Help for a Bladder Infection
Bladder infections are treated with antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, and disappear quite quickly once treatment is administered. Although antibiotics treat the symptoms, these medications do not address the cause of the problem – antibiotics kill harmful bacteria but also beneficial bacteria. If a bladder infection is left untreated, more serious health problems such as kidney infections and failure can occur.
Natural remedies
Herbal and homeopathic remedies have proven to be highly effective in the treatment of bladder infections and other urinary related problems. Because these remedies contain natural ingredients they are safe and gentle to use for your pet without the risk of negative side effects.
Well known herbs such as Arctostaphylos uva ursi and Berberis vulgaris have powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties which are excellent for the treatment of urinary tract infections. These herbs also help to reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
Homeopathic ingredients such as Cantharis and Staphysagris are recommended for the treatment of severe cystitis, urine retention that may occur with prostate problems and symptoms of burning urine.
There are certain preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of bladder infections and these include: Read more... (498 words, 2 images, estimated 1:60 mins reading time)
What is a Bladder Infection?
Bladder infections in pets are similar to those in humans and both result in intense discomfort and pain. An infected or inflamed bladder may be caused by bacterial infection, crystals which form urinary stones or an obstruction in the bladder or urethra. This makes it very difficult to empty the bladder when there is an urgent need to urinate.
Bladder infections are more common in cats than in dogs and can occur at any age. Female spayed dogs tend to develop more bladder infections and recurring infections often occur in poodles, Labrador retrievers and middle-aged to older German shepherd dogs.
Male cats often develop partial or complete blockage of urine which can be life threatening. If left untreated, bladder infections can lead to serious health complications such as kidney failure. It is therefore very important to take your pet to the vet at the first sign of a bladder infection.
The most common symptoms and signs of a bladder infection include: Read more... (637 words, 2 images, estimated 2:33 mins reading time)
What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary tract infections in pets occurs frequently causing urination to be extremely painful and uncomfortable. These infections are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra (the tube connecting the bladder to the exterior of the body through which urine flows), bladder or any part of the urinary tract.
Bladder stones, some underlying diseases, overuse of medications, bladder tumors or cancer or abnormalities of the urinary tract can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections affect both dogs and cats, although they tend to be more common in cats.
Female cats and dogs experience more episodes of urinary tract infections because the urethra is shorter and broader than in males. If left untreated urinary tract infections can lead to more serious health complications such as kidney infections.
Symptoms and signs
The common symptoms and signs of urinary tract infections include:
* Straining to urinate
* Urinating with pain
* Licking of the genitals
* Cloudy or blood urine
* Urinating without passing much urine – only drops
* Urinating in odd places
* Fever
* Loss of appetite
What Causes Urinary Tract Infections? Read more... (556 words, 2 images, estimated 2:13 mins reading time)
Help for Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections in pets are usually treated with a course of antibiotics. Frequent treatment of antibiotics can however weaken the immune system and cause recurring infections. In more severe cases or with persistent urinary tract infections, surgery or catheterization may be recommended by your vet.
Proper nutrition that contains all the essential nutrients, providing clean, fresh water, good hygiene, regular exercise and encouraging your pet to urinate can make a significant different to your pet’s urinary health.
Natural Remedies
Herbal and homeopathic remedies have proven to be highly effective in treating the symptoms and causes of urinary tract and bladder infections in humans as well as pets. These natural remedies are gentle to use without the negative side effects of conventional medications such as antibiotics.
Two well known herbs known as Arctostaphylos uva ursi and Berberis vulgaris contain antiseptic and antibacterial properties which are excellent for the treatment of urinary tract infections, reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system. Homeopathic ingredients such as Cantharis and Staphysagris provide symptomatic relief for a variety of urinary problems such as cystitis. Read more... (476 words, 2 images, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)