[CorkyMax]

For crystals it depends what kind of crystals you have. If you have struvite crystals then you can help control it with food. You can also add supplements like Berry Balance to help or cranberry pills. Struvites form in alkaline urine, so to prevent you need to keep the pH of the urine more on the acidic side. You should choose a kibble accordingly.

Some people also use Ester C (vitamin C) and apple cider vinegar to help. Often people buy pH strips so they can test the urine and make sure it is staying on the acidic side. Also, lots of fluids is important daily to keep the system flushed and moving. Some people also use a solution of water and apple cider vinegar to cleanse the pee area on the pup as well as often crystals often come with infections, like UTIs and bladder infections.

Found this on net also:Calcium Oxalate
Calcium Oxalate crystals tend to affect more males than females. Common breed occurrences include Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Lhaso Apso, and Miniature Schnauzers. Calcium Oxalate crystals can also be found in a healthy dog, but are more prone to develop into stones in some dogs. The pH in dogs with these types of crystals is usually acidic or neutral. It is thought that some dogs that are more prone to these types of stones have an inherited weakness that prevents them from forming nephrocalein, which prevents calcium oxalate stone formation. While these stones are mostly treated by surgically removing them, there has been some success with reducing the oxalate rich foods in the diet and working to alkalize the urine pH.
Alkalizing foods include apples, bananas, cabbage, broccoli, beans, potatoes, pumpkin, millet, honey, alfalfa,non-distilled vinegar (organic apple cider vinegar), squash and most fruit and most vegetables.
High oxalate foods to avoid include beet greens, rhubarb, spinach, beets, raw endive, dandelion greens, okra, kale and sweet potatoes.

[CorkyMax]

Diagnosis and Treatment
Your vet will test to rule out stones or obstructions, which can present symptoms similar to those of a UTI. If that is ruled out, your vet will conduct a urinalysis (to do so, the vet will obtain a sample of your dog's urine). If your dog has a urinary tract infection, your vet will perform a bacterial urine culture to confirm the presence of bacteria and identify the kind of bacteria that is causing the infection so the appropriate antibiotic can be prescribed.

Some pet owners don't like antibiotics because they worry about possible side effects. For these pet owners, there are a variety of homeopathic remedies available, along with homemade treatments such as giving the dog citrus juices or apple cider vinegar. These treatments are believed to "neutralize" the bacteria in a dog's urethra.

[k9capture16]

Mine never had issues with UTI or crystals. I plan to give it to my neutered Malinois and my Intact Malinois as well as my other guys and gals. So this wont harm them? How do I dose it?

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by k9capture16

Mine never had issues with UTI or crystals. I plan to give it to my neutered Malinois and my Intact Malinois as well as my other guys and gals. So this wont harm them? How do I dose it?

Hey you! I told you to check out post #20 I did in this thread---It pretty much tells you the dosage!! The reason I posted about the UTI/crystals is that you asked about vinegar causing problems with this--It appears to be just the opposite--Yes? Of course overdoing on almost anything is not a good idea!! I think from all I've entered about all the good stuff vinegar does---How can it be bad!!? Need more convincing? A link or 2 more and some more info: These are not me talking here--->
Some holistic health practitioners recommend that ACV be placed in a dog’s drinking water. I recommend placing it in fresh food because I believe that a dog’s drinking water should be free of additives, with the exception of an electrolyte solution or a medicinal product that is used on a short-term basis. The dosage I use is 1 tsp. for small dogs and 1 tbs. for medium-large dogs. It can also be given orally diluted in water under the guidance of a vet or holistic health practitioner.


This is what you want to try and find--What it looks like: http://bragg.com/products/acv.html

http://www.hundmeister.com/acvbenefit.htm

[k9capture16]

I will try it out, ill add it to his water because he drink a bowl per day. If I add to his food he wont eat. I cant find the all natural raw cider tho. Can I just use the regular Heinz Apple Cider Vinigar? I tried everywhere to find it..no one carries it.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by k9capture16

I will try it out, ill add it to his water because he drink a bowl per day. If I add to his food he wont eat. I cant find the all natural raw cider tho. Can I just use the regular Heinz Apple Cider Vinigar? I tried everywhere to find it..no one carries it.

Don't know what stores/companies you have there! I'm in Wisconsin. Checking on the link below---If you have any of these places ---you prob. will find Braggs--They appear to be plentiful in the states: Piggly wiggly (grocery store), General Nutrition Center (Health Food Store), and/or Vitamin Shoppe (Vitamin-supplement store. Other than that if you check out the bottom left of the page on the link below --It states: To find a Bragg product retail store near you--Canadian and International Customers please check with your local health food store. There is also a phone #/email contact given. I do believe the Braggs is better--Here is what it reads on my bottle: organic raw~unfiltered apple cider vinegar With The 'Mother'----contains no preservatives. Full of zesty natural goodness and contains the amazing 'mother' of vinegar which occurs naturally as connected strand-like chains of protein enzyme molecules and is highly regarded throughout history.

