![Calcium oxalate bladder stones, or urine crystals, are common for Shih Tzus, Tibetan Terriers, Maltese, Pekinese, and Affenpinschers. Veterinarian examines shih tzu for urine crystals.](https://dogsbestlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/urine-crystals-shih-tzu-scaled-e1706488136893.jpeg)
It can be frustrating when your dog’s bladder becomes inflamed and a significant amount of blood is in your dog’s urine. Crystals in dog urine can cause excruciating pain.
And, yes, crystals in dog urine are dangerous.
So, it is essential to monitor the situation and address any possible causes for this condition.
You also should know how to naturally treat crystals in dog urine to prevent this condition from reoccurring.
This article has everything you need to know about crystals in dog urine or bladder stones in dogs.
The information and advice come from expert veterinarians who have been treating animals for years.
Types of urine crystals in dogs
A common urinary tract disorder for dogs, crystals are “stones” or “staghorn calculi.” Crystal formation occurs when the urine becomes concentrated and forms solid minerals, either acidic or alkaline. This causes the urine to become cloudy in appearance.
Various forms of crystals can result in different bladder stones, including magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite), calcium oxalate, ammonium urate or uric acid, cysteine, calcium phosphate, and silica.
These substances comprise the main components of bladder stones; however, their presence does not necessarily guarantee the development of bladder stones. Healthy dogs can experience crystals. Because crystals can be a risk factor for kidney stones, it is essential to identify urine crystals as they can indicate underlying diseases and aid in detecting conditions that make dogs more prone to developing kidney stones.
Here are the primary types of urinary crystals in dogs:
Struvite
There are various causes of bladder stones in dogs, but struvite stones are the most common. Struvite stones form when the pH in the urine becomes too alkaline.
This causes minerals like magnesium and ammonium to combine with ammonia to form struvite crystals.
Dogs with struvite bladder stones need a diet high in calcium and phosphate levels to reduce their chances of developing more stones.
Treatment options for Struvite urine crystals may include dietary management, antibiotic therapy, and in some cases, surgical removal of the crystals.
Calcium Oxalate
The most common symptom of calcium oxalate stones in dogs is recurrent, painful urination.
Dogs with calcium oxalate bladder stones may also experience difficulty or straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and the need to urinate more often than usual.
Treatment for calcium oxalate crystals in urine usually involves dietary changes to reduce oxalate intake, increasing fluid intake to dilute urine, and possibly medication to decrease oxalate levels in the urine.
The dog breeds most likely to develop calcium oxalate bladder stones are:
- Tibetan Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Pekingese
- Maltese
- Affenpinscher
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Bichon Frise
- Lhasa Apso
- Miniature Poodle
- Cocker Spaniel
- Yorkshire Terrier
- English bulldogs
Urate (Ammonium Biurate)
Due to a genetic condition, Dalmatians, Jack Russel Terriers, and Bulldogs experience urate crystals. Ammonium urate stones are composed of compounds called purines found in DNA. Liver shunts often produce this type of stone, with liver disease prevalent among dogs and cats.
The purines found in meat, organs such as the liver and heart, fish, and seafood can be dissolved if pet owners put their animals on a low-purine diet combined with medication.
Treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause, such as adjusting diet or medication, as well as ensuring proper hydration. It’s crucial to follow the guidance of a medical professional for appropriate management.
What causes urine crystals in dogs
![Crystals in dog urine are common for several breeds. Help your dog by providing a healthy diet, including plenty of fresh, clean water. Vet examines French bulldog for crystals in dog urine.](https://dogsbestlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/urine-crystals-french-bulldog-scaled-e1706488186405.jpeg)
Male dogs are more likely to develop calcium oxalate crystals, while female dogs are more likely to develop struvite crystals. Urine crystals can form at any age.
Help your dog with a healthy diet, including plenty of fresh, clean water.
Many reasons can cause bladder stones in dogs.
- Lack of water intake
- Kibble-only diet
- Lack of liquid in food
- Low magnesium intake
- High phosphorus intake
- Continuous high-protein meals
- Current health diseases
- Excessive consumption of commercial food
Signs of urine crystals in dogs
Dog owners need to know what urine crystals are and the importance of detecting them in their pets.
Crystals comprise urine salts and water, forming needle-like particles concentrated in the bladder or urinary tract.
