Lower urinary pH with dry dogfood?

Question
Our 9 year old Border Collie has been on premium dry food but just developed a UTI & vet has her on CD for a week to lower very high pH.  We prefer to keep her on dry food but don't know of one which keeps urinary pH lower.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Good morning, Carol.

I'm sorry to hear your Border Collie has a UTI.  

First, I'll ask what premium food your dog is on.  

Second, before changing too much, I would first suggest adding a good enzyme & probiotic supplement.  I've had very good results with Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes and Protiotics supplement.  If you are still giving antibiotics, make sure you give them at least two hours prior to the probiotic supplement.

Third, infection and antibiotics themselves can alter the PH of the urine.  About two weeks after finishing the antibiotic and having her on the probiotic, I would then start testing the urine.  You can buy PH test strips at most drug stores.  If her urine PH does not start to go down, we should then look at changing her diet.

Fourth, when the antibiotic is finished, I would make sure to have another urinalysis done to be certain the infection is completely cleared and again, keep in mind that her PH at that point will likely not be where we want it to be due to the infection and the antibiotics.

Please keep me updated on her progress.  I'll be happy to help out if she needs a diet change.

Gail E. Vigneault