Archive for the 'cystitis' Category

Five Reasons for Frequent Urination in Dogs

Thursday, February 25th, 2010


Are you sick and tired of having to drop everything to let your dog outside every five minutes?  There can be several reasons for a dog urinating frequently.

Canine Urinary Tract Infections

Canine cystitis is the most common cause of frequent urination in dogs, especially in females.  Your dog’s bladder becomes inflamed from the infection, which causes her to need to empty her bladder often. 

The problem is that the urethra in female dogs is much shorter and broader than it is in male dogs, which makes it easier for bacteria to get in and make their way to your dog’s bladder.

Younger pups, about a year old, are also more susceptible to bladder infections in dogs, simply because their immune systems haven’t been challenged much yet.  Older dogs usually build up some immunity to this problem.

Bladder Stones In Dogs

Canine bladder stones form when high mineral levels in the urine crystallize and form stones.  These stones can range from pea gravel size down to the size of a grain of sand.  These stones irritate your dog’s bladder, which can lead to urinary problems in dogs.

Hormonal Imbalance In Older Female Dogs

If your dog is older, your vet may suspect a hormonal imbalance, which affects how your dog’s kidneys function.  Her kidneys aren’t able to concentrate urine properly, which would cause her to have to urinate more often.  This is a serious health issue, and your dog can become dehydrated if this isn’t treated.

Canine Diabetes

Diabetes is on the rise, and unfortunately, dogs are no exception.  A dog with diabetes will have high levels of sugar in her blood.  In an effort to get rid of the extra sugar, a dog will instinctively drink more water.  Of course, this leads to your dog urinating frequently.

Canine diabetes is a serious disease, so if you suspect your dog has it, don’t delay treatment.

Cushing’s Disease In Dogs

Since older dogs are more prone to this condition, owners often think their dog’s symptoms are just due to old age.  Along with hair loss and weight gain, you’ll notice your canine friend drinking more water, which leads to frequent urination in dogs.  This condition is treatable, so don’t give up hope if your dog develops it.

How Your Vet Diagnoses Urinary Problems In Dogs

You’ll be asked to bring a urine sample from your dog so your vet can run tests on it.  The easiest way to do this is to hold an old soup ladle under her as she urinates.  Don’t let the sample sit for more than a couple of hours, or the test results may not be accurate. 

Your vet will want to examine your dog and may want to take some x-rays too, in order to diagnose the reason for your dog urinating frequently.

Natural Remedies For Pets Can Prevent Urinary Problems In Dogs

Can homeopathic and herbal remedies for pets prevent and treat bladder problems in dogs?  The answer is yes.  You’ll need to find a remedy that’s safe and gentle enough to give to your dog every day.  It’s also essential that you purchase the remedy from a company known for producing only the highest quality natural products for pets. 

Do your dog a favor and learn more about how natural remedies for pets can prevent the stress and pain of canine bladder infections.  Your dog will be glad you did.

Darlene Norris
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/five-reasons-for-frequent-urination-in-dogs-711186.html

Do You Know About Natural Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs?

Thursday, February 18th, 2010


It seems like every time you turn around, you hear something about natural remedies.  More and more people are concerned about what kind of medicines they’re taking.  Interest in herbal and homeopathic treatments is higher than ever. 

So it’s only natural that dog owners would be wondering about natural remedies for urinary tract infections in dogs.  In this article, we’ll take a look at some traditional treatments for bladder and urinary problems, and then see what kind of natural treatment for cystitis in dogs is available.

Two Well-Known Herbal Treatments For UTIs

Barberry, also known as Oregon grape holly, has been used for centuries in Europe, China, and North America to treat all kinds of urinary tract disorders.  This herb contains berberine, which is not only an anti-inflammatory, but also kills staph and strep bacteria.  With these properties, barberry is extremely useful in treating these infections.

Uva ursi has a long history in the traditional folk medicine of Europe for treating bladder problems.  This herb is a strong diuretic that also tones the urinary system.  Like barberry, it has an antiseptic effect on the bladder, plus it soothes inflamed tissues.

Homeopathic Remedies For Bladder Infections

Homeopathic remedies not only relieve the pain and urgency of a bladder infection, but they help the body to heal itself.  Two remedies especially recommended for cystitis are Cantharis and Staphysagria.

Cantharis helps to relieve the burning and urgency a person experiences with a bladder infection.  It also helps to get rid of the feeling that the bladder is still full, even after it’s just been emptied.

Staphysagria is useful for the burning pain as well.  It also promotes healing in cases when a catheter has been used.

Are These Remedies Available As A Natural Treatment For Dogs?

Cystitis in dogs is about as common as cystitis in people is.  The question is, are natural remedies for urinary tract infections in dogs as common as they are for people?

Yes, they are.  But there are some things you should be aware of.  If you use one of these remedies, and it doesn’t help within 24 to 36 hours, take your dog to the vet.  Some UTIs can turn into kidney infections very quickly, so if you don’t see improvement with a day or two, don’t wait.

It’s OK to use a natural treatment for dogs right along with the antibiotic.  In fact, these therapies work well together.  The antibiotic kills the bacteria causing the infection, while the natural treatments support bladder health without interfering with how the antibiotic works.

Do I Need To Give My Dog Four Different Treatments?

The good news is that these four safe, effective treatments have been combined into one easy-to-use product.  Just sprinkle the granules on the back of your dog’s tongue and let them dissolve.  No more fighting to get a pill or bad-tasting medicine down your dog’s throat!

Be sure to buy your remedy from a company with a great reputation for producing only the highest-quality products for pets.  It’s important to use a product that has been formulated especially for companion animals, not for people. 

Do your homework and check for testimonials from other pet owners who have used the product and are happy with it.

Now that you know how well these natural remedies for urinary tract infections in dogs work, you’ll want to try them the next time cystitis in dogs strikes your best friend.

Darlene Norris
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/do-you-know-about-natural-remedies-for-urinary-tract-infections-in-dogs-715934.html

How long does it take for interstitial cystitis to go away?

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010


I’ve been taking Elmiron for 6 months now and the inflammation is still bothering me, in another 6 months i’m going to come off the medication, when should the medication start taking full effect?

I understand that when the drug works most feel start feeling better by 3 months and it should have full effect at 6 months. Talk with your doctor–maybe it’s time to try another medication.

IC ruined my life for about 2 years. I tried everything. Prozac finally worked for me. Best of luck.