Dog and Cat Urinary Tract Infection Home Treatment:
Prevention And Natural Remedies
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause significant discomfort for pets, often resulting in frequent vet visits and reliance on antibiotics. Many pet owners are now turning to home treatments to manage these infections effectively. Maintaining a balanced urinary pH is essential, and incorporating natural remedies along with dietary adjustments can help prevent UTIs in both cats and dogs from recurring. At Ask Ariel, we offer a holistic approach to treating dog and cat urinary tract infections at home. Our range of high-quality supplements is designed to support urinary health, easing symptoms and helping to prevent recurrence.
Stop The Cycle Of Recurring UTIs: Break Free From Frequent Vet Visits
It’s frustrating when your pet keeps suffering from UTIs, only to be treated with antibiotics that provide temporary relief. Many pets find themselves caught in a cycle of returning to the vet as soon as the medication runs out. This reliance on antibiotics can weaken your pet’s immune system, making them more susceptible to future infections. By adopting a holistic approach that includes natural remedies and dietary adjustments, you can help your pet maintain a healthy urinary tract and reduce the likelihood of recurring infections.
Sophie
"I am writing this testimonial so that others like me who are very hesitant to follow instructions from someone (I didn't even know) on the internet can help their dog. Sophie had recurrent urinary tract infections that became resistant to antibiotics. As a result of the large amount of antibiotics, she started to have digestive and itching issues. After two different vets, with multiple visits, costing lots of money and no improvement, I was extremely frustrated.
After much internet research, I came upon Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist. They took the time to explain the importance of proper nutrition for dogs and the extreme role that it plays in their health. I must admit that I was hesitant as first as I looked at the cost of some of the natural supplements and food changes. However, when comparing it to the continuing veterinary bills and medication, it ends up to be less expensive. But more importantly, I was able to stop the cycle of ill health (UTI'S, digestive etc) and Sophie was so much happier and healthier! I could go on and on but suffice it to say that I would highly recommend the Ask Ariel supplements." - Sandy, California
Watch For The Signs Of A Recurring UTI And Take Action Quickly
Many pets suffer from recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can lead to a frustrating cycle of vet visits and antibiotic treatments. Instead of waiting for symptoms to escalate, be vigilant and recognize the early signs that could indicate a UTI is returning. By proactively monitoring your pet’s health, you can take charge and explore effective natural solutions, like colloidal silver and olive leaf extract, to help manage and control infections before they worsen.
Common symptoms of a UTI in dogs and cats may include:
Increased Urination - If your pet suddenly starts needing to urinate more frequently, it may be a warning sign.
Straining To Urinate - Watch for signs of discomfort or difficulty when your pet tries to urinate.
Change In Urine - If your cat or dog has blood in the urine, smelly or cloudy pee, please contact your vet right away.
Excessive Licking - If your pet is excessively licking their genital area, it could be an infection.
Accidents - Sudden accidents in the house or outside the litter box may suggest a urinary issue.
Feebee
"Feebee is a West Highland White Terrier (Westie) and will be celebrating her 15th birthday in May. She’s alert, spunky, energetic, and happy thanks to your wonderful supplements. She’s had recurrent UTIs and has taken Power Probiotic for years. Two years ago one of her bio markers for kidney disease spiked up so we added Renelix and Kidney Health. (After a year on the supplements it actually went down!). She also takes Soothing Digestive Relief and Gastro ULC for acid reflux." - Wendi, Texas
What Causes Dog & Cat Bladder Infections?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) typically occurs when bacteria enter the urethral opening and move up the urinary tract to the bladder. The causes of bladder infections can vary significantly from one pet to another, making it essential to identify the underlying issues. Factors that can contribute to a pet’s susceptibility to UTIs include:
Previous UTIs - A history of infections can increase the likelihood of future occurrences.
Diabetes - Elevated glucose levels can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
Bladder Cancer - Abnormal growths can interfere with normal urinary function and lead to infections.
Bladder or Kidney Stones - These can obstruct the urinary tract, causing irritation and infections.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) - A complex condition that can predispose cats to infections.
Allergies or Yeast - Chronic licking due to allergies can introduce bacteria to the urinary tract.
Interstitial Cystitis - This condition can lead to inflammation and increased susceptibility to infections.
In addition to these factors, diet and gut health play a critical role in your pet's overall urinary tract health. A balanced diet can help maintain proper urinary pH, while a healthy gut microbiome supports the immune system, making your pet less vulnerable to infections. By focusing on dietary adjustments and incorporating natural supplements, you can help bolster your pet’s defenses against UTIs. You can work with your veterinarian to closely monitor your pet's urinary pH using laboratory tests, helping to address issues early before symptoms escalate.
