Best Home Remedies For Dog UTI

Your dog has blood in her urine … but is it possible to manage dog UTI treatment at home? It can be in some cases, but you should make sure you’re using the best home remedies for UTIs.

We’ll share our top home remedies for your dog’s UTI below. But first let’s get clear on what a dog UTI is, and how you can tell if your pup has one.

What Are UTIs In Dogs?

You might think a UTI means your dog has a urinary tract infection … caused by a urinary pathogen or bacterial infection. But your dog’s urinary tract disease might not be what it seems. Bladder issues often stem from inflammation – with no bacteria causing them at all.

In fact, many holistic vets say that UTI stands for urinary tract inflammation (not infection). This kind of UTI can affect female dogs and male dogs alike. So understanding it is important to help you treat bladder problems in your dog.  

Urinary Tract Infections … Or Something Worse? 

Common symptoms for urinary tract infections can overlap with other health issues. So how can you be sure the problem is your dog’s urinary tract, and not something worse?

If your dog is showing signs of a urinary tract infection, it’s a good idea to take a urine sample to your vet for analysis. That’s because urinary tract infections can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition, such as  …

• Bladder stones or urethra stones
• Diabetes
• Kidney stones or other kidney problems
• Tumor

These problems are much less likely … but are easier to treat if you catch them early. 

Home Remedies vs Antibiotics For UTIs In Dogs

There are many natural remedies for UTIs in dogs … so it’s best to avoid antibiotics, even though most vets will prescribe them as the main treatment option to relieve UTI symptoms. 

Before we get into the home remedies for dog UTI symptoms, it’s worth asking why you might want to consider these natural options before immediately turning to antibiotics.

Antibiotics are standard treatment for UTIs. The problem with this is that antibiotics don’t just kill the bacteria causing the UTI … they also destroy the healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut. Remember that many holistic vets say that urinary tract problems in dogs are actually inflammation, not an infection. So using antibiotics will damage your dog’s microbiome … without effectively treating the real cause of your dog’s UTI.

That’s why UTIs become chronic recurrent infections in many dogs. Urinary concentration of antibiotics is also a factor. The drugs are less effective if they don’t achieve high antimicrobial concentrations. In fact, a 2014 review of antibiotics for UTIs at University of Copehagen concluded: “there is little published evidence relating to antibiotic treatment of UTIs in dogs and cats. Well-designed clinical trials focusing on the duration of treatment are warranted to create evidence-based treatment protocols.”

Antibiotic resistance is also a concern. The more your dog takes antibiotics, the less effective they are. So save them for when they’re truly necessary and avoid antimicrobial resistance that’s becoming a problem for all of us!

Home Remedies for UTI In Dogs

It can be easy to manage dog UTI treatment at home. Try these natural remedies but if symptoms persist, then you may want to arrange a visit with your holistic vet.

In addition to managing dog UTIs, these remedies may also help prevent UTIs in the first place.

1. D-Mannose

One of the most common bacteria causing urinary tract infections in dogs is E coli. Studies show that D-mannose stops E coli from attaching to the urinary tract. So D-mannose is a great remedy to use if your dog does have an infection. Studies also show that D-mannose can improve UTI symptoms. It’s been shown to work as well or better than some antibiotics. Flavonoids in cranberry may also activate your dog’s own innate immune system to battle bacterial infections. You can buy supplements with cranberry, which has natural D-mannose, or just a D-mannose supplement. Nancy Scanlan DVM CVA likes to use cranberry along with the amino acid methionine for treating UTIs. The combination is an effective antimicrobial treatment.

2. Cranberry

Cranberries are a well-known natural remedy for UTIs in humans, and they can work for your dog too. You may wonder if you can give cranberry juice …  but most juices have a lot of sugar, so they’re best avoided. But cranberries or supplements with cranberries are one of the best remedies for UTIs.

3. Methionine

Small to medium dogs: 100 mg twice daily. Larger dogs: 200 mg twice daily. Dr Scanlan also recommends testing your dog’s urine with litmus paper strips. Make sure it’s slightly acidic (6 to 6.5). If it’s above this range, increase the methionine to 3 times daily.  Note: Apple cider vinegar will also lower your dog’s urine pH. Add raw, organic apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food or water. Give 1 tsp for small dogs, 2 tsp for medium dogs, and 1 Tbsp for large dogs. 

