From the Worms and Germs blog out of Guelph University comes a look at using cranberry and cranberry component supplements for urinary tract infections in pets. This study used published research. Only three studies met acceptable criteria and two of those had very low numbers of cases.
The first study looked at dogs with spinal cord disease, and cranberry supplements showed no help. In fact, dogs on the supplement showed more bacteria in their urine.
The second study showed no effect on preventing either first-time or recurrent bacterial cystitis.
The third study showed no difference in cats with bacterial infections whether they got an antibiotic alone or got an antibiotic plus a cranberry supplement.
The conclusion? There is really no answer as to whether or not cranberry supplements may help with bladder infections in pets. They do not appear to hurt, but it can’t be said that they help. More studies investigating this issue are warranted.
