Urinary health is essential for your dog’s well-being, so you should take the necessary steps to ensure it always functions optimally. You can help prevent urinary tract issues by supporting their diet and monitoring their bladder and urination habits.
Dogs can develop various urinary issues, such as bladder infections and struvite or calcium oxalate stones. If you notice your pup urinating too frequently or in small amounts, it’s time to take them to the vet for an assessment.
When it comes to treating urinary health issues in dogs, there are plenty of treatments that can be provided by your veterinarian. There are also wet foods, such as canned and dry kibble, that can be purchased off the shelf to help keep your pup’s urinary system in top shape.
When selecting dog food, be sure to limit their minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus intake. These minerals can lead to crystal formation in your dog’s bladder or urinary tract, which could result in UTIs, inflammation, and kidney disease if left untreated.
Be wary of ingredients with high salt concentrations. Too much salt can lead to fluid retention and an increased chance of getting a UTI.
Choose a food with high moisture content to support urinary health and ease digestion. Canned or wet food tends to be the best option since it contains more water.
If you can’t afford wet or canned food, try dry kibble that has more moisture. Mixing these types of foods with wet food will increase your pup’s water intake.
Why do dogs experience urinary issues?
UTIs (urinary tract infections) are caused by bacteria entering the urethra, a tube that allows urine to leave your pup’s body. These germs bypass many of their defenses and spread into their bladder, where they can thrive and cause infection.
Urinary leaks, commonly referred to as incontinence, are frequent symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs). They can be caused by various factors such as straining to urinate, frequent urination, blood in the urine, or urinating in inappropriate places like beds or couches. Generally speaking, incontinence is not considered an emergency and can typically be managed with medication, lifestyle modifications, and/or surgery.
How Can I Help My Pet?
If your pup has a urinary issue, make sure they visit the veterinarian promptly. They can diagnose the source of their discomfort and prescribe any necessary treatments or measures.
A urinalysis will be conducted to detect any bacterial growth, crystals, or other debris in your dog’s urine sample. These results can provide a more detailed evaluation of your pup’s urinary health and may necessitate additional tests such as blood work, X-rays, or ultrasounds.
Best dog foods for urinary health
When searching for the ideal dog food to promote urinary health, there are plenty of choices to choose from. Some are intended to prevent issues, and others can help address current ones.
The ideal dog foods for urinary health are those that contain lower levels of minerals like sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These foods help keep uric acid at a healthy level and dilute excess minerals that could cause crystals or stones to form in the bladder.
A nutritious diet for dogs with urinary issues should be low in protein and calcium to prevent the formation of calcium oxalate crystals or stones. Increasing your pup’s water intake can also aid healing from these conditions while helping the body re-alkalize itself naturally.
- NaturVet – Cranberry Relief Plus Echinacea
Your pet needs a healthy urinary tract and strong immune system to stay happy and healthy. NaturVet’s vet-formulated product helps provide both, combining the antioxidant power of cranberry extract with human-grade echinacea for strong immunity support and good overall well-being.
NaturVet’s delicious treats contain cranberry extract and echinacea to strengthen your pet’s immunity and help prevent infection. Plus, these treats are made in the USA with 100% wheat-free ingredients for pups with sensitivities.
These cranberry-based supplements come in powder and chew forms. The powder should be mixed with your pet’s food, while the soft chews can be fed on their own. Each product is veterinary formulated to provide a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, so your furry friend feels great! NaturVet supplements are made in an FDA-registered facility that has undergone auditing for quality assurance purposes; each item carries the NASC Seal for assurance.
NaturVet has been manufacturing veterinarian-formulated supplements for pets to promote their health and wellness for over 25 years. All products are created and produced in the United States at an FDA-audited, cGMP-compliant facility that follows stringent quality controls.
Veterinarian-recommended and suitable for dogs over 6 weeks old, Cranberry Relief Plus Echinacea is an all-natural urinary tract support supplement that promotes optimal bladder function. It contains cranberry and marshmallow root to support bladder health as well as echinacea to boost immunity levels.