How To Give Your Dog Cranberry For UTIs

You can buy a cranberry supplement made for dogs and follow the label instructions. If you buy a supplement made for humans … assume the recommended dose is for a 150 lb human and adjust for your dog’s weight. 

How To Give Your Dog D-Mannose For UTIs

Follow the same principles as for cranberries. Adjust human supplements for your dog’s weight as described earlier. Or follow the label dosing if it’s a pet product. You can safely give 1g of D-mannose per 20 lbs bodyweight. Mix D-mannose with food or add it to your dog’s water.

How To Give Cranberry Plus D-Mannose Supplements

Again, adjust the human dose for your dog’s weight. Or follow the dosing instructions on the label if you buy a pet product. 

4. Couch Grass

Couch grass is a common weed in North America and is sometimes called quack grass. According to Herbs for Pets by Gregory L Tilford and Mary L Wulff … it’s a go-to for urinary tract problems.

Couch grass is an anti-inflammatory, mild antimicrobial and pain soother. It’s also a diuretic, which means it can help encourage waste elimination.

How To Give Your Dog Couch Grass For UTIs

Simmer a heaping teaspoon of the chopped dried root in 8 oz of water for 20 minutes. Cool and strain the liquid. Use a dropper or teaspoon to place in your dog’s mouth (1/2 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight twice daily). You can also add it to your dog’s water.

5. Parsley Leaf

Parsley leaf is another diuretic that can help with UTIs. This is because of its antiseptic properties … plus it’s easy to give your dog.

How To Give Your Dog Parsley For UTIs

Tilford and Wulff recommend you juice parsley leaf in a vegetable juicer. Feed the juice at 1 teaspoon per 20 lbs body weight. It’s best to give it by mouth and on an empty stomach. You can add it to your dog’s water if she won’t let you give it by mouth.

6. Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow is one of the most versatile herbs for dogs. It’s a demulcent that soothes and protects irritated and inflamed tissue, so it’s an ideal remedy for urinary tract infections in dogs. It helps reduce inflammation and creates a barrier between the lining of the urinary tract and harmful bacteria.

How To Give Your Dog Marshmallow For UTIs

Sprinkle marshmallow root powder on your dog’s food, giving ½ tsp for each lb of food

7. Horsetail

Horsetail is antimicrobial, so it can help fight off infection. It’s also helpful if your dog has a urinary tract infection with minor bleeding. Horsetail is best used with a soothing herb like marshmallow root

How To Give Your Dog Horsetail For UTIs

Tilford and Wulff recommend a decoction. Add a large handful of dried herb, ½ tsp of sugar, and water to just cover the herb into a pot. Simmer on low heat until the water is dark green (about 20 minutes). Cool and strain the liquid. Add 1 tbsp for every 20 lbs of body weight to your dog’s food. Caution: Don’t use horsetail long-term as it may cause irritation. 

Overall, you have great natural remedies for dog UTIs. Be confident you can help your dog naturally at home if she develops any dog UTI symptoms.

FAQ

How can I treat my dog’s UTI at home?

You can manage your dog’s UTI at home using natural remedies such as D-Mannose to prevent E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract, cranberry supplements to support urinary health, and couch grass as a diuretic and antimicrobial agent. However, persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a vet.

Can a dog get over a UTI without antibiotics?

While some mild urinary tract inflammations can resolve with home remedies like increased water intake, D-Mannose, or cranberry supplements, severe infections may still require antibiotics to fully eradicate bacteria. Consult your holistic vet to determine the best course of action.

Will a dog UTI heal on its own?

Some urinary issues, particularly those driven by inflammation rather than infection, can improve with home care and natural treatments. However, actual infections typically require medical intervention to prevent complications like kidney damage. Waiting too long can worsen UTI symptoms.

What foods are good for dogs with UTI?

Foods that can aid in the management of UTIs in dogs include those that promote a healthy pH balance in the urine, such as parsley leaf juice for its diuretic and antiseptic properties, and marshmallow root which soothes the urinary tract. Consider adding these to your dog’s diet. Additionally, providing plenty of fresh water can help flush out bacteria.