Bragg Live Foods, Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar, Bragg Liquid Aminos,Systemic Enzymes, Bragg Live Organic Food Products, Patricia Bragg, Paul Bragg, Bragg Organic Olive Oil, Bragg Salad Dressings, Bragg Seasonings, Bragg Health Products

http://bragg.com/reseller/retailerli...entrypage.html

[CorkyMax]

I forgot to give the link for the locations so I edited the above post and put that last link in after you had left forum. Here it is again:

http://bragg.com/reseller/retailerli...entrypage.html

[k9capture16]

I will check it out again tomorrow but I called every single grocery, drug and health food store in a 20 minute vacinity and none carried it. Or any other type of ACV other than the grocery store cooking stuff. Ill call again tomorrow to see if I get another staff member that may know something about it.

Of to bed I go..lol

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by k9capture16

I will check it out again tomorrow but I called every single grocery, drug and health food store in a 20 minute vacinity and none carried it. Or any other type of ACV other than the grocery store cooking stuff. Ill call again tomorrow to see if I get another staff member that may know something about it.

Of to bed I go..lol

You could call the company and ask where the closest place would be to you. Could order on line ---Prob. too much for postage but if you can afford it?? Hope you can get some but the vinegar you have got is still better than no vinegar at all I imagine!!

[k9capture16]

Yeah I called around and even called the company. No one carries it. They used to at one point but it would just sit on the shelves taking up room. I asked if they could bring it in and they said no..the lady was such a snot I spoke with. I cant afford to order online at this moment. So the plain old cooking ACV will have to do.

[lumbalumba]

So you guys add it to their food? I used ACV too but I mix it with their drinking water. Do you think mixing it with the food is better? Because I already mix VCO on their food, it might be too awkward if I add ACV with that.

[CorkyMax]

Here is another article on vinegar with a few new 'things.'--- The Wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

Here is another article on vinegar with a few new 'things.'--- The Wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar

Thanks so much for sharing! I didn't know that it was beneficial for arthritis and joint problems. Thanks! Very interesting!

[TravelingAce]

First time dog owner! Also new to the forum and this may not be the proper place for this but....help!

I'm trying to do best by my black lab puppy and I'm a fan of holistic remedies while concerning my own health.

Yesterday I noticed an unpleasant odor from Tripp's left ear (I didn't know you were supposed to clean them and he's in the water often, also, his ear has had lots of wax and dirt in them for a while now) so I immediately googled what to do and it seemed that many people used a 1:1 water/vinegar soaked cotton ball to lightly clean the ears and adjust the ph to clear up minor Otitis in the ear. Yesterday I gave him a quick ear bath with the water vinegar combo and again this morning. I just went to check his ear and many little bumps have formed and also oozed a small amount of pus. Is this a good sign or a bad sign?

There is just so much info and differing opinions out there, I know all dogs are different and that every health issue is unique, but what has worked for you? Does this sound familiar to anyone?

The ear doesn't seem to bother him and the smell is not overly strong but I'd like to get this under control before it really becomes a problem.

Thank you in advance for any advice offered!

[CorkyMax]

I am going to give you a link to a very informative site but first I am just going to paste here-a couple paragraphs from it that seem to be the most important for your situation:
Bacterial Infection: Staphylococci, Streptococci, E. coli, and Pseudomonas spp cause dog outer ear infections. A persistent infection can lead to inflammation of the ear canal leading to dog inner ear problems. The infected usually discharges pus.

A little misleading I think--When the outer ear is mentioned it doesn't mean the 'furry' side (outside/back of ear) but it is referring to the outer inside of the ear, then there is the inner/middle ear where the infection can get really bad and cause big problems/deafness and even worse things if not taken care of right away.

Bacterial Infection: The discharge in a bacterial infection is usually yellowish in color and has a bad odor. Bacterial infections are not eliminated with simple cleaning. You need to consult the veterinarian as soon as possible as the dog's outer ear problem may spread to the dog's inner ear. The veterinarian may advice antibiotics to free Fluffy from the dog ear problems.

Here is the link to the whole article---> Dog Ear Problems


I had problems with my cocker/golden retriever with an ear bacterial infection. Had to get prescription from the vet for it. Long story--Did not get rid of the ear infection but I think his immune system was not good. Just recently had to put him down because of heart disease/heart failure and am thinking it may of been why nothing would work to get rid of the ear infection. As stated above bacterial infections are not going to be cleared up by any cleaning--You need medicine and the longer you wait--the more damage to the inner ear and harder also to get rid of the infection. (All this is if it is a bacterial infection and it sounds like it to me. What does the discharge look like--check out the link to help you verify what may be the type of problem you have!)

There were a lot more links that you could check for more info---I put: dogs/ear infection/pus/bumps in my browser and it brought up many sites but I only checked on this one--I leave the rest for you to check out. Good luck and I think it sounds like you will have to see a vet for this!

Okay, so I went back and checked out some of the other links. Here is one more:dog ear problems and solutions I chose this one because of the paragraph titled: Ear Mange --which could be another possibility--but not my first pick!

