Antibiotics For Utis In Dogs
Antibiotics are standard treatment for UTIs. The problem with this is that antibiotics dont just kill the bacteria causing the UTI they also destroy the healthy bacteria in your dogs gut. Remember that many holistic vets say that urinary tract problems in dogs are actually inflammation, not an infection. So using antibiotics will damage your dogs microbiome without effectively treating the real cause of your dogs UTI. Thats why UTIs become chronic recurrent infections in many dogs. Urinary concentration of antibiotics is also a factor. The drugs are less effective if they dont achieve high antimicrobial concentrations. In fact, a 2014 review of antibiotics for UTIs at University of Copehagen concluded: there is little published evidence relating to antibiotic treatment of UTIs in dogs and cats. Well-designed clinical trials focusing on the duration of treatment are warranted to create evidence-based treatment protocols.
Antibiotic resistance is also a concern. The more your dog takes antibiotics, the less effective they are. So save them for when theyre truly necessary and avoid antimicrobial resistance thats becoming a problem for all of us!
How Do Dogs Get A Uti
The most common cause of a UTI in dogs is bacteria that enter the urethral opening and travels up the urethra and into the bladder, where it then multiplies and causes infection. This bacteria can come from feces or debris that enters the area. Bacteria is also more likely to develop if your dog has a weakened immune system.
How Did I Know I Had A Uti And What Did I Do
How did I notice I had a UTI? I have not had one in foreverI recall getting a bad one when I was in high school several years ago. I remember I knew instantly because it hurt so bad to pee. I had the same feeling on Saturday morning of last week. I knew something was wrong. I am the kind of person who is very in tune with their body, so when something is off, it doesnt take me very long to act on it. I think one of the reasons I was able to kick this thing pretty quick is because I noticed right away. I decided to get one of those tester kits from CVS to make sure, and it came back positive. Off to Urgent Care I went.
Not suprisingly, I sat for an hour at Urgent Care before getting seen . The doctor came back after looking at my sample and told me I had a UTI. He prescribed me with a 5 day course of antibiotics that he said would wipe it out. Naturally, I had questions as taking any kind of drug especially a strong antibiotic should warrant some level of consideration. I wanted to know more about the antibiotic, but I did not get too much additional information. He said that they would call me on Tuesday to give me the full results of my culture and ensure the antibiotics were working, but I should start taking them right away. There was not much else to say at this point, but in my head I was already wondering if there was a more natural route to go down. Despite my concerns, I went off to the drug store and got the prescription filled.
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Creating Stronger Strains Of Bacteria
Over time, some species of bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. According to some research , several species of E. coli, the primary cause of UTIs, are showing increasing drug resistance.
The more a person uses an antibiotic, the greater the risk of the bacteria developing resistance. This is even more likely when people do not follow a doctors instructions to complete the full prescribed course of treatment.
It is essential to continue a course of antibiotics until the end date that the doctor provides. People should also never share antibiotics with others.
Are Bananas Good For Utis
The American Urological Association calls bananas a bladder-friendly food. Thats because bananas arent likely to irritate the bladder in most people. Other bladder-friendly fruits and veggies include: pears, green beans, winter squash, and potatoes. While eating bananas may help to lessen bladder irritation, eating bananas alone wont make a UTI go away.
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Homeopathic Remedies For Bladder Infections
1. Cantharis : When the person experiences an acute pain due to the bladder infection along with a sudden urge to urinate but not able to urinate, this remedy is used.
2. Pulsatilla : This remedy is helpful when there is frequent pain along with a sudden urge to urinate and the bladder infection commence after getting the feet cold and wet.
3. Nux vomica : This remedy can be taken when there is a frequent urge to urinate and the urge never get fully satisfied, even after urination.
4. Sarsaparilla : This remedy is recommended when the person feels a burning pain while urinating, due to a bladder infection.
Administer Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-septic. When it is in your dogs system, it will fight off any bacteria present and create an acidic environment that will eradicate the bacteria and prevent further growth.
Required Ingredients:
- Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Process:
Notes: Ensure you provide a second bowl of fresh drinking water that does not have apple cider vinegar just in case your dog does not want to drink the water with the apple cider vinegar. The last thing you want is for your dog to become dehydrated, as it will further progress and irritate the UTI.
