Dog Kidney Stones - Answers For The Most Frequently Asked Questions
There are a lot of misconceptions about dog kidney stones. Some people say it is not a serious problem, some say it is a serious problem, some say it can be prevented, and some other people say that it cannot be prevented. In short - it is too confusing. So, it is time for some facts. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about canine bladder stones.
What are the symptoms of this problem?
A dog with kidney stones is likely to show any of the following symptoms - difficulty in urination (passing only a few drops at a time), dark colored or bloody urine, painful urination, lethargy, and lack of appetite. It also tends to lick its genitals often. If your dog shows these symptoms, take it to a vet immediately.
What causes dog kidney stones?
There are a number of reasons including genetic predisposition, urine pH imbalance, abnormal concentration of stone constituents in the urine, and bacterial infections. Some breeds, like the Yorkshire terrier for example, are genetically predisposed and are vulnerable to such problems.
What is the best way to treat a dog with kidney stones?
This is something that can be decided only by a qualified vet. In some cases, if your dog's condition is really serious, surgery might be the only option. If not, the vet might suggest giving dissolving agents to your dog to dissolve the stones or accomplishing this through dietary change. Diet will only dissolve certain types of stones. In case of a bacterial infection, he might suggest antibiotic drugs to treat the problem.
Is there a way to prevent dog kidney stones?
The answer for prevention is diet, exercise, liquids and possibly the use of a homeopathic supplement.
Diet: There are prescription diets formulated with lower levels of protein, magnesium and phosphorus such as Hill's Prescription Diet c/d. There is some debate as to whether a diet should have lower levels of sodium or salt.
Exercise: Taking a dog on additional walks will encourage urination. This is natures way of cleansing the bladder and the urinary tract.
Liquids: Water is natures way of keeping the urinary tract clean. Encourage drinking and consider switching to a canned dog food, since these are up to 80% water.
Supplements: Natural homeopathic supplements are considered a good choice to avoid dog kidney stones.
Look for supplements that contain herbs like uva ursi and cantharis. You should make sure the product you choose is approved by the FDA and is manufactured in a pharmaceutical graded, GMP certified facility. You should take a look at the manufacturer's website to know more about the ingredients, the right dosage, the results of clinical trials, testimonials of people who have used the product, and more. Also, you should make sure you buy it directly from the manufacturer through their website or from a trusted retailer.
I hope the article was informative. I hope it answered all your questions about dog kidney stones. Keep these tips in mind and take good care of your dog.
Jeff Grill is an editor of the Dog Health Guide, which has additional information on dog kidney stones. The author suggests this site to learn about the natural treatment of a dog with kidney stones.
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