Urinary tract infections (UTI) in pets, like humans, are not uncommon, but
they are uncomfortable. A UTI occurs when bacteria makes it way into the bladder
or urethra, causing symptoms like painful urination. If a urinary tract
infection is not caught early, it can spread to the kidneys and lead to
dangerous complications for your pet.
Holistic and non-Holistic
veterinarians will both treat a UTI with antibiotics, but holistic vets take it
a step further. They use various natural remedies to not only cure the
infection, but to strengthen the immune system and correct any bacterial
imbalances to prevent further sickness or reoccurring urinary tract infections.
Knowing the warning signs of a potential UTI will help you to get your dog
or cat medical care right away! So what are the signs to look for?
1.
Blood in urine 2. Dog or cat may cry or strain during urination 3. Urine
has a abnormal odor 4. Your dog expresses the need to go outside to do his
business, but has frequent accidents inside
How can you help your pet?
You can safely, naturally and effectively treat both the causes and symptoms
of a UTI or bladder infection with
UTI-Free, an herbal and homeopathic remedy.
UTI-Free keeps your pet free of urinary tract infections without the use of
antibiotics.
You can also reduce irritation in your pet with herbs and
herbal tinctures like Goldenrod Horsetail Compound to sooth a disturbed urinary
system. Dogs less than 15lbs should have ½ dropper-full of the tincture twice a
day until they are well. Bigger dogs can have 1-2 droppers-full per day. Simply
mix the tincture into their food.
Alcohol tinctures are not recommended
for cats, so herbal tea is the best choice for our feline friends. Look for
herbal combinations that include goldenrod, parsley, marsh mallow root,
horsetail and elderberry (Urinary Tea Blend). One teaspoon of cooled tea three
times a day is sufficient for cats.
Cantharis works to relieve pain in
your pet and will ease discomfort when urinating. Two or three 30C pellets at
the first sight of infection and repetition of the treatment once every hour for
three hours. Your pet does not need to swallow the pellets, just put it in
his/her mouth so it can be absorbed. If no change within 12 hours, call your
vet.
Humans often use cranberry to treat UTIs, and it works well for
pets, too. Cranberry stops bacteria and it acidifies urine, which stops bacteria
from thriving. Giving your pet one capsule of Cranberry for every 20 pounds they
way works well, as does Uva Ursi.
Another way to treat and prevent
urinary tract infections is to boost your pet’s immune system with
Transfer
Factor XF, Cordyvant and ThymuPro. This blend of proprietary ingredients is a
powerful supplement that activates and enhances the immune system’s ability to
react to pathogens.
Vitamin C is a natural anti-inflammatory that is good
for the bladder. Pets under 15 lbs should be given 250mg Vitamin C 2x a day.
Pets 15-50 pounds should have 50mg twice a day, and bigger dogs may have up to
1000mg twice a day. Vitamin C may cause diarrhea in your pet, so use a buffered
form like Ester C.
While antibiotics kill infection, they also kill
beneficial bacteria. Giving your pet a probiotic that contains
Lactobacillus
Bifidus will help to restore the natural balance of bacteria. Pets under 20
pounds can have 1/8 tsp. twice a day. Larger pets may have ¼ tsp. twice a day.
Yogurt works well, too.
Switching to a natural food like
Life’s Abundance
and ridding your pet of chemical-filled commercial pet food will help to make
them healthier overall as natural pet food does not contain additives and
preservatives. Making sure that your pet always has clean filtered/spring water
is important as chlorine is not good for your pet and may turn them off to
water. If your pet struggles with drinking a lot of water, moisten their food
with water or chicken broth.
If your dog or cat is recovering from a
UTI, make sure that they get plenty of pee breaks! You should encourage them to
urinate as much as possible to avoid build-up in the bladder. Be sure they
always have access to a clean litter box or are able to go outside.
Females that are spayed early on can develop loose tissue where urine can build
up around the urethra. In female cats, the urethra is short and bacteria can
quickly go to the bladder. By wiping your cat’s bottom with a baby wipe or wet
paper towel after urination, you can remove some bacteria before it moves
upstream.
When to call your Vet
Urinary tract infections typically
clear up quickly with antibiotics, but they can get worse very quickly. If
you’ve tried some of the remedies above, and a day or two later your pet is
still sick, make an appointment with your vet right away. Pets can develop a
stone that stops them from urinating, and it requires emergency treatment. This
type of urethra blockage is not uncommon in male cats.
My name is Bree Weasner, and I’ve been bringing pet owners like you
valuable information on pet nutrition and natural holistic alternatives to
conventional pet care since 2001.