How To Prevent Bladder Stones In Dogs And Cats?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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MORE WATER, MORE WALKS.

Increasing a pets water intake

helps avoid a buildup of crystals and inflammatory sediment that can contribute to bladder inflammation and stone formation. Owners can help increase a pets water consumption by switching from dry to canned pet food or adding extra water to the pets food.

How do you prevent bladder stones in cats?

  1. Diluting the urine by increasing the amount of water the pet drinks (feeding canned food only and/or adding water to both dry and canned food)
  2. Reducing the amount of the compounds that make up the stones in the diet.

What type of food causes bladder stones in dogs?


Foods high in protein, particularly red meats and animal fats

, increase risk of bladder stones in dogs. Foods high in oxalates, which contribute to stone formation, such as wheat germ, sweet potatoes, beans and soy products, should also be avoided.

What causes bladder stones in dogs and cats?


Oversaturation of the urine with urine crystals

is the biggest factor in bladder stone formation in dogs and cats. This oversaturation may be caused by increased excretion of crystals by the kidney, increased water reabsorption by the kidneys, and changes in the urine PH leading to crystal formation.

How do you treat bladder stones in dogs naturally?

Many dogs with struvite stones respond well to regular

apple cider vinegar (ACV)

. Again, it helps acidify your dog’s urine to discourage struvite stones from forming. Buy raw, organic unfiltered ACV. Mix it with your dog’s food (or water, if she likes it), in these amounts according to weight.

Are bananas good for dogs with bladder stones?

The more vegetables in the diet, the more alkaline the urine. For dogs with bladder stones resulting from calcium oxalate crystals,

give them alkaline vegetables

such as: Apples. Bananas.

What food causes bladder stones in cats?

Cats who consume

high amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, chloride and fiber

are also more likely to develop struvite stones. A special therapeutic food, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet, can help dissolve struvite stones.

What ingredient in cat food causes urinary crystals?

#2: Reevaluate Your Cat’s Diet

Urinary diets have restricted amounts of minerals, such as

magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium

, which can contribute to urinary crystal and stone formation.

What should dogs with bladder stones not eat?

To decrease the chances of your dog developing bladder stones, or having them return once dissolved, you should avoid feeding foods that contain high levels of oxalate such as

spinach, sweet potatoes, organ meat and brown rice

.

Are eggs good for dogs with bladder stones?

The following treats are acceptable for oxalate stone forming dogs: plain cooked chicken.

plain cooked turkey

.

eggs

.

Is pumpkin good for dogs with bladder stones?

Pumpkin seeds are full of essential fatty acids and antioxidants that support a healthy urinary tract. This is

great for avoiding kidney or bladder stones in your dog

. These fatty acids and antioxidants are great for supporting your dogs fur coat.

Are carrots good for dogs with bladder stones?


Do not feed carrots to pets with a history of kidney or bladder stones

, or to those prone to developing crystals in their urine. Carrots are high in oxalates and can cause the formation of stones.

Can cat food cause bladder stones in dogs?


Poor diet and nutrition are two of the leading causes of bladder stones in dogs and cats

. Diets with reduced amounts of certain minerals—like phosphorus and magnesium—and that are lower in protein are common solutions, although their effectiveness can depend on the type of stone.

Do bladder stones recur in dogs?

There are several different types of stones, which form for different reasons and require various forms of treatment and strategies for prevention. For example, “despite preventative measures,

approximately 50 percent of dogs will have recurrence of calcium oxalate stones within two years

,” says Dr.

Can a dog live with bladder stones?

They may look like rocks or crystals, and can come as large as a piece of gravel. Fortunately, bladder stones in dogs are highly treatable, but they can be extremely painful for your dog, and

when left untreated, they might create a blockage in your dog’s urethra. This could be life-threatening

.

Is apple cider vinegar good for bladder stones in dogs?

If your dog is prone to struvite stones,

adding one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to their food or water each day will help to lower the pH of their urine

. It’s important not to start adding this to your dog’s food until you can confirm that your dog’s urine is alkaline.

Are blueberries good for dogs with bladder stones?

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, new research suggests that

blueberries also help prevent against UTIs

(urinary tract infections), which are common in dogs and uber painful. The fruit contains a compound that prevents bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall and tissues of the urinary tract.

How do you get rid of crystals in cats naturally?


Give your cat lots of water

. This advice was given to me by Furball’s first holistic vet. She said that increasing his water intake kept things flowing through his system to help reduce the concentration of struvite crystals in his urine. I added water to Furball’s food as he wouldn’t drink it normally.

Can cats with urinary problems eat chicken?


Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Chicken Can Cat Food

The reduction in urinary pH and the addition of magnesium to a cat’s diet can help prevent the formation of crystals and stones in the bladder. Most cats enjoy this gravy-covered soft food that’s made with real chicken.

Does apple cider vinegar help cats with crystals?

UTI’s can develop because the contents of the bladder is often alkaline, especially if a cat is fed dry foods. This means small stones and sandy grit can form, that can irritate the bladder or block the urethra.

The acid in apple cider vinegar works to neutralise the alkali, helping to dissolve stones

.

Is Tuna good for cats with urinary problems?

Tuna contains high concentrations of unsaturated fats that are quite unhealthy for cats. It can cause a serious vitamin E deficiency, which can lead to a dangerous condition called “steatitis.” This is a painful disease where the cat’s body becomes inflamed.

Tuna is also high in minerals that can cause bladder stones

.

What to feed a cat that has urinary crystals?

  1. Feed small meals on a frequent basis; this will cause less fluctuation in their urine pH.
  2. Ensure you feed a variety of canned pâtés and stews recipes (“wet” food) that will help to hydrate and promote the formation of urine with a low or acidic pH.

Is Blue Buffalo good for cats with urinary problems?


Blue Buffalo W+U Weight Management and Urinary Care canned wet food is an excellent choice carried by many veterinarians

. With chicken as the first ingredient, this food also has added plant fiber in the form of powdered cellulose so your cat will feel fuller despite being a lower calorie food.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.