Uva Ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Evidence: BFamily: Ericaceae

Arbutin-rich urinary antiseptic effective against UTIs when urine is alkaline; short-term use only due to hydroquinone liver toxicity. Species-specific cautions apply.

Consult Your Veterinarian First

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before using herbal remedies for your pet — especially if they are on medication, pregnant, or have existing health conditions.

Species Safety

An herb safe for one species may be toxic to another.

Dogs

Use Caution

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: unsafe

Cats

Unsafe

Duration: not recommended

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: unsafe

Horses

Use Caution

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: caution

Rabbits

Unsafe

Duration: not recommended

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: unsafe

Birds

No Data

Duration: not recommended

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: unsafe

Guinea Pigs

Unsafe

Duration: not recommended

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: unsafe

Dosing Guide

General guidance only — always consult your veterinarian.

SpeciesFormDoseFrequencyNotes
Dogsalcohol tincture0.1-0.25 ml /kgtwice dailyPer 10kg; 7-day maximum course. Ensure alkaline urine with diet or bicarbonate.
Dogstea1-2 tsp /kgtwice dailyCool infusion per 10kg; 7-10 days maximum for acute UTI support.
Horsesdried herb10-20 gramsonce dailyFor 450kg horse; 7-14 days max. Combine with alkalinizing feed strategy.

Active Compounds

Arbutin(glycoside)Cat Unsafe
Hydroquinone(phenol)Cat Unsafe
Tannins(phenol)Cat Unsafe
Ursolic acid(terpene)

Compounds marked Cat Unsafe (phenols and many terpenes) cannot be metabolized by feline livers.

Safety Warnings

Surgery Warning

MAXIMUM 7-14 DAYS. Hydroquinone accumulation causes liver damage. Not for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs.

Essential Oil Form

Moderate clinical evidence for UTI efficacy; strong pharmacological evidence requiring short-course use only.

Quick Info

Plant Family

Ericaceae

Parts Used

leaf

Available Forms

dried herb, capsule, alcohol tincture, tea

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