Dogs often suffer from kidney stones when their urine has high concentrations of mineral salts that are excreted with urination. These salts form stones (pebbles) in the urinary tract or kidneys. Stones can also be caused by urinary or kidney infections, medication intake, age, diet, or the breed of the animal itself. The disease is also referred to as nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis and the terms indicate the presence of stones in the kidneys and urinary tract, respectively. By better understanding the factors that can increase your dog's risk of developing kidney stones, you are able to take steps to avoid them.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Keeping the Dog Hydrated
Step 1. Make sure your dog always has fresh, clean water available
The water dilutes the urine keeping the mineral salts suspended in the liquid. By drinking enough, the dog can pee regularly and get rid of the minerals present in the body.
Change the water every day and clean the bowl several times a week to minimize the risk of bacterial growth
Step 2. Provide the right amount of water every day
The daily requirement depends on the body weight of the animal, about 60 ml of water for each kilogram. For example, a 4 kg dog needs 240 ml of water per day, while a 40 kg dog needs to drink almost two and a half liters.
- Remember that a physically active, pregnant or nursing animal needs more water.
- Provide extra fluids in hot weather. Make sure that he always has a source of fresh water available, especially during the summer months.
- When the weather is cold, offer him some non-frozen water. Dogs are unable to meet their fluid needs by eating ice or snow. In fact, the consumption of solid state water requires a greater amount of energy to defrost it, the dog is consequently in need of more fluids.
Step 3. Add water to food if you find that your four-legged friend is not drinking enough
If your pet is picky or you think they don't consume enough fluids throughout the day, you can try supplementing their meals with hot water to give them a stew-like consistency. You can also supplement their diet with wet canned food to ensure plenty of fluids.
Just remember to always have a bowl of fresh, clean water available, even if you're feeding it more humid food
Step 4. Allow him to fulfill his physiological needs often
An adult specimen must be able to urinate every 6-8 hours. Small breeds, puppies or dogs with urinary tract problems need to pee even more often, at least every 4 hours.
- If you can't take him outdoors as often, you should consider installing a cat flap so your dog has the option of going to a fenced garden, teaching him to use absorbent rugs around the house, or hiring a dog-sitter. that you take him to walk a few times a day.
- About once a week you should observe the dog urinating. If the pee is a rather diluted yellow color, it means that everything is normal. If it turns brown or red, or you notice that your pet is having difficulty urinating, you should contact your vet immediately.
Part 2 of 3: Managing the Dog's Nutrition
Step 1. Choose high quality commercial food
Look for brands that include meat, not its derivatives, as the first ingredient on the label or ask your vet for advice. Although it is not necessary to set a particular diet to avoid kidney stones, it is however important that the dog consumes food that meets his nutritional needs, which in turn depend on several factors such as breed, age and many others.
If you are unsure which product to choose, discuss it with your vet
Step 2. Follow your doctor's advice regarding food
If your furry friend is predisposed to urinary infections or has been diagnosed with kidney stones in the past, you need to follow veterinary directions. The doctor will prescribe a diet (including delicacies) to prevent relapses.
- Foods rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and proteins cause kidney stones by increasing the concentration of minerals and proteins in the urine. The specimens that are susceptible to stones should consume foods that are poor in these nutrients (without causing deficiencies), to prevent the formation of uroliths and contribute to the dissolution of the very small ones already present.
- There are many types of calculations. The most common are those of struvite (a compound of magnesium, ammonium and phosphorus), calcium oxalate (a compound of calcium) and uric acid (to which Dalmatians are particularly susceptible). There are also mixed uroliths; By analyzing the dog's urine, the veterinarian is able to determine which type of stone afflicts the animal and which foods are most appropriate for its nutrition.
Step 3. Talk to an animal nutritionist if you want to prepare your dog's meals from scratch
If you have decided to have your dog adhere to a diet based on home-cooked foods, you must consult an expert in animal nutrition, to make sure that the meals contain vitamins and minerals in balanced quantities. An imbalance in mineral levels (especially calcium and phosphorus) can be responsible for your loyal friend's kidney problems.
Your vet may also advise you on how to meet your dog's dietary needs on a home-cooked diet
Step 4. Evaluate dietary supplements for the health of your urinary tract
There are specific products that can improve the health conditions of the canine urinary tract. For example, we remember the cranberry extract which has always been considered beneficial for this part of the body. Cranberries prevent bacteria in pee from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.
Supplements are available in the form of pills, capsules, or chewable tablets. If your dog is suffering from any illness, ask your vet for advice before giving him any food supplements
Part 3 of 3: Read up on Kidney Stones
Step 1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of kidney stones
In some cases, there are no obvious signs that suggest this disease. The stones can be identified during an x-ray or ultrasound performed to diagnose another condition of the animal. In other situations, however, there are clues or signs that may make the vet suspicious, including:
- Presence of blood in the urine;
- Frequent urination and increased thirst
- Recurrent urinary infections;
- Lack of appetite;
- He retched;
- Weight loss;
- Difficulty urinating
- Loss of energy;
- Abdominal pain.
Step 2. Understand how kidney stones form
They are the result of the minerals found in urine. The kidneys are in fact the organs responsible for the production of pee and, in some cases, minerals are formed that should dissolve in the urine, but this process does not happen. As a result, the substances agglomerate forming stones (or pebbles).
The stones can be microscopic in size or be large enough to occupy the cavities within the kidney. Regardless of their size, their presence is not normal and can potentially cause organ damage
Step 3. Learn about the effects of kidney stones
Uroliths can block the flow of urine and cause the kidneys to swell if they are too large. A urinary blockage is a serious emergency that can even prove fatal, so you should contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has stones.
The "pebbles" can also get stuck in the bladder or form in the bladder itself. This is a more common occurrence and in some cases the dog's bladder can become completely filled with stones. Regardless of the area in which uroliths form, their presence causes infection and persistent damage to the kidneys or bladder
Step 4. Remember that some breeds are more prone to this disorder
It is important to know if your pet belongs to one of these breeds, so that you can monitor for symptoms more frequently.
- Lhasa apso, Yorkshire terriers, and miniature bums are more likely to develop calcium and calcium oxalate stones.
- Dalmatians, Yorkshire terriers and English bulldogs suffer most often from uric acid uroliths.
Step 5. Learn about kidney stone treatments
If you are concerned that your faithful friend is suffering from it, you must take him to the vet as soon as possible. Don't wait for the situation to worsen considerably. Treatments for this disease vary according to the severity of the stones themselves. You can proceed with medications, dietary changes and even surgery.
Remember that if the dog needs an operation, he must be hospitalized until the end of his convalescence
Advice
- Some dogs prefer certain models of water bowls. Plastic ones sometimes cause skin reactions and promote bacterial proliferation. Ceramic or stainless steel bowls are easier to clean and hardly cause skin problems.
- Regular physical activity, such as walking, helps your body stay fit, including the kidneys. A daily walk gives the dog plenty of time to fulfill his needs.
- If you are concerned that your pet has a urinary problem, collect a urine sample in a clean, disposable container and take it to the vet's office for analysis.
