Urine infections can also affect our dog and it is important that we know how to treat them to avoid complications that can even become serious. In this sense, it is essential to know if the home remedies for urine infection in dogs are effective or, on the contrary, a visit to the vet is mandatory.
In this article on our site, we explain what urine infections in dogs consist of and what is the most appropriate treatment to combat them.
Urine infection in dogs
To understand whether home remedies for urine infection in dogs are useful or not, we first have to be clear about what happens when our dog suffers from a urine infection. When we talk about urine infection we refer to a inflammation that occurs in the walls of the bladder, the organ in which urine accumulates before being expelled of the body.
Symptoms of urine infection in dogs
These infections in dogs are usually caused by bacteria that travel up the urethra to the bladder. We will notice that the dog has cystitis, as this type of infection is called, by the following symptoms:
- Much more frequent urination.
- Low amount of pee.
- Pain when urinating.
- Cloudy urine.
- Blood in the urine.
- Bad smell of urine.
- Fever.
- You can't urinate.
For more information on canine cystitis, you can consult this other article on our site on Cystitis in dogs - Causes, symptoms and treatment, where we explain everything in more detail.
Treatment of urine infections in dogs
As we have explained, urine infections are associated with the presence of bacteria. And, as always when these pathogens appear, the treatment has to go through administering antibiotics Only the vet can prescribe them, hence the need to go to the doctor. And it better be as soon as possible. First because it is a pretty painful disease for the dog. But, also, because, in some cases, the bacteria could ascend to the kidneys through the ureters, considerably aggravating the problem. In addition, infections are a risk factor for the formation of stones or kidney stones in dogs, which can completely or partially obstruct the urinary system. This is because the minerals that make up the stones are deposited on the groups of bacteria.
Antibiotic treatments in these cases are usually prolonged, even lasting about three weeks Ideally, analyze a urine sample to knowing exactly which bacteria are present and prescribing an antibiotic known to be effective against them for successful treatment. It is advisable to check the urine at the end to ensure that the healing has been complete. Therefore, There are no home remedies for urine infection in dogs, as antibiotics are needed. But home remedies can be part of prevention, as we will see in the next section.
Home remedies for urine infection in dogs - Prevention
Once there are symptoms of cystitis, there is no home remedy for urine infection in dogs. But to help recovery, while we administer the treatment prescribed by the veterinarian, we can talk about home remedies for urinary tract infection in dogs. We must also take them into account if our dog suffers from recurrent urine infections, when it comes to avoiding relapses. Among these natural remedies, the following stand out:
- Water: proper hydration is essential for the proper functioning of the urinary system. That is why we have to make sure that our dog drinks plenty of water every day. He must always have clean and fresh water at his disposal. If we suspect that the intake is insufficient, we have the option of offering homemade broths without s alt or suitable wet or homemade food for the dog and always discounting it from its daily ration to avoid overweight problems. In this other article we explain the Benefits of homemade dog food.
- Blueberries: this fruit is considered very beneficial for the urinary system, which is why its consumption is recommended as a preventive measure, thanks to its its antibacterial capacity. We can give them to the dog in pieces, mix them with their food or offer them in juice. Here you will find more Fruits and vegetables recommended for dogs.
- Vitamin C: it is recommended because it has a protective effect on the urinary system due to its antibacterial power by increasing the acidity of the urine. Kiwi or orange are some foods that contain a large amount of this vitamin. Like blueberries, we can give this type of food directly in pieces, in juice or, if they reject it, adding a small amount to water.
- Apple cider vinegar: recommended for its ability to detoxify. A small spoonful can be administered in the water as a complement to veterinary medication.
We insist once again that this type of home remedies are adequate for prevention Infections must always be treated by a veterinarian. Giving an already sick dog only one of these remedies not only will not cure it, but, without treatment, it runs the risk of getting worse.