Buy:
- Perfect Poop Digestion & General Health Supplement for Dogs
Perfect Poop Digestion & General Health Supplement for Dogs is an excellent option that contains prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to promote bowel regularity. Additionally, it helps reduce bloating and loose stools caused by environmental stressors, diet changes, or other factors.
Perfect Poop Digestion & General Health Supplement For Dogs is an all-natural, user-friendly four-in-one digestion supplement that utilizes premium fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to support your pup’s gut health. It works by naturally restoring your dog’s digestive system to treat problems such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, food intolerance, or gas; reduces bad breath; minimizes stool odor; hardens excrement; helps prevent bowel issues; supports healthy immune systems, etc.
This product’s primary ingredient is Miscanthus grass, providing your pup with natural fiber to support a healthy intestinal tract and excellent poop. Additionally, pumpkin powder and flax seed provide additional dietary fiber.
- Coco and Luna Cranberry For Dogs
Coco and Luna Cranberry for Dogs soft chew supplements made with proanthocyanidins promote urinary health in dogs. Cranberries help maintain normal pH in urine and reduce bacterial adhesion to the bladder while dissolving struvite crystals which may cause discomfort in dogs.
These gluten-free, soy-free, and corn-free supplements are chemical preservative-free and low in sodium, with plenty of antioxidants and fiber for your convenience.
These biscuits are also made with marshmallow root, an excellent source of dietary fiber to promote digestive health and prevent urinary tract infections.
They also balance urinary pH and dissolve struvite crystals for healthy urinary tract health in dogs. Their kibble-free formula contains an exclusive blend of omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and plant nutrients to support healthy skin and coats. Plus, they’ve been infused with coconut and parmesan cheese for added flavor!
These chews are ideal for aging pets who need extra support with vision, immunity, and overall wellness. Not only are they a natural source of vitamin C and lutein – beneficial to eye health – but they’re packed full of phytochemicals that help slow down age-related declines in reference memory and balance.
- Zesty Paws Cranberry for Dogs
If your pup has kidney or bladder issues or just wants to make sure she gets all the nutrition they need, these chewable supplements are essential. They contain a special blend of ingredients designed to support kidney, bladder, and urinary tract health in an enjoyable chewable treat form.
Each delicious soft chew contains 200 mg of cranberry concentrate plus a blend of ingredients designed to promote urinary tract function. The premium Cran-Max(r) concentrate is combined with patented Bio-Shield(r) technology, clinically studied to support urinary tract health and bladder function.
The key ingredient here is cranberry extract, which contains proanthocyanidins and antioxidants to help maintain a normal pH balance in your dog’s urine, dissolve struvite crystals that can restrict flow, and reduce bacteria adhesion. Organic marshmallow root also works to flush out bladder and kidney buildup for healthier urinary tract hygiene and comfort during urination.
- ACANA Free Run Poultry Recipe
Free Run Poultry Recipe is a high-protein, grain-free dry dog food packed with meat. Made with 60%* quality animal ingredients like free-run chicken, turkey, and cage-free eggs – balanced with nutritious fruits, vegetables, and botanicals to provide your pup with a balanced and nourishing diet.
Acana Free Run Poultry Recipe is created in a cutting-edge kitchen in Kentucky using human-grade ingredients sourced from America. It emphasizes WholePrey ™ ratios and limits carbohydrates, replacing fast carbs with nutritious low-glycemic fruits and vegetables that provide more energy.
This highly-rated, grain-free dry dog food is an excellent choice for your pup’s digestive health, as it’s packed with fiber and gluten-free. With such a great formula, your furry friend is sure to feel satisfied!
Ingredients are sourced from a network of reliable farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. Each step in the production process is meticulously inspected and traced to guarantee that the products they supply meet the highest possible quality requirements and standards.
ACANA takes food safety very seriously, employing a state-of-the-art track-and-trace system that goes above and beyond industry regulations to guarantee its products remain fresh and secure. Furthermore, they utilize experienced pet nutritionists who formulate each recipe with precision.
Conclusion
If your dog is suffering from chronic UTIs or bladder stones, a veterinarian may suggest a prescription diet that contains lower amounts of minerals like phosphorus and sodium as well as protein and fat. These supplements also tend to avoid fillers or low-quality ingredients, which could help relieve any existing urinary tract issues.