canine urinary tract infection

our 50lb OE Sheepdog (8 mos old) has some urinary leakage for the past 2-3 weeks.  She's not in discomfort,  the urine is clear and odorless, and she doesn't leak all the time.  She also has plenty of energy. The Vet thinks she has a urinary infection and prescribed the following meds: Cefpodoximme Proxetil and Etogesic. We're concerned about the side-effects, and wonder if this is the correct diagnosis and treatment.  They also prescribed prescription dog food.

What do you think??  We are reluctant to start the medication.

[Jaybay]

Yes!  Start the medications!  Many UTIs begin with no other symptoms than leaking, and dogs are also very good at dealing with pain.  Believe me, your pup is hurting.  I agree with the antibiotics prescribed, but if your dog begins having tummy upsets like diarrhea, it's likely the etogesic.  I've never been wild about that particular anti-inflammatory (it's like aspirin or advil for dogs - don't give either aspirin or advil to your dog!) because of the tummy troubles it always brought along with it.  Your dog definitely needs an anti-inflammatory medication to help with pain and swelling of the urinary tract, so give the etogesic a try.  If it doesn't work, ask for either rimadyl or deramaxx.

Another thing that is very beneficial at this time is CranAssure gel caps.  I gave them to my dog who was in kidney failure and it really helped with the leaking issues.  It's just concentrated cranberry juice, and the extra vitamin C will be beneficial right now.  One a day should be fine.

A UTI will not go away without the medication.  It must be treated or your pup will be very ill, so start the meds tonight if you haven't already done so.