Hi PH

Question
QUESTION: My 3 year old Chihuahua has had a urinary infection for the past 3 months or so. He has been on antibiotics on 4 different occasions without success.  I had his teeth cleaned today in hopes that might have something to do with his problem or hopefully the cause.  He has just completed his 4th round of antibiotics yesterday.  Per my vet, his urine was better but his PH was high.  She suggested I switch his to Royal Canin SO formula.  I presently feed his Blue "Duck" as all other sources of protein seem to make his itch....Is there something you can recommend?  I also notices other people with this problem state their dogs have crystals.... my vet said nothing about crystals.... I'm at a loss of what to do next.

ANSWER: I forget what is in the Royal Canin SO.  If it is a protein that he is allergic to, it isn't going to work.  Did you share that concern with her?  If she was aware he has had itching on other foods and thinks the Royal Canin will be OK, try it.  If she isn't aware of it, better talk to her some more.  I don't know of a duck based pH lowering food.  I think Science Diet C/D is lamb based.  Purina may be making a food, but likely it is chicken or lamb too.  

If the  Royal Canin doesn't work, ask the vet about going back to the duck and adding something.  There are anecdotes about cranberry juice helping, but I would give the Royal Canin a chance first and discuss the cranberry juice or anything else with the vet.  Vets are much better prepared to work out the best course than most of the people on the internet. I am afraid too many of them are mostly interested in promoting what they sell.  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, I had told her that he has problems with foods, her response was to choose itching over urinary problems.  You mentioned something about cranberry juice, can you please explain further.  I would also consider any other food that does not contain chicken or turkey which seems to cause him the biggest itching response.

Answer
The cranberry juice is something that comes up in forums dominated by the alternative diet people that reject scientific fact.  That it is advocated by those with contempt for controlled testing and an antibusiness bias, doesn't mean it might not be worth trying in your case.  In looking a little deeper, I see the better references are to a powdered extract.  I would be surprised if a dog would drink cranberry juice.  Much of the net if filled with nonsense, some of it dangerous nonsense.  Here is a link to a site that may be better than many, http://www.1800petmeds.com/Cranberry Relief-prod11018.html  Your question has lead me outside my area of competency and comfort zone.  I am not one to accept that what sounds good and fits my world views without proof.  Some of those that believe in cranberry juice are the same ones that call the Pro Plan, that I know is a great food, garbage.  

If the cranberry extract doesn't work, it may be time to talk to another vet.  

As I am answering, I have had another thought.  Why not compare the Royal Canin the vet specified to the regular Royal Canin and see if you can see anything in it that might be the key to lowering the pH?  if so, add it to the duck based food.