Cystitis...............

[echokilo]

.................. does anyone know if dogs get cystitis? My staffy bitch has done nothing but piddle all evening and it's only a tiny but at a time and she seems out of sorts.......... think she might drink some cranberry juice? Is there anything in it that can harm dogs? I know they shouldn't eat grapes, but are cranberries (ie juice) OK?

[jules77]

Yes they can get cystitis, the most common sign is blood in the urine, but also frequently trying to pass small quantities of urine.

You can give dogs cranberry juice, or cranberry tablets, but I would be more inclinced to take her to the vet first for a urine sample test as prolonged use of cranberry juice/tablets can cause some types of bladder stones.

To get a urine sample, wait for the bitch to stoop down and slide an old baking tray or something similar underneath her, the vet only needs a small amount to confirm diagnosis.

[echokilo]

Thanks Jules - she doesn't seem to be in any discomfort just the frequency that bothers me........ I shall get her checked out ... are human cranberry pills OK or is juice better if I decide to try it for a day or so? She sill no doubt drink the juice as she eat/drinks anything given half the chance!

[lankeela]

Human cranberry tablets are fine, but get the better quality ones from Boots. I'd get her checked by the vet though to be sure there is nothing more wrong with her.

[Sir Alec]

Please get her to the vet ASAP. Untreated cystitis can cause irrepairable kidney damage, as I have found to my own cost.

[Chessie]

Try this:-

http://www.waterfall-d-mannose.com/dmannosefor um.htm

It worked brilliantly for my cat Chessie (whose story is there on the forum) and also works for dogs (and people!).

It really is good stuff, I recommend it highly.