9 Easy Home Remedies for Dog UTIs

By :Becki Baumgartner, Certified Master Herbalist 0 comments

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are uncomfortable, and often very painful for dogs.

They feel like they can't empty their bladder, experience burning on urination, and often have pain in the lower abdomen - just like people do when they have a UTI.

Dog UTI Symptoms

Dogs with UTIs exhibit various signs and symptoms.

While the signs are not definitive proof of a UTI and can overlap with other health conditions, they serve as indicators to prompt further investigation and veterinary care.

The Most Common Symptoms

Below are some common signs displayed by dog with UTIs:

Frequent urination: Dogs with UTIs may need to urinate more frequently than usual. They may request to go outside more often or have accidents in the house.
Straining or difficulty urinating: Your dog may show signs of discomfort, straining, or having difficulty while urinating. They may squat for an extended period, produce only small amounts of urine, or exhibit signs of pain during urination.
Blood in urine: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can occur with UTIs. The urine may appear pink, red, or cloudy.
Strong odor: An unusually strong or foul odor in the urine can be a sign of a UTI. If you notice an abnormally pungent or unpleasant smell, it could indicate an infection.
Urinary accidents: Dogs with UTIs may have accidents in the house, even if they are usually well-house trained. They may struggle to hold their urine due to the discomfort caused by the infection.
Excessive licking of genital area: Dogs with UTIs may excessively lick their genital area as they experience discomfort or irritation.
Changes in behavior or appetite: Some dogs with UTIs may show general signs of illness, such as lethargy, decreased appetite, or changes in behavior. However, these signs can be non-specific and can also indicate other health issues.

Things to Keep in Mind

It's important to remember signs can vary in severity and may not be present in every dog with a UTI.

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that UTI symptoms and kidney/bladder stone symptoms are very similar.

If your dog displays the above symptoms or any other concerns, it's crucial to consult with your veterinarian.

Your vet will perform a thorough examination, conduct appropriate diagnostic tests, and also provide the necessary treatment to address the problem quickly and effectively. And, most importantly, your vet can make your dog more comfortable.

Once you have everything under control, home remedies are an excellent choice for keeping your dog healthy and UTI-free.

Home Remedies for Dog UTIs

The following home remedies for dog UTIs are quick and easy to implement at home.

Small changes, practiced every day, can yield tremendous results!

However, it's always essential to consult with your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet or supplement regimen.

1. Increase Water Intake

Encouraging your dog to drink more water helps by flushing bacteria out of the urinary tract before they have time to adhere and multiply.

The more water that goes in, the more the bacteria gets flushed out.

Offer fresh, clean water at all times. Consider adding some low-sodium chicken or beef broth to make the water more appealing.

2. Increase Bathroom Breaks

Encourage your dog to urinate more frequently by taking them out for bathroom breaks more often.

Urinating more often flushes bacteria out of the urinary tract and reduces discomfort.

Also, excessive holding of urine can worsen UTI symptoms, so ensure your dog has frequent opportunities to go potty.

3. Feed Wet Food

Switching from kibble to a wet diet greatly affects overall hydration.

Because kibble is condensed, dry, and hard, it draws moisture from your pet's body during digestion.

Switching to wet food is easier to digest and doesn't dehydrate your pet.

Our founding veterinarians also recommend feeding an energetic-appropriate diet and even created slow-cooker recipes you can make at home.

If you prefer not to switch from kibble to wet food, try crushing the kibble up and adding warm water or low-sodium broth to it before serving.

Your dog will lap up the liquid, offsetting the dryness of the kibble.

4. Maintain Hygiene

Keeping the genital area clean is vital for dogs with UTIs.

Wipe your dog's genital area with a gentle, pet-safe wipe after they urinate to help reduce the chances of bacterial growth.

Long-haired dogs may need a trim around the genital area to keep it clean and dry.

5. Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Dog's Food

Our founding vet, Dr. Marc Smith, recommends apple cider vinegar as a urinary system tonic.

In his opinion, it helps clear urinary tract infections, prevents the formation of kidney and bladder stones, and maintains adequate ph.

His recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon per 15 lbs of body weight per day mixed in food.

6. Add Cranberries to Your Dog's Diet

Cranberry is beneficial for urinary tract health in both humans and dogs.

In her book Natural Dog: A Holistic Guide for Healthier Dogs, Dr. Deva Khalsa explains how cranberries contain a polysaccharide called mannose, which decreases the ability of bacteria to adhere to the cells lining the urinary tract. Instead, the bacteria adhere to the mannose in the cranberry and are flushed out with the urine.

