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Should you treat your dog’s UTI at home, with natural or homeopathic methods? That’s a question most of us face with one or more of our dogs over time, since it’s not uncommon, especially in smaller breeds.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) may occur in dogs, and it can be very painful for them. Antibiotics and regular medical treatments can be very expensive. This is why if the condition is not that severe, natural and home remedies may be given to your dog instead, and can be just as effective as medical treatments.
Not all dogs with a UTI can be cured using natural methods – it depends on the severity of the infection.
UTI severity ranges from mild to severe and typical symptoms include the following: frequent urination of the dog, pain or strain in urinating, and eliminating inside the house instead of “asking” to go out.
So what should you look for in order to make the proper decision about treating your dog’s UTI?
Should You Treat Your Dog’s UTI?
If the urine has blood in it, then that means that the infection is severe, and probably even at an “advanced” stage. Don’t even think of treating it yourself — get the dog to a vet quickly.
Another indicator of severity is the amount of pain the dog experiences when trying to urinate. If minor, you may be okay treating it at home. If the dog is experiencing severe pain, get him to the vet.
Remember that natural remedies cannot be used with dogs that have severe infections, but only for dogs with mild conditions.
Natural methods and products that can be used for your dog’s UTI are: plant extracts that are anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, homeopathic remedies, increasing fluids in the body, and managing the dog’s stress.
Anti-bacterial plants which are also anti-inflammatory can be helpful to your dog. They eliminate your dog’s urinary tract infection, and treat his discomfort by reducing the inflammation and irritation. Here are some of the most common plants that have those capabilities: Chamomile, Sweet Almond, St. John’s Wort, Rosewood, Burdock and Sandalwood. Simply add a few drops of one or more to your dog’s food or drink.
Homeopathic remedies tend to be more useful for dogs that have recurring urinary tract problems. There are some homeopathic tests that can be run to identify what remedies may work best. Homeopathic experts often recommend Berberis vulg dilutions for its anti-inflammatory effects and pain-relieving agents, and the anti-bacterial Staphysagris. They may also mix in some substances like herbs, animal-derived substances, and minerals depending on the dog’s situation and the findings of the test.
Increase your dog’s fluid intake during UTI’s. More water and other fluids help bacteria in the urinary tract to be flushed out of the body, freeing the dog from the infection. Dogs need to constantly drink and urinate more in this process. Around 3 large cups (or 750 mL) of water should be given to your dog to flush out the bacteria, and remember to filter the water and make sure it’s clean and safe for your dog to drink. Teas (especially neem tea) or chamomile can be drunk by your dog as well, because these can soothe your dog’s inflamed urinary tract linings, and replenish his body fluids at the same time.
Stress management can also be implemented to help prevent or heal your dog’s urinary tract infection. More stress can lead to a damaged immune system, which in turn may allow more bacteria to grow in their urinary tract. Stress management is especially advisable for dogs with recurring urinary tract infection. It can be done through medical treatments or therapy sessions. Vitamin B (fatty acids) and many other supplements can also help reduce a dog’s stress levels.
So the answer to the question “Should you treat your dog’s UTI at home” is a definite yes, IF it is not severe. If you’re “in tune” with your dog and observe him closely, you shouldn’t have any trouble making the correct treatment decision.
One final consideration: if you are treating the problem yourself, and you don’t start seeing improvements, then get the dog to a vet. I’m a great believer in homeopathic treatments for my pets and myself, but I also won’t hesitate to consult a professional when the situation calls for one.
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Joe
Dec 17, 2014 at 3:27 pm
Yes, you should treat your dog’s UTI by _taking them to the vet_. Homeopathic remedies are useless, being nothing but sugar pills or water. There are certainly herbs with some antiseptic (not antibiotic) activity, but you have no way of knowing if the herb or extract you buy OTC contains what it says it contains, in the strength stated, nor do you have any guidelines as to appropriate dosage. If your dog is sick, the only proper way to treat it is to take it to the vet.
Jake
Jun 15, 2015 at 2:41 pm
Do you post this sophomoric comment everywhere on the internet? Homeopathic medicines are not “sugar pills.” Do some basic research. The reason not to use homeopathic medicine is when you don’t know anything about their use. They are serious medicines – not best self-prescribed.
As to the holier than thou attitude about prescription medicine – it was recently discovered that the FDA testing labs couldn’t pass inspection.
jim r
Nov 21, 2015 at 12:07 pm
Jake.
The only sophomoric comment i see here is yours. The only way these sort of sites can be effective, is for everyone to have a say. They don’t work when attack trolls – you , for example – shut down free speech. Give the man his say and stop being a rude jackass.
Martina
Jun 29, 2017 at 9:28 pm
They both have a right to have an opinion and they both did. Not sure what you are talking about shuting down speech when both were free to comment.
Martha
May 1, 2013 at 8:40 pm
Agreed–you definitely want to treat a UTI in your dog. Otherwise, the disrupted potty schedule can cause setbacks in housetraining, like happened to this person: ilovedogs.com/2013/05/ask-a-trainer-has-my-blue-heelers-incontinence-become-a-learned-behavior/