It is fair to say that you probably never thought you’d find yourself looking up this kind of thing when you first got a dog. Puppies are wonderful little fur balls of absolute joy. They seem to be eternally happy and full of energy.
The last thing you probably imagined yourself doing is online searches trying to figure out what was wrong with your dog’s urinary tract and how you could fix it.
However, urinary tract infections and problems are common enough problems for dogs that many owners find themselves struggling to determine what’s wrong and how they can resolve matters.
One such solution points to layering the pH level of your dog’s urine. (Add “urinary chemistry” to that list of things you never thought you’d have to deal with when you got your dog.)
So, why is your dog’s urinary PH so important, and what can you do to lower it – asides from relying on Apple Cider Vinegar?
What pH should dog urine be? And Why it Matters
Let’s tackle the first part of that first – why does it matter if your dog’s urine PH level is higher and thus more basic?
The answer here is that higher PH levels could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. In addition to getting your dog treated for this, you’ll also naturally want to know what the normal urinary PH level is.
As is so often the case, the answer here is a careful equilibrium around 6.50 to 7.00. Higher than that, and it’s too basic and could be a sign of an infection, and lower than that and it’ll be too acidic and could potentially cause or be a sign of a whole host of other problems.
The key thing is to get some urine test strips for dogs and do some tests from home.
Other Warning Signs
There are other warning signs to be on the lookout for when it comes to determining whether or not your dog has a urinary tract infection. These can include more-than-usual frequent urination and bladder stones.
None of those things sound very fun, and you can rest assured that your dog isn’t enjoying their urinary problems any more than you are. Thankfully, there are several ways you can take action and help mitigate and resolve your dog’s urinary troubles, including:
- Increasing your dog’s overall level of water intake and making sure they are properly hydrated
- To that end, you’ll also want to monitor your dog’s water intake to make sure your dog is drinking enough
- If they are not, enticing them with treats and toys can be a short-term option
- Substitutes such as chicken broth can be used in small quantities each day to make sure they are getting enough liquid if they start getting tired of water
- Certain supplements can help with high PH levels
- Keep track of your dog’s urinary PH level; it can fluctuate, so check several times a day
Last, but not least, you’ll want to discuss those options and any others along with the condition as a whole with your veterinarian.
With their help, you’ll be able to get the information you need to tackle your dog’s PH problem.
