I had been using UTI-Free on my little dog for 3 months, (Chihuahua mix almost 3 yrs old) because she has crystal in her urine. It has helped but not gotten rid of it completely. I notice when I have used it she has more energy. She doesn’t ever have a fever and I want to use something natural and keep on top of this so she doesn’t have to have surgery or get on antibiotic; which I’ve read don’t really help.
Should I still continue to use UTI-Free or is there something else you can suggest? I wasn’t sure if I should change to the kidney formula to see if that helps. Other than that she is in really good health.
Also how safe is Frontline Plus? Flea season will be starting soon. I have used it in the past when we have a bad flea problem and worked great with no ill effects and only used it for about 6 months, from the late Spring to early Fall months. Does this effect their kidneys or liver in anyway?�
Thank you for your help!
Crystals in the bladder are often caused by pH change due to a bacterial infection or a diet with a mineral imbalance. Struvite crystals can be dissolved with a diet change but calcium oxylate must be flushed from the bladder from a diet that increases water consumption. If crystals are not resolved, they can form stones, which become a much larger and more painful condition. There are special diets available that can help resolve crystals in the bladder.
I advise continuing the UTI-Free and depending on her pH, you may also offer the Urinary Support Gel by NaturVet. If her urine sediment shows bacteria and white blood cells, antibiotics are required in this case. It would be difficult to treat otherwise if a bacterial infection is present and not appropriately treated.
Frontline is a topical chemical and if your pet has no negative reactions and that is all that works for her, you may have to continue with it. I personally would not use it for my dogs, but have not found any natural products that work on fleas and ticks as well. Best of luck.
Regards,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA