Five Things Every Dog Owner Must Know About Bladder Stones in Dogs

If you're like most dog owners, you've probably never even heard of canine bladder stones.But if your dog develops this condition, you'll need your questions answered. 

How Do I Know If Bladder Stones In Dogs Are Causing A Problem?

The following symptoms are clues that your dog could be suffering from this condition:

• Repeated bladder infections in dogs, especially if the same bacteria is causing them
• Bloody or rust-colored urine
• Straining to urinate
• Unable to pass much, if any, urine

These stones do show up on x-rays, so your vet will want to take some if he or she suspects stones are present.

Are There Different Types Of Canine Bladder Stones?

Yes.  The two most common types are struvite and calcium oxalate.  It's really important to find out what kind of bladder stone your dog has because treatments are entirely different.  The easiest way to do this is to analyze a stone, so if your dog passes one, be sure to save it.

A urinalysis and a dog urine culture can help to identify which kind of stone it is, even if you don't have one to test.Staphylococci bacteria almost always cause a dog bladder infection that produces struvite type stones. 

Also, struvite stones in dogs form in alkaline urine, while calcium oxalate stones form in acid urine.

Are All Dogs Susceptible To This Problem?

Unfortunately, most female dogs are susceptible to struvite stones, as 85% of dogs with this problem are female.  Beagles, miniature schnauzers, and English cocker spaniels are the breeds at highest risk. 

How Are Bladder Stones In Dogs Treated?

Most of the time, struvite stones will dissolve on their own once the dog bladder infection is gone, so it's very important to treat that infection. 

In the event that this doesn't work, a special diet may be necessary to dissolve the stones.Even if your dog doesn't like the food, this is the only thing she's allowed to eat during the treatment period, which can last up to six months. 

Your vet will want to keep your dog on antibiotics while she's on the special diet.  This is because bacteria are embedded in the stones, and they're released as the stone dissolves.

If there is a canine urinary tract blockage, surgery may be necessary to remove the stones.

How Does Natural Treatment For Dog Bladder Infection Help?

Since bladder stones in dogs usually form only when a bladder infection is present, it makes sense to prevent infections from occurring.Many dog owners hope to prevent this problem by turning to herbal remedies for pets.

The best thing about a natural treatment for dogs is that you can give it right along with antibiotic therapy.  It doesn't interfere in any way with the action of the drugs, plus it supports bladder health in dogs naturally.

You'll want to look for a remedy that contains uva ursi, and barberry, along with the homeopathic remedies Cantharis and Staphysagria.  These remedies have stood the test of time for preventing and treating bladder infections.  It's also important that the remedy you choose is formulated specifically for pets, not people, and is easy to give.

Do yourself and your dog a favor, and prevent the bladder infections in dogs that lead to canine bladder stones.