Cali
"My precious labrador retriever Cali had 9 urinary tract infections in a row over a 1 year period. We took her to a veterinary specialist many times and spent a great deal on veterinary tests. No sooner that we stopped the antibiotics, the infection would return. We contacted Ask Ariel and integrated their holistic approach into Cali's veterinary care. We used the Ask Ariel UTI Prevention - Power Probiotic, QUENT and NOT along with the diet tips that Ask Ariel suggested. I am happy to report that a year later, Cali has not had any more infections." - Lally Family
Urinalysis Vs. Urine Culture: Why Identifying The Cause Matters
When your pet shows signs of a urinary tract infection, it's important to properly identify the root cause. While antibiotics are often prescribed based on symptoms, this approach can be short-term, masking the real issue. A urine culture, in addition to a standard urine analysis, helps pinpoint the specific bacteria causing the infection, ensuring a more targeted treatment plan. This step is essential in preventing recurrent UTIs, as certain types of bacteria may be resistant to standard treatments. However, identifying the bacteria is just one part of the puzzle. Factors like diet, immune system health, and the gut microbiome can also influence the recurrence of infections. It’s important to adopt a comprehensive strategy that not only addresses the immediate infection but also strengthens your pet’s overall health to prevent future occurrences.
Urinalysis for Diagnosing UTIs
A urinalysis can provide general information about kidney and bladder health and can detect if your pet has a urinary tract infection. Common signs of a UTI can include frequent urination, increased water consumption and/or blood in the urine. Your vet will check the concentration (specific gravity) and urinary pH (acidic or alkaline) of the urine. A urinalysis can also detect substances such as proteins, sugars, bilirubin, blood and ketones that are not normally present in healthy urine. These can be a sign of health issues such as decreased kidney or liver function, diabetes or other disease. A microscopic evaluation of the sediment from the urine sample can show the presence of bacteria, crystals or stones. A urinalysis is also routinely used to check for a urinary tract infection. The test can indicate an infection, but cannot identify the specific bacterial organism causing the infection.
Urine Culture for Diagnosing UTIs
That’s where the urine culture becomes necessary. When a dog or cat has repeat UTIs, it is important to determine what antibiotic will be effective. A urine culture is done by placing a sample of urine on a special medium and allowing bacteria to grow. After a few days, the type of bacteria can be identified. The lab will then run a sensitivity test to see what antibiotic can be used to resolve the infection.
Oliver
"Oliver was getting one UTI after another it got so bad we had to take him to emergency for urinary blockage. He kept peeing outside his litter box and sometimes we would hear him cry when he would go. My friend used your products and told us about the website. We were very skeptical at first but we are so glad we tried the products. We primarily used the Akutur along with Power Probiotic and NOT Drops. He hasn't had a flareup in over 6 months. Thank you so much for helping our baby feel better!" - Lauren, California
How To Treat Cat & Dog Urinary Infections With A Holistic Approach
Preventing recurring UTIs requires more than just antibiotics. By strengthening your pet’s immune system and maintaining a balanced urinary pH, you can significantly reduce the risk of future infections. Dietary adjustments and natural supplements are key components in this holistic strategy.
1. Dietary Adjustments: Support the Gut and Bladder - A pet’s diet plays a pivotal role in overall urinary health. A species-appropriate diet, free from excess carbohydrates and artificial additives, can help maintain a healthy pH balance in the urinary tract. Pets with recurring UTIs may benefit from low-starch, low-grain diets that promote a balanced gut microbiome. In particular, diets rich in moisture content (wet food or raw food) help ensure that your pet stays hydrated, which is essential for flushing bacteria from the bladder.
Incorporating natural ingredients, such as cranberries or D-mannose, can help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, offering additional protection from infections.
2. Probiotics and Immune Support - A healthy gut is essential to a strong immune system. Probiotics help restore beneficial bacteria in your pet's digestive system, improving overall health and boosting immunity. When your pet’s immune system is functioning optimally, it becomes more resistant to infections, including those affecting the urinary tract.
In addition to probiotics, immune-supporting supplements like olive leaf extract and quercetin can help reduce inflammation and provide your pet with the tools needed to fend off infections before they take hold.
3. Natural Supplements for Long-Term Urinary Health - At Ask Ariel, we offer a selection of natural supplements designed specifically to support urinary health. Ingredients like colloidal silver, olive leaf extract and cranberry extract can help manage infections by acting as natural antibiotics, while also strengthening your pet’s defenses against future infections.