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Add Prebiotics And Probiotics
Probiotics encourage the growth of healthy bacteria, which help crowd out harmful bacteria. They also produce short-chain fatty acids that boost your dogs overall health. This can help prevent bacteria growth to reduce the risk of UTIs caused by infections.
Supplements are the most convenient way to add probiotics to your dogs diet. Many people will use fermented veggies and kefir for probiotic benefits but they arent the best choice. Thats because the probiotics in these foods rarely survive the trip through your dogs digestive tract so they cant provide the healthful benefits your dog needs. But that doesnt mean fermented foods arent useful. They also contain prebiotics that feed the probiotics in your dogs gut so they can produce SCFA. Other prebiotic foods include garlic, chicory root, and mushrooms.
So dont forget you have great natural options for your dogs UTI. Be confident you can help your dog naturally at home if she develops any UTI symptoms.
What Are Utis In Dogs
You assume a UTI means your dog has a urinary tract infection caused by a urinary pathogen or bacterial infection. But your dogs urinary tract disease might not be what it seems. Bladder issues often stem from inflammation with no bacteria causing them at all. In fact, many holistic vets say that UTI stands for urinary tract inflammation . This is important to help you treat bladder problems in your dog.
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How Do You Help A Bladder Infection
Here are seven effective bladder infection remedies.
Considering this, how can I treat a bladder infection at home?
Below are 5 things you can try to treat a UTI on your own.
Furthermore, can a bladder infection go away on its own? A mild bladder infection may go away on its own within a few days. If it doesn’t, it’s usually treated with antibiotics. You usually start to feel better in a day or so, but be sure take all the medicine as directed. Your doctor may also give you medicine to help with symptoms such as pain or the constant urge to pee.
Similarly one may ask, how do I get rid of a UTI without antibiotics?
To treat a UTI without antibiotics, people can try the following home remedies:
Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Utis
Unfortunately, some dogs are more prone to recurrent UTIs. This could be due to an underlying health condition, like diabetes, bladder stones, or a weakened immune system. In some female dogs, chronic UTIs can occur if there are excessive skin folds around the vulva or vagina. These folds can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
If your dog has had several UTIs in close succession, it could be that the infection never totally cleared up. Relapse UTIs usually occur because the infection didnt respond to the antibiotic . Signs of a relapse infection can take anywhere from a week to a month or longer to appear.
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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.
What Are Possible Complications Of A Urinary Tract Infection
Most UTIs cause no complications if they spontaneously resolve quickly or if treated early in the infection with appropriate medications. However, there are a number of complications that can occur if the UTI becomes chronic or rapidly advances. Chronic infections may result in urinary strictures, abscesses, fistulas, kidney stones, and, rarely, kidney damage or bladder cancer. Rapid advancement of UTIs can lead to dehydration, kidney failure, sepsis, and death. Pregnant females with untreated UTIs may develop premature delivery and a low birth weight for the infant and run the risks of rapid advancement of the infection.
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Try Taking A Probiotic
Introducing a probiotic to your system may help to replenish the naturally occurring, healthy bacteria that live in the gut. It is thought that probiotics may prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract cells, and may also lower the urine Ph, making it less hospitable to harmful bacteria. And, if you have taken an antibiotic to treat a UTI, taking a probiotic is a great way to build up the healthy bacteria that may have been killed during your course of treatment. Probiotics are found in supplement form , or they occur naturally in some types of food, including certain yogurts, kombucha, or kefir.
Natural Remedies For Uti Relief
A true UTI needs antibiotics to clear the bacteria responsible for the symptoms and infection, Dr. Sherry explains, so call your doctor if you’re experiencing UTI symptoms. While you wait for your appointment, though, there are some home remedies you can try to help relieve some of the discomfort.
Avoid foods and beverages that will irritate your bladder
Drinking coffee and alcohol, and eating spicy food or foods with lots of added sugar will irritate the urinary tract. They can decrease the blood flow to the bladder, which will make it harder for your immune system to fight off the infection.
