How Uva Ursi Helps Your Dog’s Bladder

How do you know your dog has bladder issues?

Here are a few tell-tale signs:

Your pup has accidents in the house
Your pup’s urine is dark and cloudy or shows blood
Your pup strains to urinate or is unable to pass urine
Your pup drinks more water than usual
Your pup licks his or her urinary openings
Your pup is lethargic, vomiting or won’t eat

Take your dog to the vet if he or she experiences these symptoms.

A holistic vet who practices Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) may recommend a supplement in addition to traditional treatment.

What is Uva Ursi?

Uva ursi, also known as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, is a plant with leaves used for medicine.

“Uva ursi” means “bear’s grape” in Latin because bears enjoy eating the fruit of the plant.

Uva ursi is known for its uses with urinary tract disorders such as kidney and bladder infections.

Why is Uva Ursi Beneficial for Soothing Dog Bladders?

1. Uva Ursi Reduces Bacteria in the Urine

Uva ursi contains a compound called arbutin.

In a high-acid urinary tract, the natural chemical compound becomes hydroquinone, an antiseptic and glucose.

However, research shows crude plant extracts are more effective medicinally than isolated arbutin.

2. Uva Ursi Doesn’t Acidify the Urine

Uva ursi is more astringent than cranberry juice and is more appropriate for low pH (high acid) urine.

The high tannin content makes the plant a member of the Heath family and is helpful in urinary tract problems with minor bleeding in the urine.

Because of the tannins, animals with pre-existing kidney disease should not use it all.

3. Uva Ursi Is Effective Against E. coli Bacteria

In vitro studies using extracts of uva ursi leaf demonstrate antimicrobial activity against UTI-causing organisms such as C. albicans, E. coli, S. aureus, and Proteus vulgaris, and others.

4. Uva Ursi Is Antilithic

Antilithic plants help prevent the formation of stones in the urinary tract and remove those already formed.

Researchers differ opinions on whether antilithic herbs dissolve stones or aid the body in passing them by promoting urine flow to flush kidneys.

Herbalists recommend using antilithics in conjunction with demulcent and anti-microbial herbs such as marshmallow root, which is in PET | TAO’s Soothe Bladder Supplement.

5. Uva Ursi May Prevent Bladder Infections

In one study, prophylactic use of uva ursi extract over a period of a year proved effective in preventing recurrent cystitis.

In another study of 57 patients with recurrent bladder infections who took uva ursi extract or a placebo for one year, none of the 30 patients receiving uva ursi extract had a recurrence. Five of the 27 patients given a placebo had a recurrence.

The German Commission E recommends uva ursi as a treatment for urinary problems.