Home Remedies For UTIs In Dogs & Cats
Olive Leaf Extract For Pets - Olive Leaf Extract for Pets contains high-level antimicrobial plant extracts that are scientifically proven to destroy Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus pathogens. This trusted urinary tract infection home remedy has been used since ancient times. Olive Leaf Extract for Pet's active ingredient, oleuropein, can help to reduce inflammation in the bladder and urinary tract. The powerful polyphenols in olive leaf can also help to improve immune function and offer powerful antioxidant protection.
Akutur UTI Support Drops - This product promotes healing of the urinary tract and bladder. It provides pain relief in the urinary tract, reduces inflammation and helps restore balance in the bladder and pelvic floor. Akutur drops help prevent bacteria from hiding within the bladder walls and help to clear out toxins in the urinary tract. It’s especially helpful for pets with a history of urinary plugs, interstitial cystitis and bladder cancer. For best results, combine with Olive Leaf Extract and NOT Drops.
Power Probiotic for Pets - This high-potency, multi-strain probiotic supplement is easy to use and most pets love the taste. When your cat or dog takes antibiotics for a UTI, the friendly bacteria is killed off along with the bad bacteria. Friendly bacteria is necessary for a healthy immune system and to keep the microbiome in balance. Pets that have taken antibiotics for urinary tract infections can develop yeast overgrowth, so supplementing with Power Probiotic can help prevent these infections from recurring. It’s pure and natural with absolutely NO FILLERS!
NOT Drops - A powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-infection homeopathic remedy, these drops help to control harmful bacteria and restore gut flora balance, improving immune function. Fights infections and helps prevent recurring infections. Combines well with Akutur to target the urinary tract and bladder. NOT is our most popular dog and cat UTI remedy because the drops are tasteless.
Bella
"Bella is our fourth and most sensitive golden. She developed chronic bladder infections UTI's and yeast on her skin. We have always fed Bella premium dog food since she was a puppy. After many expensive tests, medications and possible surgery to correct her problems, we found AskAriel. We have had nothing but good results. We used K9 Yeast Defense, Power Probiotic, NOT Drops and UTI prevention supplements. As my husband so simply put it, "She's fixed!!!!!" - Steve & Valarie, California
The Best Diet For Cat and Dog UTI Prevention
Pets with urinary tract problems need a special diet that supports a healthy immune system and reduces inflammation. When you are looking for an effective UTI dog natural treatment, note that dog bladder infection symptoms can improve with diet changes and natural remedies. Feeding a hypoallergenic, low-carbohydrate diet with a novel protein is helpful. Many quality pet foods, even "holistic brands," contain too many starchy carbohydrates that convert to sugar, weakening your pet's immune system. When ordering supplements, please be sure to include the food and treats you are feeding your pet along with any health issues directly on the order form at checkout. We will include FREE diet tips for pets with urinary issues on the packing slip that comes with your order.
Important Note: Pets with a history of bladder stones need careful management, especially if the pet has had calcium stones, stones that grow in an acidic pH or a genetic proclivity to develop stones. Ask Ariel recommends working with your veterinarian for the best diet, as a natural, holistic approach may be contraindicated.
Other Urinary and Bladder Issues Common in Dogs and Cats
When you’re dealing with a UTI, there are other concerns or health issues that can present in your dog or cat where veterinary intervention, recommended diet changes, and preventative pet supplements can help.
Urinary Incontinence In Dogs & Cats
Urinary incontinence is often thought to be part of the aging process. It is true that many older dogs can have the condition, but it can affect dogs of any age. There are certain conditions that can contribute to dogs losing control of their bladder (including kidney disease, endocrine disorders and cognitive dysfunction disorders), but it could also be caused by a low-level infection. Common symptoms of urinary incontinence in pets may include:
- Excessive licking of the genitals
- Yellowish or clear vaginal discharge
- Strong urine smell in pet's sleeping area
Frequent Urinary Tract Infections & Diabetes
Urinary tract infections are common in cats and dogs with diabetes. Diabetes weakens immunity so pets with diabetes are more prone to various infections. However, diabetic pets accumulate excess sugar in the blood which is filtered by the kidneys into the urine. The excess sugar in the urine, attracts bacteria and creates an ideal environment for a urinary tract infection. Concentrated urine contains chemicals that help kill bacteria but pets with diabetes will have more dilute urine due to drinking more frequently. Diabetic pets may not show signs of a UTI the way that a nondiabetic pet would so it's important to have your pet's urine checked regularly. Left untreated, bacteria from the bladder can travel to the kidneys, causing more severe urinary tract problems.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
When the bladder is not able to empty correctly, your cat may be diagnosed with feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which is a term used to describe a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra. The most common conditions include infections, inflammation, idiopathic cystitis, urolithiasis (stones) and urethral obstruction (plugs).
