D-Mannose for Dogs: How It Helps Your Pet

By August 27, 2022 Dog Diet, Dog Health, Dog Nutrition, Eye Health, Immune Support, Supplements for Dogs, Urinary Tract Support 0 Comments

D-Mannose for Dogs: How It Helps Your Pet

D-mannose for dogs is a type of sugar related to the better-known glucose. Both of these sugars are simple sugars.

That is, they are made up of just one sugar molecule. Furthermore, both exist naturally in your dog’s body and certain plants such as starch.

D-mannose is found in various fruits and vegetables, including cranberries (and cranberry juice), apples, oranges, peaches, broccoli, and green beans.

This sugar may also be present in certain nutritional supplements. Some include D-mannose for dogs, while others include cranberry, dandelion extract, hibiscus, rose hips and probiotics.

Many dog owners give D-mannose to their pups to treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). D-mannose inhibits the growth of some bacteria in the urinary system.

Below we will examine what we currently know about D-mannose for dogs and how it works in your pet’s body.

Table of Contents

Check out our Nutrition Strength Cranberry for Dogs here.

What Do We Know About D-Mannose?

90 percent of UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria. Once within the urinary system, these bacteria attach to cells, increase their number and cause infection.

Researchers believe that D-mannose for dogs may help to cure or prevent a UTI in your canine’s body by preventing germs from attaching.

When dogs eat D-mannose-containing meals or supplements, their systems remove it via the kidneys and the urine tract.

It may adhere to any E. coli bacteria that may be present in the urinary system. Consequently, the bacteria can’t connect to cells and infect them.

There aren’t many studies on D-mannose effects on dogs with UTIs, but a few preliminary studies suggest that it may assist.

A 2013 study examined D-mannose in over 300 female canines with recurrent UTIs. Over 6 months, D-mannose performed nearly as well as the antibiotic nitrofurantoin in preventing UTIs.

D-mannose was compared to the antibiotic trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole in a 2014 trial of 60 dogs for treating and preventing frequent UTIs.

D-mannose alleviated UTI symptoms in dogs with active infections. It was also more effective than antibiotics in preventing secondary infections.

Biology of the Urinary Tract

The dog’s urinary system comprises the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys are a pair of tiny organs positioned on each side of the lumbar vertebrae of the animal.

The body’s basic metabolic activities, which include metabolizing meals, using nutrients and breaking down cells, keep them constantly busy.

These reactions deliver byproducts. Some are reabsorbed into the body for various purposes, while others are just garbage and must be eliminated.

The urinary system is the most essential pathway for waste removal. The kidneys filter the blood, allowing beneficial nutrients to flow back into the body for use.

At the same time, waste elements are eliminated as urine. The kidneys also regulate pH by removing imbalanced ions, maintaining a healthy fluid balance and even assisting red blood cell development by generating hormones.

After the kidneys have filtered all of these components from the bloodstream, they proceed through the ureters (tubes) to the bladder.

All these waste products are stored in the bladder until the animal is ready to pee. When a dog urinates, urine is released from the bladder and travels down the urethra to be expelled.

What Are UTIs in Dogs?

You may believe that a UTI indicates that your dog has a urinary tract infection caused by a pathogen or bacterial infection.

However, your dog’s urinary tract ailment may not be what it seems. Bladder problems are often caused by inflammation rather than by germs.

Indeed, many holistic veterinarians believe that UTI stands for urinary tract inflammation (not infection). This is critical for treating bladder issues in your dog.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

Normal dog urine has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, slightly acidic but not that much. Crystals form when the pH of urine becomes too high or too low.

For example, when the pH is excessively high (alkaline), struvite crystals, the most prevalent variety in dogs, might develop.

Minerals and proteins are two more types of waste detected in urine. When there is an abundance of debris, it may form stones known as uroliths.

