Effective Natural Solutions For Your Dog’s UTI

Did you know that in 2018, urinary tract disease was the #9 on the list of the top 10 reasons people took their dogs to the vet? Luckily, if this is something your dog is struggling with, there are effective, natural ways to address it.

If you’ve ever had urinary tract problems (if you have, I’m sorry—they’re the worst!), you’ll probably be familiar with some of the signs:

• Frequent urge to urinate
• The urine may or may not have blood in it. If it does, it can be obvious (blood clots) or barely noticeable (just a trace amount at the very end)
• General restlessness
• Immediately after urinating, your dog may squat and/or strain to go again
• Waking up multiple times in the night to try and go to the bathroom

Your dog may also lick herself (often intensely) before and/or after urinating.

Antibiotics Are (Probably) Not the Answer

Something to keep in mind is many bladder issues are rooted in inflammation, not bacteria, so antibiotics don’t do anything for them (plus, giving antibiotics can set your dog up for recurring issues down the road).

Since antibiotics aren’t the way to go, is there anything you can do to get your dog back on track in a safe, natural way if they’re suffering from a UTI? The short answer is yes. There are safe, powerful, natural solutions for your dog’s UTI. Let’s talk about a few of them.

Diet Matters

Like with every other issue, the first and most common solution is to make sure they’re on a raw diet. That will help reduce inflammation. Also, reduce or eliminate anything that will destroy “good” bacteria: keeping a strong population of good bacteria can help keep your dog’s body in balance and working properly.

Homeopathic Remedies Can Help

Along with diet, homeopathy will also help.

• Nux vomica: Particularly if the dog was given an OTC flea/tick preventive or a heartworm pill shortly before presenting with UTI symptoms. It’s also a good choice if your dog strains when urinating or is constipated.
• Mercurius (either Mercurius vivus or Mercurius solubilis): Particularly if your dog has blood in the urine, is urinating frequently at night, is especially restless at night, and/or is straining (either for peeing or diarrhea).

Giving the remedies:

You can use the pellet form of the homeopathic remedy (the 30C potency is a good option). As Dana Scott from Dogs Naturally magazine describes, a good way to prepare the remedies is the following:

1. Take 3 pellets (it doesn’t matter what size your dog is) and crush them to powder.
2. Add the crushed pellets to ½ cup of purified water.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds.
4. Dribble a bit of your pellet/water solution into your dog’s mouth. Your goal is to wet the mucous membranes.
5. If the symptoms are severe, give 3 doses total, 15 minutes apart. If the symptoms are milder, give 3 doses total, 30–60 minutes apart.
6. Watch your dog for an hour or so. You’re looking for a lessening or cessation of the symptoms.
7. Store the remaining mixture covered at room temperature. If you notice your dog’s symptoms return, repeat the process (if the issue doesn’t clear up, talk to a holistic veterinarian or a homeopath).

Essential Oils to the Rescue

Essential oils are also great natural solutions for your dog’s UTI.

If you decide to use essential oils, you can apply them a few different ways. Dilute the oils (equal parts essential oil and olive oil or fractionated coconut oil), then apply a few drops on the skin covering the bladder 3–6 times per day, or dilute 2–4 drops of the essential oil and use the blend in a warm compress over the affected area 1 or 2 times daily.

Some essential oils to try include Myrrh,  Tea Tree, Juniper, Oregano, Lemon, Mountain Savory, Thyme, Cistus, Rosemary, Clove, Thieves,  Melrose, or Purification. Remember, I prefer Young Living essential oils when possible for my dogs (and my family).

 

 

Here is a round-up of products mentioned in the article for your shopping convenience!

• Nux vomica 30C
• Mercurius vivus 30C
• Olive oil
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Myrrh essential oil
• Tea tree essential oil
• Juniper essential oil
• Oregano essential oil
• Lemon essential oil
• Mountain savory essential oil
• Thyme essential oil
• Cistus essential oil
• Rosemary essential oil
• Clove essential oil
• Thieves essential oil
• Melrose essential oil
• Purification essential oil