[YEA]  07/27/2009: Mary from St. Cloud, Minnesota: "As a retired vet assistant and pet owner, I know both sides of the picture when a pet is ill. For urinary problems that recurr, retesting, antibiotics, etc. can become financially limiting especially in areas of the country where veterinary costs are extremely high. I have had great success using ACV, yogurt and cranberry/blueberry extracts to control bladder infections in one of my small dogs who has a recurring problem. My dogs eat a raw diet or no grain dry dog food and no one else has any issues. However, with the first few times of my corgi having a bladder infection, I chose to see my vet to rule out diabetes, bladder or kidney stones, cancer, etc. When it was clear that is was probably a genetic pre-disposition and our unusually hard well water, using the ACV, yogurt and cranberry therapy has been completely successful. Also adding some cottage cheese (1/4 cup every other day) to her diet is very helpful and she loves it! I think it is extremely important to use your head when it comes to caring for your pets. If you think your vet is unusually expensive, look for someone else. However, vets with years of successful experience are worth every penny it may cost. Discuss finances with your vet. A good vet is willing to work with you to find the best treatment options for your pet and your pocketbook. Also, chose a vet that is open to alternative therapies and treatments including accupuncture and chiropractic as these vets seem to continue to learn and do not allow ego to block different care of your pets. It's very unfortunate that veterinary costs have skyrocketed in the past several years. Routine tests and vaccinations now cost as much as treatment of an illness used to cost. Alternative remedies can be much more successful and MUCH easier on the pocket book. Just do your research before treating your pet for anything!"

[YEA]  04/06/2008: Denise from Calgary, Alberta, Canada: "I had my Pyr/Collie F/S 85 lb. 2.4 yr old girl urinalyis done and the PH was 9.0, MAP crystals, no staph, no blood etc, RBC and WBC were fine, so NO antibiotics and 5 more (a total of 9) days before an xray to check for stones. She was given to me with many crystals and a severe leaking/blasdder infection at 6 weeks of age. She had a too short (I think) course of antibiotics and after I discontinued all treats her test was clear, crystal free and great PH. They did comprehensive blood work to rule out hereditary and genetic issues. I'd not given it much thought until she wet herself sleeping and started going more again. Now, today I gave her 1 TSP ACV diluted with 1 TSP water in an oral syringe with the intenet to give another equal dose this evening. She's had sweetened activia yogurt 2X daily for 2 days, cranberry juice 2x 1/2 cup daily, then switched to cranberry tablets 1 pill (9000 mg from 500 mg 18:1 ratio) a day for 2 days. I don't know if the pills are of use, please advise! I think the juice would be better?? I also added SEA SALT to her water, she took a nice, long drink. At anyrate, I took her PH this morning before the ACV and sea salt and it was 8.5. I took it again at 6 pm and it's 6.5. My understanding was if there's an infection, there's going to be crystals and high PH, but I'm thinking she has an issue with diet and needs sea salt as well. I'm so glad I found this site!! In still want to consult with her vet, maybe another one as I'm having trouble getting the vets to understand that I 'get' what's going on. I also think a CULTURE test should have or still should be performed as a urinalysis may not show some infections. ~SIGHS~ It's not a money issue, though I am always broke! I don't want her being so heavily sedated for xrays when I really dis-beleive there are stones that if there are, will dissolve anyways! I also have her on a no corn diet that I may have to reconsider as it's an acid adding veggie. Just thought I'd let folks no that ACV and or the sea salts WORK!! I'll post back and see how everyone's doing as well as keep you updated on her! Thanks AGAIN so much!!"

10/11/2011: Martha from Houston, Tx: "My 11 year Bishon won't eat the diet he was put on by his Vet for the prevention of stones formation in his bladder so what can I cook for him, what ingredients should I avoid and also will using Apple Cider Vinegar help him?

I worry for his health since he hasn't had anything to eat and very little to drink since 2 days ago. Today he started acting funny and keeps going outside and looks like he is eating grass.

Thanks"

[YEA]  12/01/2009: Shannon from Portland, Maine: "Cranberry and Cantharis for Dog urinary problems

If my rottweiler mix eats birdseed, he inevitably will get a urinary tract infection. One Sunday, when the vet was closed we decided to try cranberry and cantharis and it was amazing! Worked even faster then the antibiotics prescribed by the vet. Firstly, if your dog likes the taste of cranberry jiuce, as mine does, give several 'doses' of unsweetened cranberry juice along with remedy. If not I am sure it will be effective in just pill form. Cantharis is available in most natural food stores as little blue pills. We gave our 110# dog 5 cantharis pills 3 times a day along with 2 cranberry pills. Cranberry pills come in different strengths so I would follow the directions on the bottle, but I think generally 1 pill for dogs under 75# and 2 pills for dogs over 75# should work. For cantheris, I would use a 1 pill per 20# ratio. We continued this treatment for one week after the first sign of blood in the urine and he had no issues. In fact, after the first dose and drink of juice, he was able to urinate within an hour and had a clear urine within about 3 hours. If your dog does not like cranberry juice, it is still important to encourage lots of fluid with this remedy, as the kidneys will need to be well hydrated for the acidity of the cranberry to flush the urinary tract."