Cystitis or urinary tract issues

Description:

Urinary tract disease is one of the most common reasons people take their dogs to the vet. Somewhat recently, researchers have started finding that many bladder issues are caused by inflammation, not bacteria, so addressing the inflammation (rather than killing all the bacteria through antibiotic use) is important.

Symptoms:

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Bloody urine (note that 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
• Intense licking before and/or after urinating.

Natural Solutions:

• Make sure your dog is on a balanced, varied, species-appropriate raw food diet.
• Reduce toxins and anything that will destroy the “good” bacteria.
• Consider homeopathic remedies. Nux vomica 30C is a good choice if your 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 30C (either Mercurius vivus or Mercurius solubilis is a good option 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). To give the remedies, crush up 3 pellets and add them to ½ cup purified water. Stir for approximately 30 seconds. Dribble part of the solution in your dog’s mouth, wetting their mucous membranes. It’s often recommended to give 3 doses total, 15 minutes apart. Watch your dog for an hour. If symptoms don’t lessen or cease, repeat the process.
• Use essential oils. Either dilute the oils (equal parts essential oil and fractionated coconut oil or olive oil) and apply a few drops of the solution on the skin over the bladder 3–6 times per day, or dilute 2–4 drops of the oil and use the blend in a warm compress over the bladder 1–2 times each day. Essential oils try include Myrrh, Spikenard, Melaleuca Alternifolia, Juniper, Oregano, Lemon, Mountain Savory, Thyme, Cistus, Rosemary, Clove, Inspiration, Thieves, Melrose, DiGize, R.C., or Purification. Remember, I only use Young Living essential oils for my dogs (and my family).
• If the issue doesn’t clear up, consult a veterinarian.