A urinary tract infection or UTI may affect canines of all ages, but it is more frequently met in females, due to the size of the female dog urethra. The most common course of treatment of a urinary tract infection is a cure of antibiotics, but in some cases, it is possible to cure UTI without using antibiotics. There are a few treatment tips that can be effective if the infection is not severe.
Antibiotics for UTI
Antibiotics are often prescribed for canines with UTI, but the infection is not always very severe and may not require a cure of antibiotics. Common antibiotics used for canine UTI include Zeniquin and Naxcel. The antibiotics may have side effects such as stomach ulcers, lethargy or secondary yeast infections. There are a few alternative remedies that can cure UTI:
- Fluid supplementation
- Natural remedies
- Homeopathic remedies
- Stress reduction
Supplementation of Fluids
A lot of dogs that have a urinary tract infection will drink more water and fluids than usual, this being a common symptom of UTI. The supplementation of fluids is recommended, as these will flush out the bacteria causing the infection in the first place. Give more fluids and fresh, clean water. You may also consider switching to wet food, which can be easily digestible and will not give the kidneys additional workload.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies can be effective in eliminating bacteria and keeping the urinary tract healthy. The dog can receive natural supplements of St. John's Wort, chamomile, burdock root or other herbs with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Homeopathic Treatment
There are a few homeopathic treatments that can be applied in dogs with a urinary tract infection. The homeopath will prescribe a dilution that will aim at eliminating the urinary infection, support the urinary system health and cure other possible underlying conditions that cause urinary infections. Common homeopathic remedies for UTI include:
- Berberis Vulg, which is beneficial for the urinary tract and the bladder of the dog, reducing swelling, which can cause a lot of pain
- Cantharis, also an anti-inflammatory agent
- Staphysagris, which is a tonic and eliminates infections
Stress Reduction
A dog is often affected by a urinary tract infection due to the fact that he is exposed to a lot of stress, which leads to a weakened immune system. Reducing stress can help the dog build up immunity and fight off the infection and prevent chronic urinary infections. The stress reduction should be combined with other types of treatment for the urinary infection.
If the dog doesn't respond to any of the above mentioned treatments, he needs to receive antibiotics or more serious treatment, as he may be affected by a severe infection. Don't leave the UTI untreated, as it may develop into kidney disease and even kidney failure, which can severely affect your pet's life span.