Urinary tract infections are a common ailment in dogs that don't always show obvious symptoms. In fact, you probably won't even realize your dog has a UTI until he starts going to the bathroom very frequently or begins having accidents in the house. Keep in mind that the dog UTI home remedy treatments that I am sharing today should not be used in lieu of a trip to the vet.
Typically, urinary tract infections are nothing to worry about – as long as you treat them in a timely manner. If your dog is prone to urinary tract issues, you may be able to help prevent them with a change in diet. However, you'll want to touch base with your veterinarian before making any permanent changes to your pup's diet.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in female dogs and dogs with diabetes, Cushing’s disease or chronic kidney issues. However, all dogs are susceptible to this bacterial infection. In fact, UTIs are one of the most common infections in canines, with veterinarians seeing them in 14% of the dog population.
These dog UTI home remedy treatments are not a cure all method that will work for every pooch. If you notice your dog's symptoms getting more severe or your dog starts showing signs unrelated to a UTI (like fever, vomiting, or lethargy), be sure to seek veterinary care immediately.
How To Make Dog UTI Home Remedy
It's important that you seek veterinary treatment at the first sign of a UTI. When undiagnosed in a timely manner, the infection can spread to the dog's vital organs such as the bladder and kidneys.
If your pup is prone to these infections, you know what to look for. If not, keep your eyes out for signs including:
- excessive thirst
- uncontrollable bladder
- frequent urination
- bloody urine
- strong-smelling urine
- cloudy and/or dark urine
- excessive licking of genitals
- painful or strained urination
Adding apple cider vinegar to your dog's water can have a lot of benefits, including warding off urinary tract infections. ACV can even be used to help repel fleas and ticks. The easiest way to get your pup to ingest this home remedy is by adding it to his water dish.
Add 1 tsp. to a 1-gallon water bowl for dogs weighing less than 35 pounds. Add 1-2 tbsp. to a 1-gallon bowl for larger breeds. Adding apple cider vinegar to fresh water twice each day for 10 days can help to treat a mild UTI.
Be sure to watch Fido closely to ensure he's drinking the water. If he's not drinking the water, you'll need to provide fresh water in order to keep him hydrated and try another dog UTI home remedy.
You can also use over-the-counter cranberry or urinary tract health remedies. While these remedies can be helpful in curing a UTI, they may not be safe for every dog. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog these remedies. They will assist you in choosing the best option and the proper dosage for your pup.
My favorite dog UTI home remedy is juniper berry essential oil or supplements. Juniper berry has natural antimicrobial properties and has been shown to be beneficial in treating urinary tract infections. It's also easy to give your dog a dose of essential oils or supplements orally.
No matter which home remedy you choose to use for your dog's urinary tract issues, be sure to have a conversation with your veterinarian about the symptoms you're seeing. Also, be sure that you observe your dog closely. If his symptoms begin to get worse or do not seem to be getting any better within 48 hours, make an appointment with your vet.
Urinary tract infections can spread quickly to other organs. You don't want to take the chance of your dog suffering kidney or bladder problems because you tried to get out of making a trip to the veterinarian.
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