What can I do to prevent my puppy's recurrent UTIs naturally?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | 10 months and 27 days old | 48 lbs
My 11 month old puppy was getting frequent uti"s. Since her last treatment a couple of months ago she hasn't had one. Is there something I can do to help prevent them from coming back? She had been taking heart worm medicine, and flea and tick tablets monthly. It seemed like she would develope a uti soon after taking these two medicines so I didn't give them to her after her last uti treatment. Is it a coincidence that she hasn't developed a uti? I'd rather treat her holistically if possible.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 27th, 2018
In dogs, recurrent urinary tract infections are often caused by persistent bacterial infections that can alter the pH of the urine. Sometimes the result of this can be the formation of urinary crystals, and ultimately larger urinary bladder stones. If Ashlynn hasn't had an x-ray ever, I would recommend getting at least one just to make sure nothing has formed or is in the process of forming. As to your question regarding prevention of future UTIs, it would depend upon what bacteria is the culprit in her previous infections (as this would likely be the culprit in future ones as well). There is some evidence both scientific and anecdotal that indicates that cranberry juice or cranberry supplements can help prevent certain strains of e. coli bacteria from sticking to the bladder's wall. There are many different supplements available, I do not have a preference as to one in particular. If the kidneys and bladder are producing / storing urine at an inappropriate pH, there are special diets that can be fed (both long term or short term) that chance the bladder's pH back to the appropriate level. To confirm if this is a problem, a urinalysis can be ran by your primary veterinarian. With regards to the HW and flea medications, it is unlikely that one of these predisposed her to a UTI. This is not a typical side effect of most medications in that class, and they are not known to lower the immune system enough to cause a secondary urinary tract infection. Hope this makes sense.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 25th, 2016
Poor Ellie, it sounds like she has an underlying issue causing recurrent urinary tract issues and further investigation to identify the triggers would be advisable in order to reduce recurrences in the future. A full urinalysis of a fresh urine sample to identify crystals and xrays to identify any stones, a culture to identify the exact type of infection and most appropriate antibiotic if required, also a specialist ultrasound to rule out any birth defects may all be considered. There is very little evidence for cranberry being effective and it could not be recommended as a treatment when she is showing symptoms although may be useful as a prevention to maintain a healthy urinary system once the current episode has been treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 23rd, 2019
Poor Nikki! If she has a history of leaking urine, she will need to stay on a medication to address the issue for the rest of her life. Pets with frequent UTI problems needs urine cultures and an ultrasound of the bladder to look for things like antibiotic resistant bacteria, bladder stones and bladder masses. Have Nikki examined by the veterinarian. She will need treatment for the infection, maybe rule out causes of chronic UTIs, and there are also diets that can help control UTIs. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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