Uroliths and crystals irritate the urinary system, rendering it vulnerable to bacterial infection. Larger uroliths might impair urination or clog the urethra, necessitating surgery.

Researchers do not yet know how and why crystals and stones develop. Still, they think they may be influenced by various variables such as food, illness, intestinal absorption, drugs, endocrine disorders and water consumption.

Changes in a pet’s habit or surroundings are another typical cause for pets vulnerable to UTIs. UTIs are often chronic condition that requires long-term therapy to avoid recurrence.

Dogs, in particular, are susceptible to persistent UTIs. That is because their uroliths develop as grains of sand rather than big stones, making them highly irritating to the urinary tract lining.

Dogs may also acquire a condition that makes them prone to inflammation, leading to recurring UTI issues.

What Are the Signs of UTIs in Dogs?

While we’re using a female dog as an example, remember that male dogs may also acquire UTIs. Typical UTI symptoms in dogs of any gender include:

  • Urging or frequent urination.
  • Red urine. At the very end, you may see some blood drops. In other instances, a blood clot may form. It’s not always visible. Demand that your dog urinates on a paper towel to check for blood.
  • Licking herself before or after urinating.
  • Inappropriate urination or domestic accidents.
  • Unrest in general.
  • Having to leave throughout the night.
  • Trying to pee again immediately after she has peed. You could observe her attempt a few times and look to crouch or strain in various ways. This is owing to a problematic urine flow.
  • Symptoms of uncomfortable urination.

Untreated UTIs may progress to more severe issues such as stones, dysfunction, infertility, kidney infection and even kidney failure.

Can We Make a Mistake with UTIs?

If your dog exhibits symptoms of a UTI, you should take a urine sample to your veterinarian for an examination. This is because UTIs might be a sign of a more severe medical issue, such as:

  • Bladder or urethra stones.
  • Kidney stones or other kidney problems.
  • Diabetes.

These problems are significantly less prevalent but are simpler to cure if caught early.

How to Use D-Mannose?

There are several D-mannose for dog UTI products available. When determining which one to employ, three factors should be considered:

  • Whether you’re trying to prevent an infection or treat an active disease.
  • The dose you’ll need to take.
  • The type of supplement you want to take.

D-mannose is generally used to prevent or treat a UTI in dogs with a history of UTIs. Understanding which of these you’re taking it for is critical since the dose may vary.

D-Mannose should be taken daily. Consult your veterinarian to establish the appropriate amount and regimen for each animal administered this product. The D-mannose dosage for dogs is as follows:

  • Dogs less than 20 pounds: 1 / 2 tablet daily
  • Dogs 21 to 40 pounds: 1 tablet daily
  • Dogs 41 to 80 pounds: 2 tablets daily
  • Dogs over 80 pounds: 3 tablets daily

Are There any Side Effects in Taking D-Mannose?

Most dogs that take D-mannose have no adverse effects, although some may have loose stools or diarrhea.

If your dog has diabetes, consult with your veterinarian before using D-mannose. Be cautious with the connection of cranberry d-mannose and dogs with diabetes.

Because D-mannose is a kind of sugar, it makes sense to be careful. If your dog is taking D-mannose, your veterinarian may want to keep a closer eye on his or her blood sugar levels.

If your dog has an active UTI, see your veterinarian right away. Although D-mannose may help cure infections in dogs, the research isn’t definitive.

Delaying therapy with an antibiotic that helps treat an active UTI may lead to the infection spreading to the kidneys and bloodstream.

Should We Stick with the Proven Methods?

More study is needed, but D-mannose is a potent nutritional supplement that might be used to treat and prevent UTIs, particularly in dogs with recurrent UTIs.

Most dogs that take it have no adverse effects, but greater dosages may lead to health problems that have yet to be uncovered.

If your dog has an active UTI, consult your veterinarian about the best treatment options. Although D-mannose may benefit some pups with UTIs, it is critical to use medically established ways of therapy to avoid developing a more severe condition.

