Have you ever wondered if natural remedies actually work for dog bladder infections? Chances are, for every infection your canine companion gets, you were prescribed with antibiotics.
This is especially true in the case of non-holistic vets.
From the term itself, holistic veterinarians view each case holistically and as such, take into consideration every factor that can affect your dog's health: genetics, breed predisposition, age, diet, environmental factors, physiological and anatomical disorders and many more.
Above all, holistic vets prefer to cure with natural remedies rather than synthetic drugs - which is much preferable not only because it is less expensive, but because it is a lot safer for your dog's renal health and immune system.
The truth is, there is very little that natural methods and treatments can not soothe.
Be it mere bladder irritation or a chronic dog bladder infection, the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies encompasses supplemental uses.
Natural or homeopathic treatment is a three-pronged approach.
Each sign and symptom brought about by UTIs has a corresponding herbal treatment that you can make within the comfort of your home:

1. Killing Off BacteriaThe primary objective of UTI treatment is to first eliminate the organisms causing the infection.
   The presence of these bacterial organisms trigger the bothersome signs and symptoms of the diseases, thus it is only imperative that this problem be addressed first.
   Herbs such as Oregon grape and Echinacea have potent antibiotic properties.
   Plants from the berberine family such as goldenseal root and Berberis are also very effective.
   
2. Encourage UrinationIn dog bladder infections, urine flow is often impeded due to inflammation or irritation of the bladder wall.
   To stimulate normal urinary function, natural diuretics are used.
   Some of these plants do not just act to promote urination, but also to disinfectant the urinary tract.
   Examples are dandelion root and parsley, as well as nettle which also helps alleviate pain that is associated with voiding.
   
3. To Protect The Bladder And Relieve The Bladder Of DiscomfortMarshmallow root contains an adhesive substance which safely coats the bladder mucosa, thereby alleviating irritation that accompanies UTIs.
   Further, it acts as a disinfecting agent and an immune booster.
   

For dogs who have predisposing factors like endocrine disorders and suffer from recurrent UTIs, natural supplements are an excellent long-term addition to their daily diet.
These strengthen kidney health, maintain urinary balance, and ward off opportunistic bacteria that cause dog bladder infections.

• Vitamin CVitamin C is a natural and potent urine acidifier that helps balance out alkaline urine, which bacteria loves to thrive on.
  It also helps ease inflammation and coat the bladder wall.
  Be careful in administering Vitamin C though to dogs who have a history of crystals or stones as it can encourage stone formation.
  
• CranberryCranberry is probably the most popular natural remedy for dog bladder infection, and is given as pure juice, in capsule form or pellets.
  Cranberry helps repel bacteria, keeping them away from the bladder lining.
  It also acts as a urine acidifier.
  

A healthy and UTI-free life is not impossible when raising a canine.
Combined with a diet of high-quality canned food, abundant fresh water access and exercise, natural remedies can keep dog bladder infections at bay for good.