Can Diet Prevent or Treat Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs? – Clinical Nutrition Service at Cummings School

Coping with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in our canines could be a actual headache. However worry not, we’re right here to shed some mild on this problem and talk about whether or not food regimen performs a task in stopping or treating UTIs.

First, let’s perceive what UTIs are:

These pesky infections occur when micro organism discover their manner into the urinary tract and begin multiplying. That is extra widespread in feminine canines and chances are you’ll discover extra frequent journeys to the toilet or a change in shade and scent in your canine’s urine. UTIs can result in discomfort and even well being issues.  Canine with recurrent UTIs would possibly expertise a number of episodes and sometimes want ongoing care and a spotlight. The causes can fluctuate, from anatomical points to elevated danger from different illnesses like diabetes or perhaps a earlier an infection that we thought had cleared however truly wanted longer remedy or a distinct kind of antibiotic.

Does food regimen have a task in UTI prevention or remedy?

Sadly, there’s no proof that food regimen can cut back the chance of UTIs. There are some specifically formulated veterinary therapeutic diets for urinary situations, however these are designed to dissolve or cut back danger of particular urinary stones. Although some urinary stones may be attributable to UTIs or can improve the chance of growth of UTIs, even these specifically formulated diets can’t assist until the UTI is medically handled (extra info in one among our earlier blogs here). For canines with UTIs that don’t have any stones, an everyday upkeep food regimen ought to suffice. For canines with a historical past of stones, your veterinarian could suggest a particular therapeutic food regimen to assist dissolve the stone(s) or cut back the chance of recurrence after surgical elimination.

What about dietary dietary supplements?

In the case of dietary supplements, we’re further cautious about making suggestions. In any case, they don’t have to offer proof of advantages or endure security testing (you’ll find extra about this in our supplement post) earlier than being offered to pet homeowners. The dietary complement trade for individuals and pets is the regulatory equal of the wild, wild west.

That stated, one space of analysis which may be promising is cranberry extract for UTIs in canines. Cranberry extract incorporates compounds known as proanthocyanidins, and a few proof means that they may also help cut back the chance of UTIs in canines by interacting with the micro organism E. coli, a typical wrongdoer behind UTIs. These compounds are thought to successfully block the “arms” of the E. coli micro organism, stopping them from sticking to the bladder wall. Consequently, infections grow to be much less probably or much less frequent, however there’s a catch…whereas cranberry extract would possibly work wonders for some canines, it’s not a assured repair for everybody. (Of be aware, this has not been examined in cats and wouldn’t assist a canine with a UTI attributable to a micro organism apart from E. coli).  Each pet is exclusive, and what works for one won’t work for an additional. That’s why it’s important to speak along with your veterinarian to know whether or not this can be useful to your canine, and if that’s the case, which manufacturers have undergone vital testing and high quality management.

Every other food regimen suggestions for decreasing danger?

Hydration is the important thing to sustaining a wholesome urinary system, so a primary step is ensuring your canine at all times has entry to contemporary clear water. For canines that don’t appear to drink sufficient water on their very own, you may encourage them to drink extra by including water to their dry meals or contemplating canned meals.

Total, the important thing to your canine’s urinary well being lies in immediate prognosis, correct remedy, and addressing any contributing components. Don’t hesitate to speak along with your veterinarian about creating a customized monitoring and prevention plan to maintain your canine’s bladder comfortable and infection-free!

Written along with veterinary pupil, Thomas Wolf.

Deborah E. Linder, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition)

Dr. Deborah Linder, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, is the pinnacle of the Tufts Weight problems Clinic for Animals and has had articles seem in Consuming Effectively, the Boston Globe, AARP, SHAPE, and XM Sirius Radio Physician Channel. She has spoken at nationwide and worldwide conferences and a Capitol Hill briefing, and is an skilled in pet weight problems, vitamin communication, and within the human-animal bond.