Other Substances That Can Be Used for Treating UTIs

Because so many elements are involved in urinary health, several UTI supplements for dogs are available to treat these life-threatening conditions. Let’s see more about what we can do to help our pets with UTIs.

Methionine

Methionine is a critical amino acid that promotes kidney function by chelating heavy metals and controlling ammonia production. When digested, it produces sulfuric acid, which aids in acidifying the urine.

It is notably helpful in regulating urine pH when the pH has to be reduced. Before taking methionine, consult with your veterinarian since it will be ineffective if the animal’s urine pH is already too low.

N-Acetyl Glucosamine

Glucosamine is most typically utilized as a source of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are the building blocks for connective tissue in our dogs’ joints, such as cartilage.

The N-Acetyl version of glucosamine targets mucus membranes, such as those that connect the urinary and digestive systems.

Extra N-Acetyl-Glucosamine in the body helps maintain the urinary tract lining healthy and robust, protecting it against irritating crystals and debris in the urine.

Probiotics

Infection develops when harmful bacteria enter the already vulnerable urinary tract lining. Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, can help drown out dangerous strains in your dog.

Probiotics also create short-chain fatty acids, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria development. Antibiotics are the most often used therapy for a UTI.

Antibiotic usage will wipe off colonies of beneficial bacteria; therefore, reintroducing healthy strains will help maintain a balanced system.

Corn Silk

Corn silk is a natural diuretic, which means it aids in the removal of excess water from the body.

The most uncomplicated strategy to clear the urinary system of germs, crystals, and debris is to drink enough fluids and urinate them.

It contains calming polysaccharides that assist in relieving pain and inflammation.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

MSM promotes an excellent inflammatory response, which is beneficial for coping with painful UTIs. MSM has been shown in studies to help relieve arthritic pain.

Recent data suggests that it may assist with bladder infections (also known as cystitis).

The Takeaway

D-mannose is a kind of sugar linked to glucose. It can be found in many fruits and is naturally present in the dog’s body.

D-mannose for dogs may aid in treating a deficit caused by a genetic abnormality. Cranberry mannose for dogs may also prevent some types of bacteria from adhering to the urinary system walls and causing illness.

D-mannose is used to treat carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome type 1b, which is a hereditary condition. It is also helpful in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs).

However, there is no clear scientific evidence to support this usage. So, if you decide to administer it to your pet, be careful with the d-mannose dosage for UTIs in dogs and consult your veterinarian.

Nutrition Strength Cranberry for Dogs

Nutrition Strength Cranberry for Dogs

Check out our Nutrition Strength Cranberry for Dogs here.

Nutrition Strength Cranberry for Dogs and Cats, Support for UTI in Dogs, Urinary Tract Plus Immune Health Supplement, Support for Bladder Infection in Dogs, D-Mannose for Dogs, 150 Chewable Tablets are premium chewable tablets, specifically formulated to help pets to improve urinary tract wellness.

Our delicious pet urinary tract care cranberry extract for dogs tablets are made with the highest quality ingredients available, which may help:

  • Support and sustain the urinary tract function in pet dogs and cats.
  • Maintain a strong and healthy inner lining of the bladder wall.
  • Promote the flourishing of good bacteria within your pet’s digestive tract.
  • Benefit dogs and cats suffering from irregularity.

Here are some suggestions on getting the most out of our cranberry urinary tract care supplement.

Used daily, our Cranberry D-Mannose Antioxidant, Urinary Tract Support for Dogs and Cats tasty chewable tablets can help to gradually build your pet’s immune system and to restore and maintain your pet’s natural balance. For the best results, store our supplement in a cool, dry area and out of direct sunlight.

Keep the lid tightly sealed to preserve freshness. We know how much you care about your pet’s health and wellness, which is why our cranberry for dogs product is manufactured in a facility in the USA.

Image source: Wikimedia / Justin Veenema.

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