to infections because diaphragms push against the urethra and make it harder to completely empty your bladder. The urine that stays in the bladder is more likely to grow bacteria and cause infections.
Frequent urinary tract infections may be caused by changes in the bacteria in the vagina. Antibacterial vaginal douches, spermicides, and certain oral antibiotics may cause changes in vaginal bacteria. Avoid using these items, if possible. Menopause can also cause changes in vaginal bacteria that increase your risk for urinary tract infection. Taking estrogen usually corrects this problem but may not be for everyone.
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What Is The Treatment Of A Urine Infection
- A course of an antibiotic medicine will usually clear the infection quickly. This is usually for seven days. You should see a doctor if your symptoms are not gone, or nearly gone, after a few days.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen will usually ease any pain, discomfort, or high temperature .
- Have plenty to drink to help prevent a lack of fluid in the body if you have a fever and feel unwell.
How To Treat Bladder Infections
The treatment of a bladder infection very much depends on the cause of the infection, the severity of the symptoms, and whether the infection is an isolated case or reflects a chronic condition. This means that the treatment may be the cure, or it could be a temporary solution until the next infection comes along. When dealing with bladder infections, it is also crucial to remember that if the infection is treated early on, serious complications can be avoided down the line.
The NHS.uk site recommends that you try the following if you have had a bladder infection before and dont feel you need to see a doctor, or if you have mild symptoms for less than three days.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Dont have sex until youre feeling better.
You may also try cranberry juice some people believe that it works despite there being no scientific evidence to suggest that they are effective. If you are keen to give it a go, it is vital to differentiate between 100% natural cranberry juice versus sugary flavoured juice drinks that are easily available.
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