Bladder infection

[rommel's mom]

Hi Guys,

Here I am again for advice. Rommel has bladder infection and he was given a shot and two sets of pills. Well the vet said things are looking better and he will just be on the one type of pill for two more weeks. But I asked the vet what causes this and he said his food. I have the option of feeding a special dog food (which is expensive) or he will be taking this pill once a day for the rest of his life. Has anyone else been told this? He has always been feed Innova and he has done great on it. Does this mean that I have to find a new dog food, I remember the first search for goood dog food and that was exhausting. I just don't know whether to believe the dog food could be doing this, hate to go against a vet. Can someone please help me out. The pill he would be on is Methiodol. Thanks for the help always, this is such a great board.

[Burnsway]

Out of curiosity what is this "SPECIAL" food the vet wants him on?

[RottyMom]

I know for humans they often recommend Vitamin C and/or cranberries in some form or another for people with chronic infections. It acidifies the urine making it harder for the bacteria to survive and helps stop the bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. I don't know if the same principal applies to dogs but I bet a holistic vet would probably know. Also I've heard that adding some apple cider vinegar to dogs food and or water can also help.

[mmgy]

Does he have crystals? Struvite or oxalate? You can manage those by diet changes, but you don't have to have prescription food.

[panda]

Is Rommel fed dried food? The Vet may have been referring to this.

Anne and JoJo

[rommel's mom]

The vet didn't tell me which prscription food, but how much you want a bet it is Science Diet. He also didn't say if there were crystals. He gets Innova and alittle canned food added to it.