The book Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: Principles and Practice also recommends supplementing with cranberry when treating UTIs.

Our store carries an excellent product, PET | TAO Soothe Bladder, which is high in cranberry and synergistic herbs for the urinary system.

7. Supplement with Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes

Probiotics promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary tract and also support the immune system.

How Probiotics Help

Probiotics occupy the space and resources harmful bacteria need to thrive.

By doing so, they can compete with and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria that can cause UTIs.

Probiotics also strengthen the mucosal lining of the bladder, which acts as a protective barrier against bacteria.

Consequently, a healthier and more resilient bladder lining helps prevent bacterial adherence and invasion, reducing the risk of UTIs.

Our store's founding veterinarians (who also founded PET | TAO!) created PET | TAO Harmonize GI. Harmonize GI is a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.

The prebiotics feed the healthy bacteria, therefore helping the probiotics in the supplement reproduce and ward off unhealthy bacteria.

How Digestive Enzymes Help

Digestive enzymes also help by breaking down food and enhance nutrient absorption.

While they primarily aid in digestion, digestive enzymes indirectly support urinary tract health.

By improving digestion and nutrient absorption, digestive enzymes also enhance the overall immune system function, which is crucial in fighting off infections, including UTIs.

8. Supplement with Vitamin C

Vitamin C increases the acidity of urine when metabolized by the body.

The increased acidity creates an environment that inhibits the growth and proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract.

Bacteria typically prefer a more alkaline environment, so increasing the acidity makes it less favorable for them to thrive.

In addition, Vitamin C is an antioxidant and supports the immune system's function. Having a healthy immune system helps fight off infections, including UTIs.

Our founding vets recommend sodium ascorbate, a flavorless powdered form of Vitamin C you can easily mix into your dog's food.

The recommended dosage is 1/8 tsp per 10 pounds of body weight mixed in food twice daily.

9. Herbal Remedies

Several herbs have antimicrobial or soothing properties to relieve UTI symptoms.

Examples include uva ursi, marshmallow root, and juniper berry.

Uva ursi demonstrates antimicrobial activity against UTI-causing organisms.

Marshmallow root soothes and protects the urinary tract, and is also an immunostimulant.

Juniper berry has antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiotic properties. It's also a diuretic and helps flush out infections.

PET | TAO Soothe Bladder combines these three herbs with the benefits of cranberry in a single supplement. As mentioned earlier, cranberry is a top natural remedy for UTIs because it's high in mannose, which keeps bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.

If you'd like to learn about more dog urinary tract infections options, please see our article TCVM Vets Recommend Natural Remedies for UTI in Dogs.

And remember, please consult with your veterinarian before starting any new food or supplement.

Need Extra Help Managing Your Dog's UTIs?

If you ever feel like you need extra help in managing your dog's urinary health challenges naturally or with TCVM herbal blends, we can help.

TCVM Pet Supply co-founders Dr. Marc Smith and Dr. Casey Damron offer TCVM telemedicine consultations.

If you get a TCVM telemedicine consultation ($125), you'll get personalized TCVM recommendations specific to your dog, including:

TCVM Evaluation
Food Therapy Recommendations
TCVM Herb Recommendations & Veterinary Authorization
Supplement Recommendations
Alternative Medicine Recommendations

If you reside in the Middle Tennessee area or would like to commute, you may choose an in-clinic appointment instead.

You can learn more about each vet and contact the clinic you prefer to set up your consult:

We hope this information helps you and wish you the best in helping your dog feel better.

If you have any other questions or if we can help you in any way, just let us know!

Sources:

Khalsa, D. (2009). Dr. Khalsa's Natural Dog: A Holistic Guide for Healthier Dogs.
Baumgartner. B. (2022, November 28). Vinegar Dog Treatments | Nashville & Franklin TN Holistic Vet. Marc Smith DVM. https://franklintnvet.com/vinegar-dog-treatments/
Schoen, A. M., & Wynn, S. G. (1998). Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: Principles and Practice.
Lehman, A. (2023, March 10). 5 Ways Uva Ursi Soothes Dog Bladders. PET | TAO Holistic Pet Products. https://pettao.com/5-ways-uva-ursi-soothes-dog-bladders/
Lehman, A. (2022, November 30). Use Marshmallow Root to Improve Dog Bladder Health. PET | TAO Holistic Pet Products. https://pettao.com/use-marshmallow-root-improve-pet-bladder-health/
Lehman, A. (2023b, March 10). What to Know About Juniper Berry for Pet Bladder Health. PET | TAO Holistic Pet Products. https://pettao.com/know-juniper-berry-pet-bladder-health/