How much cranberry for UTI?

[Willow and J]

Willow finished 2 weeks of antibiotics, and a week later, it seems like her UTI is coming back. We have been giving pure cranberry juice since the diagnosis, but I didn't know what's appropriate dose. I got cranberry softgels (300mg) today. How much/often do you use, and how do you use softgels? Do you give the whole thing with peanut butter? Do you open the coating and sprinkle liquid over meal? 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Not a good sign and you may need to explore further to see if Willow has some underlying problem. The cranberry may help some though. I would start with a capsule a day and see how she tolerates it and how her UTI is. I don't think there is a reliable dosage. You might increase gradually.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with F.

I would give the softgels as you would any pill, the same way you gave the antibiotics. I would not open them.

[Willow and J]

Thank you! 

UTI diagnosis was given by a vet at an emergency clinic (it was Sat. night), who was also very new to the clinic.  She said Willow's urine had crystals, and PH was 8. That was 3+ weeks ago. We'll bring Willow in for her regular vet next week.

[Jennifer and Jack]

We used UTI edge, it was amazing...google it, it has the main ingredients in it that cranberry does but is much stronger .....worked great

[Willow and J]

I will do that. Hope this works for Willow too! Thank you.

[Pauline Rackley]

Urinary tract infections can be caused by different types of bacteria which may require a different antibiotic. The vet may want to send a urine sample (obtained by a cystocentesis) to a lab for a culture and sensitivity test to see what type you are dealing with. Cranberry may change the acidity of the urine, which can cause crystals, but will not do anything for bacteria. It is important to treat this properly as long term infections can lead to kidney damage, not to mention how uncomfortable it is for Willow.

[Willow and J]

Thank you. I'll get her to her regular vet next week.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Cranberry does somehow make it more difficult for bacteria to attach to the bladder wall it has been shown in humans..

[Stella]

I have been using concentrated cranberry capsules, they have a powder inside them, since Chase had a UTI earlier this year. We rechecked his urine last month, six months later, and his urine remains clear - no crystals or bacteria and normal pH.

[Willow and J]

That gives me a hope! I could not find capsules so I got softgels instead. So far, Willow just gulps it down as a whole without any difficulty. Thank you!