Every dog owner wants to ensure that their pet is getting the utmost care and a healthy lifestyle at their home. But no matter how much they look out for their pet, at some point, it will catch infections just like humans. However, parents' pets in general and dog owners, in particular, should never treat their pets with human medications if the pet catches infection or becomes sick. Instead, they should always consult a veterinary doctor for the best possible care.
That being said, it is to note here that just like humans, urinary tract infections(UTIs) are common in dogs as well. Approximately 14% of dogs get UTI once in their lifetime. UTIs are common and treatable in dogs, but they should never be treated with human medications. For instance, cranberry supplements are proven to treat UTIs in humans as well as in dogs but both have specific supplements and are not to be mixed.
If you want to use cranberry for dogs to treat UTIs, go for supplements, chewable tablets, raw and fresh cranberries, etc, but never even give them human cranberry supplements, for it has multiple ingredients that are not suitable for dogs. In this article, we'll shed light on why human cranberry supplements cannot be used for dogs.
Can You Give Human Cranberry Supplements To Your Dog?
The answer is no. You can give your dog cranberry supplements that are specially made for dogs because the supplements are made considering the dog's nutritional needs and requirements. However, you cannot give human cranberry supplements to your dog because of the following reasons:
Human Cranberry Pills Contain Vitamin C
Cranberry extracts have oxalates which if consumed in large amounts can lead to kidney stone formation. Many human cranberry pills also have vitamin C in them. Vitamin C is added to the supplements to make the urine more acidic.
Although vitamin C can make the urinary tract environment less favorable for bacteria to survive and cause infection, it increases the chance of kidney stone formation. So when you are giving your dog human cranberry pills, you're doubling the chance of kidney stones which can prove fatal for your dog's health.
Cranberries are usually safe for dogs and are used in a variety of dog foods to ensure the nutritional needs of your dog. However, they have oxalates which if consumed in excess can cause kidney stones. When your dog has human cranberry pills, he's getting oxalates as well as vitamin C. When this vitamin C breaks down in the body, it leads to oxalates formation, which further increases the risk of oxalate crystal and stone formation within the urinary tract.
Xylitol Is Toxic For Dogs
The use of xylitol in human nutritional supplements is increasing with each passing day. One should be extremely cautious to not give dogs human nutritional supplements at any cost. The human cranberry supplements might contain xylitol which is an artificial sweetener and prove to be harmful to your dog's health. Xylitol is abundantly being used in various human nutritional supplements and you can't make sure whether your cranberry supplements are free from xylitol or not.
Xylitol is extremely toxic and lethal for dogs. Even a small quantity can cause extreme reactions such as hypoglycemia, liver failure, seizures, etc, in dogs. The reason is that in humans and dogs the blood sugar level is controlled by the release of insulin. Unlike humans, in dogs, a little xylitol can lead to the release of insulin from the pancreas and lower the blood glucose level and lead to a state of hypoglycemia. On the other hand, in humans, it doesn't affect the release of insulin from the pancreas and is not that dangerous.
One thing all pet owners especially, dog owners need to keep in mind is that human nutritional supplements are made to cater to human needs. They are made keeping in mind the human system. One thing which is beneficial for humans is not necessarily beneficial for dogs too. They are living beings but not all body functions go in harmony with the human body. For instance, xylitol is non-toxic for humans but in dogs, it can have drastic effects.
Cranberry juice and its extract contain a high quantity of oxalates-a major component of kidney stones. The human cranberry supplements also have moderate to high quantities of oxalates which if given in large doses can be detrimental to your dog's health. One should abstain from giving human cranberry supplements to their dogs as it contains oxalates which can lead to the risk of developing oxalate urinary crystals/ stones.
The kidney stones or urinary oxalate crystals can form either within the bladder of your dog and be called 'cystoliths' or in their kidneys and be called 'nephroliths'. Therefore, it's always recommended that if you sense your dog is having symptoms of any urinary tract infections, go consult a veterinary doctor for the best care.
How Cranberry Supplements For Dogs Are Effective In Treating UTIs?
Urinary tract infections are common in dogs. The reason is dogs tend to be in places where bacteria are abundantly present. Catching an infection is not a surprise when it comes to dogs because at the end of the day they are just animals. However, taking care of your dog's diet and looking for any potential symptoms can help you rule out the problem timely.
Cranberry supplements that are specifically designed for dogs are available in the market. They are made considering the dog's nutritional requirements and needs. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants. In addition, it is also rich in minerals such as manganese and phosphorus. Moreover, it contains essential vitamins such as vitamin C, A, E, and K. All of these factors play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy urinary tract and preventing the build-up of bacteria that leads to UTIs.
Cranberry supplements for dogs are given according to the size and weight of the dog. Make sure you consult with the veterinary doctor for the recommended dosage to benefit your dog.
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