Drink lots of water and empty your bladder often
According to Chicago-based OB/GYN, Jessica Shepherd, MD, drinking lots of water when you are experiencing UTI symptoms can help flush away the bacteria. Draining your bladder frequently is essential to getting rid of the bacteria, Dr. Shepherd explains. The more water you drink, the more youll have to relieve yourself.
Use a heating pad
Dr. Shepherd and Dr. Sherry both recommend applying heat to your abdomen for relief from UTI cramps or the burning sensation. A heating pad or hot water bottle over your lower abdomen can help ease some of the discomfort from a UTI, Dr. Sherry says. If youre using an electric heating pad, be careful not to fall asleep with it on or leave it on your skin for long periods of time. This can be dangerous and either burn your skin or worse, cause a fire.
Try an herbal remedy
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Dog Uti Prevention Tips
Below are three tips for preventing bladder infection in dogs.
Aside from older dogs or dogs that have been diagnosed with diabetes, pregnant dogs can also be at risk for developing a UTI.
This is a result of the hormonal changes she is going through. In the later stages of the pregnancy, the puppies will be pressing her bladder, and she will urinate more than usual.
During this stage of pregnancy, your dog will be at the most risk for contracting a UTI.
Frequent UTIs can sign something more troublesome such as kidney stones or bladder stones in dogs. Suppose you have noticed any of the above symptoms in your dog. In that case, you will need to begin treatment right away to prevent the urinary tract infection from developing into something more serious such as kidney or bladder stones or further infections. Or in even worse cases, frequent urinary tract infections can indicate renal failure.
In the end, your dogs health is essential to you and me. I hope you liked this list, and I hope that even one of these fantastic Dog UTI home remedies was found helpful to you and your pet.
Best Remedies For Bladder Infections
About bladder infections
Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection . They can develop when bacteria enter the urethra and travel into the bladder.
The urethra is the tube that takes urine out of the body. Once bacteria go into the urethra, they can attach to the walls of the bladder and multiply quickly.
The resulting infection can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as the sudden urge to urinate. It may also cause pain while urinating and abdominal cramping.
A combination of medical and home treatments may ease these symptoms. If left untreated, bladder infections can become life-threatening. This is because the infection can spread to the kidneys or blood.
Here are seven effective bladder infection remedies.
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What Is The Prognosis For A Urinary Tract Infection
A good prognosis is usual for spontaneously resolved and quickly treated UTIs. Even patients that have rapidly developing symptoms and early pyelonephritis can have a good prognosis if quickly and adequately treated. The prognosis begins to decline if the UTI is not quickly recognized or treated. Elderly and immunosuppressed patients may not have the UTI recognized early their prognosis may range from fair to poor, depending on how much damage is done to the urinary tract or if complications like sepsis occur. Like adults, most adequately treated children will have a good prognosis. Children and adults with recurrent UTIs may develop complications and a worse prognosis recurrent UTIs may be a symptom of an underlying problem with the urinary tract structure. These patients should be referred to a specialist for further evaluation.
What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection occurring in any part of the urinary tract.
A UTI can happen in any part of the urinary tract, but bladder infection and urethral infection are the two most common types. The bacterial infection causes inflammation in those areas, leading to the classic symptoms of pain and irritation.
While anyone can get a UTI, theyre more common in females, occurring in 1 in 5 women at some point in their lifetimes. This is because the urethra in women is shorter and closer to the anus, which can harbor harmful bacteria.
In some cases, a urinary tract infection can spread to a persons kidneys, which can cause serious complications. It is important to seek medical care if you suspect you might have an infection in your urinary tract. Health care providers generally treat UTIs with antibiotics, but its also possible to treat a mild UTI at home and take measures to prevent them.
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Things You Can Do Yourself
To help ease pain:
- takeparacetamolup to 4 times a day to reduce pain and a high temperature for people with a UTI, paracetamol is usually recommended over NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
- you can give childrenliquid paracetamol
- rest and drink enough fluids so you pass pale urine regularly during the day, especially during hot weather
It’s important to follow the instructions on the packet so you know how much paracetamol you or your child can take, and how often.
It may also help to avoid having sex until you feel better.
You cannot pass a UTI on to your partner, but sex may be uncomfortable.
Taking cystitis sachets or cranberry products has not been shown to help ease symptoms of UTIs.