While FLUTD can occur at any age, it is usually seen in middle-aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have little or no outdoor access and tend to eat a dry diet. Factors such as emotional or environmental stress, a multi-cat household and abrupt changes in daily routine may also increase the risk that a cat will develop FLUTD. If you suspect a urinary tract problem, it is important for you to seek veterinary care and find the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will usually conduct a physical exam and order a urinalysis, a urine culture, blood work and possibly X-rays and ultrasounds.
Common symptoms of FLUTD may include:
- Urinating outside the box
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Excessive licking of the genitals
- Visible blood in the litter box
Bladder Stones & Crystals
Bladder stones are the result of minerals accumulating in the bladder. They can lead to urinary tract infections and blockage. When pets have an unresolved urinary tract infection, an X-ray or ultrasound may be used to search for bladder stones. Treatment of bladder stones may involve surgical removal of the stones.
Crystals in normal feline and canine urinary tracts may be harmless because the crystals are typically eliminated before they grow large enough to interfere with urinary function. They form when there is an imbalance in the urinary pH. Different types of crystals form depending upon whether the urine is too acidic or too alkaline. They may cause pain and may indicate a higher risk for bladder and kidney infections. Crystals are diagnosed through urinalysis. Treatment is done with drug therapy and diet changes.
Interstitial Cystitis in Cats and Dogs
Interstitial cystitis in cats and dogs is a condition in which the bladder wall becomes inflamed and may even hemorrhage. No sooner do you finish a round of antibiotics than your pet starts showing the common signs of discomfort, which can include frequent urination, straining to urinate, waking up in the middle of the night to urinate, arching the back, urinating outside the litter box and/or blood in the urine. Some pets may develop urinary incontinence on a regular basis.
With interstitial cystitis, there may be an infection or the start of infection, and sometimes there may be no infection at all. Your pet’s bladder and urinary system may have a great deal of inflammation and quite possibly infection, which can become very hard to treat and very uncomfortable for your pet. Conventional veterinary treatment for interstitial cystitis in cats and dogs involves the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Depending upon other factors that may be involved, your veterinarian may also recommend that your pet be put on a special diet that controls the pH of its urine.
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Urinary Tract Infections Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I give my dog or cat for a urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections in dogs and cats are caused by bacteria in the urinary tract and/or bladder. In most cases, UTIs in pets will require antibiotics to kill off the bacteria. A dog UTI supplement, such as a probiotic, should be used with these medications to keep friendly bacteria in the gut and prevent recurrent infections. Natural supplements can be used to prevent UTIs from becoming a chronic cycle.
What are natural urinary tract infection remedies for cats and dogs?
Natural remedies for UTIs can repair and heal the urinary tract, maintain a balanced pH and prevent bacterial overgrowth in the bladder. Our holistic supplements, such as Pet UTI Prevention, Power Probiotic for Pets and Amazing Omegas have been recommended by veterinarians nationwide since 2005. These natural remedies are commonly used in conjunction with conventional treatments prescribed by your veterinarian.
What is the best home remedy for a UTI in pets?
The best home remedy for UTIs in pets is a premium blend of scientifically proven ingredients shown to support urinary tract health. Our Pet UTI Prevention supplement helps eliminate pathogens from the urinary tract, acidifies the urine, and helps prevent bacteria from clinging to the bladder wall. This blend of cranberry, dandelion, nettle leaf, uva-ursi and d-mannose has been used successfully in veterinary hospitals and is an effective dog bladder infection treatment.
Can cranberry prevent urinary tract infections?
Cranberry extract has been well documented in scientific research as a potential natural urinary tract infection treatment for pets. Cranberry is a natural antiseptic. It helps to reduce the likelihood of infection by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to adhere to the lining of the urinary tract and bladder. Cranberries are also a natural source of Vitamin C, which can acidify the urine and limit bacteria growth. A natural cranberry supplement for dogs and cats can help to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.
What to do for a puppy with a UTI?
A puppy with a UTI can benefit from natural supplements to boost the immune system and help prevent reinfection. A puppy’s immune system does not fully develop until 12–14 months of age, leaving them more susceptible to infections. Puppies need to urinate frequently because their bladder is so small and fills up quickly. When urine sits in the bladder, it can breed bacteria. The symptoms of a UTI in puppies can be difficult to spot, as they are still learning about bladder control and potty training. Puppy UTI home remedies include a powerful yet gentle probiotic along with a UTI prevention supplement that can help to fight off infection in a puppy’s urinary tract.
Originally published Dec 11, 2023
Updated May 22, 2024
Written by: Susan Davis, Pet Health Nutritionist, CCN
All pet treatment protocols and pet treatment supplements have been reviewed and approved by a veterinarian
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