[chiclet]

In Canada I get the Eden brand. I will try the ACV as a rinse for sure.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

I am going to give you a link to a very informative site but first I am just going to paste here-a couple paragraphs from it that seem to be the most important for your situation:
Bacterial Infection: Staphylococci, Streptococci, E. coli, and Pseudomonas spp cause dog outer ear infections. A persistent infection can lead to inflammation of the ear canal leading to dog inner ear problems. The infected usually discharges pus.

A little misleading I think--When the outer ear is mentioned it doesn't mean the 'furry' side (outside/back of ear) but it is referring to the outer inside of the ear, then there is the inner/middle ear where the infection can get really bad and cause big problems/deafness and even worse things if not taken care of right away.

Bacterial Infection: The discharge in a bacterial infection is usually yellowish in color and has a bad odor. Bacterial infections are not eliminated with simple cleaning. You need to consult the veterinarian as soon as possible as the dog's outer ear problem may spread to the dog's inner ear. The veterinarian may advice antibiotics to free Fluffy from the dog ear problems.

Here is the link to the whole article---> Dog Ear Problems


I had problems with my cocker/golden retriever with an ear bacterial infection. Had to get prescription from the vet for it. Long story--Did not get rid of the ear infection but I think his immune system was not good. Just recently had to put him down because of heart disease/heart failure and am thinking it may of been why nothing would work to get rid of the ear infection. As stated above bacterial infections are not going to be cleared up by any cleaning--You need medicine and the longer you wait--the more damage to the inner ear and harder also to get rid of the infection. (All this is if it is a bacterial infection and it sounds like it to me. What does the discharge look like--check out the link to help you verify what may be the type of problem you have!)

There were a lot more links that you could check for more info---I put: dogs/ear infection/pus/bumps in my browser and it brought up many sites but I only checked on this one--I leave the rest for you to check out. Good luck and I think it sounds like you will have to see a vet for this!

Okay, so I went back and checked out some of the other links. Here is one more:dog ear problems and solutions I chose this one because of the paragraph titled: Ear Mange --which could be another possibility--but not my first pick!

I agree. I also did a bit of research and this does not sound like a good sign. I woule have the dog to the vet. I have also read conflicting articles. Soe say to use regular vinigar only for ear cleaning and some say ACV.

[CorkyMax]

Todd/quote)-- I have also read conflicting articles. Soe say to use regular vinigar only for ear cleaning and some say ACV.

I think ACV (apple cider vinegar) is considered regular vinegar. Are you referring to white vinegar as regular vinegar?

[CorkyMax]

How to Remove Fleas From Dogs With Vinegar | eHow.com

[CorkyMax]

Here is some more info about vinegar----And it is good to bump this thread up as a lot of good things to know about!!
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs


Every home with dogs should have apple cider vinegar. It's a remedy with multiple uses for dogs: alleviating allergies, arthritis, establishing correct pH balance. You can also give apple cider vinegar to cats and horses.

By Wendy Volhard

If your dog has itchy skin, the beginnings of a hot spot, incessantly washes its feet, has smelly ears, or is picky about his food, the application of ACV may change things around. For poor appetite, use it in the food - 1 tablespoon, two times a day for a 50 lb. dog. For itchy skin or beginning hot spots, put ACV into a spray bottle, part the hair and spray on. Any skin eruption will dry up in 24 hours and will save you having to shave the dog. If the skin is already broken, dilute ACV with an equal amount of water and spray on.

Taken internally, ACV is credited with maintaining the acid/alkaline balance of the digestive tract. To check your dog's pH balance, pick up some pH strips at the drug store, and first thing in the morning test the dog's urine. If it reads anywhere from 6.2 - 6.5, your dog's system is exactly where it should be. If it is 7.5 or higher, the diet you are feeding is too alkaline, and ACV will re-establish the correct balance.

If you have a dog that has clear, watery discharge from the eyes, a runny nose, or coughs with a liquid sound, use ACV in his or her food. One teaspoon twice a day for a 50 lb. dog will do the job.

After your weekly grooming sessions, use a few drops in his or her ears after cleaning them to avoid ear infections. Other uses for ACV are the prevention of muscle weakness, cramps, feeling the cold, calluses on elbows and hock joints, constipation, bruising too easily, pimples on skin surfaces, twitching of facial muscles, sore joints, arthritis and pus in the urine. There are also reports that it is useful in the prevention of bladder and kidney stones.

Fleas, flies, ticks and bacteria, external parasites, ring worm, fungus, staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, mange, etc., are unlikely to inhabit a dog whose system is acidic inside and out. Should you ever experience any of these with your dog, bathe with a nice gentle herbal shampoo -- one that you would use on your own hair -- rinse thoroughly, and then sponge on ACV diluted with equal amounts of warm water. Allow your dog to drip dry. It is not necessary to use harsh chemicals for minor flea infestations. All fleas drown in soapy water and the ACV rinse makes the skin too acidic for a re-infestation. If you are worried about picking up fleas when you take your dog away from home, keep some ACV in a spray bottle, and spray your dog before you leave home, and when you get back. Take some with you and keep it in the car, just in case you need it any time. Obviously for major infestations, more drastic measures are necessary. ACV normalizes the pH levels of the skin, makes your dog unpalatable to even the nastiest of bacteria and you have a dog that smells like a salad, a small price to pay!