Crananidin

What is Crananidin®?

Crananidin® is a cranberry extract supplement that is used to support urinary tract health in dogs. It contains proanthocyanidins (PACs), which help stop certain bacteria that may contribute to bladder infections from sticking to the inner lining of the bladder wall. The bacteria can then be flushed out in the dog’s urine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review non-drug health supplements (e.g., herbals, nutraceuticals, shampoos, and other supplements) for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public. Manufacturers of non-drug health supplements must ensure their supplements are safe and labeled accurately. The FDA requires that these non-pharmaceuticals contain a disclaimer that says, “This supplement is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”

Health Canada licenses “veterinary health supplements” after reviewing safety, efficacy, and manufacturing information provided by the manufacturer. These supplements are not tested by Health Canada. 

Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health supplements in pets. Just because a supplement is natural does not mean it is safe. All medicines and medicinal plants are potentially toxic if used inappropriately or given at high doses. Supplements can also have side effects, like pharmaceuticals. Few supplements and herbs have been subjected to rigorous scientific trials to determine their efficacy. 

Although the information in this handout may be helpful, it may also be incomplete and may not represent the full range of effects the supplement could have on your pet.

How do I give my pet Crananidin®?

• Crananidin® is given orally and comes in a chewable tablet format.
• Follow the label instructions and give the correct amount for your dog’s weight.
• Crananidin® can be given with or without food.
• Crananidin® chewable tablets are liver-flavored to encourage palatability.

This supplement may take several days to affect the body and visible signs of improvement are not always noted.

What if I miss giving my pet the supplement?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects from Crananidin®?

• There are no known side effects from Crananidin®.
• Sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment (e.g., irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face) and notify your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately.

This supplement should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this supplement?

DO NOT USE in dogs who are allergic to the product or any of the ingredients in this product.

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

• There are no documented drug interactions for Crananidin®.
• Make sure your veterinarian is aware of any medications (including vitamins, supplements or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment due to the risk of overdosing and toxicities when giving multiple supplements.

Is any monitoring needed with this supplement?

• If your dog is taking Crananidin® to help treat or prevent a urinary tract infection, your veterinarian will want to monitor their urine through testing.
• Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding when your pet needs to be rechecked and what tests may need to be performed before and during treatment with this supplement.
• At home, monitor for any abnormal changes. If these occur, discontinue this supplement and contact your veterinarian.

How do I store Crananidin®?

• Store at room temperature, in a cool dry place away from sunlight.
• Ensure bottles are tightly sealed and secured inside a cabinet to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the supplement, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet’s weight and symptoms. Adverse effects should also be reported to the FDA or Health Canada.