Dog bladder infection (bacterial cystitis) in female dogs is actually quite common with the incidence of recurrence also being a concern.
Additionally, approximately 3% of apparently healthy female dogs have elevated levels of bacteria in their urine, suggesting the presence of an unrecognized bladder or urinary tract infection.
  For canines with a history of recurrent bladder infections the risk is always present that the bacterial will spread upwards into the kidneys.
Once this occurs there is a substantial risk of kidney damage, scarring, and in extreme cases kidney failure, which is often fatal.
  Why consider a dog bladder infection home remedy? Unless the infection is allowed to spread to the kidneys generally bacteria cystitis is not serious and thus treatable at home through natural means.
Nevertheless, it is important that a firm diagnosis (through a urinalysis and/or culture) be made to rule out other potentially more serious conditions that could be lurking under the radar.
  Most veterinarians will be animate about treating your dog's bladder infection with antibiotics so you may need to ask a few questions and make it known that you would like to utilize a more natural approach.
Assure him/her that you will keep a close eye on the situation and if things don't improve you will be more than happy to implement his/her antibiotic treatment plan.
One of the concerns that critics of antibiotic therapy have is that antibiotics actually promote recurrent bladder infection by eliminating the good bacteria responsible for keeping bad bacteria from entering through the urethra.
When this protective shield is stripped away it opens the door for easy access.
Additionally, there is some concern that the misuse of antibiotics can lay the ground work for development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.
  Dog bladder infection home remedies The main focus of dog bladder infection home remedies is to take steps to bolstering your dog's internal defenses.
Let's explore a number of these: * Increase urine flow: Increasing you pets water consumption and making sure they have enough bathroom breaks sometimes is enough to flush the invading bacteria out of the body and give your dogs natural defenses enough of an advantage to overcome the infection.
Caution: Keep a close eye to make sure that the bladder is capable of being emptied.
Sometimes the bladder is stretched or damaged making it difficult for your pet to effectively void.
Bladders that retain urine are a fertile breeding ground for bacteria, making bacterial cystitis much more difficult to cure, and dramatically increasing the risk for repeated infection.
* Give me the juice: Juices, particularly cranberry acidify the urine and contains an antibacterial agent known as hippuric acid.
Recent studies have shown that certain components of cranberry juice reduce the ability of the E.
coli bacteria to attach itself to the lining of the bladder and urethra.
You may have to be a bit creative here.
There is a good chance that your Golden retriever Sadie isn't going to be excited about the prospect of a bowl of delicious cranberry juice.
* Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has worked well for some pet owners and is worth considering.
Simply add about half a teaspoon to your dog's food once per day for three straight days.
  * Homeopathic home remedy containing Uva Ursi: The most effective herbal ingredient in cases involving bacterial bladder infection is uva ursi.
This herb has been used through the centuries and seems to be particularly effective against E.
coli and also has diuretic properties to promote urine flow.
In summary, the above dog bladder infection home remedies (especially home remedies containing uva ursi) can be a very effective way to eliminate the run of the mill bladder infection.
Nevertheless, your dog's condition should be closely monitored and if it worsens veterinary care should be sought immediately.