Here are a few symptoms that can confirm your dog has urine crystals.
- Your dog will whine while urinating or stop peeing halfway
- You will notice small particles in your dog’s urine
- When your dog urinates, the urine might seem cloudy or whitish
- Your dog will often lick its genitals
- The area surrounding your dog’s genitals might seem abnormal
How to treat crystals in dog urine naturally
If you spot any warning signs, consult a vet immediately. Your vet will likely use an x-ray, ultrasound, and urinalysis to diagnose your dog.
UTIs and kidney stones are not complicated but can be fatal if left untreated.
However, there are many ways to prevent urine crystals naturally.
Feed a healthy diet
Do you know how long it takes a dog to digest food? It matters to improve your canine’s health. A healthy diet plays a significant role if you want to keep your dog healthy and active.
Many people buy a big bag of dry dog food and call it good. The reality is commercial food does not fulfill the nutrition your dog requires.
If your dog is prone to crystals, dietary therapy may be necessary and you may need to switch to a prescription diet.
Give healthy treats
Choose the best healthy snacks for your puppy besides a nutritious diet. Some pet owners love to spoil their pups when it comes to treats.
There are hundreds of brands to avoid because they manufacture treats high in sodium, protein, and other fats, which can cause bladder stones.
If you’re worried about what to feed your dog? Talk to your vet.
Consider a raw diet
Some studies show that raw diets are best for dogs. However, you have to talk to your vet if you plan to give your dog a raw diet.
Some kibble or dry dog food lacks nutrition and hydration, a primary culprit of urine crystals in dogs. Make sure your dog gets enough water.
Hydration
The average dog drinks about 2 cups of water per day. If your dog doesn’t drink enough water, it may be more likely to develop bladder stones.
Dehydration is the most common cause of bladder stone development in dogs. Provide your dog with plenty of fresh, clean water.
If your dog seems to struggle with drinking enough water, ask your veterinarian about options for increasing their daily intake of fluids.
Spay or neuter
More dog owners choose to neuter or spay their pets to prevent the possibility of developing bladder stones.
Neutered or spayed dogs have a lower risk of developing bladder stones. This is why many veterinarians recommend getting your pet neutered or spayed.
Can bladder stones kill dogs?
![Dalmatians, Jack Russel Terriers, and Bulldogs, experience urate crystals due to a genetic condition. Sad Dalmatian on black background.](https://dogsbestlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/urine-crystals-dalmatian-scaled-e1706488225428.jpeg)
Due to a genetic condition, Dalmatians, Jack Russel Terriers, and Bulldogs experience urate crystals.
Urine crystals can be a significant risk for dogs. Stone formation can develop from not drinking enough water and urinating too often.
When these urine crystals form, they can harm the kidneys.
In extreme cases of urinary obstruction, surgical removal may be required.
If your dog’s kidneys are damaged, they will not function properly. If left untreated, kidney damage can lead to kidney failure and death.
Tips for dogs with urine crystals
If your dog suffers from urine crystals, here are some tips to help.
- If your dog hates drinking water, try buying those flowing water bowls for dogs. Those bowls can make your dog more interested in drinking water.
- Give your dogs baths on hot days. Doing so will help your dog cool down its body faster.
- Apple cider vinegar works like a charm for dogs with a UTI. Try adding a little apple cider vinegar to their water. Caution: Do not leave the apple cider vinegar water for more than 5 hours.
- If you struggle with giving your dog medication to treat the condition, try hiding the pill in their favorite treat.
Common questions about urine crystals
Is pumpkin suitable for dogs with bladder stones?
In season, a pumpkin can make a great snack for your dog, but are they suitable for dogs with bladder stones? Too many pumpkin seeds can cause kidney stones, so limit them to one or two.
Dogs with bladder stones should not eat pumpkins, as they are high in purines, which may exacerbate the issue.
Is watermelon good for dogs with bladder stones?
A common misconception is that watermelon is safe for dogs with bladder stones. Watermelon contains high levels of citrulline, which can cause bladder stones.
Veterinarians say dogs with bladder stones should not eat watermelon.
Are carrots good for dogs with urinary problems?
Are carrots good for dogs with urinary problems? Yes, you read that correctly. Carrots can help your dog’s urinary system stay healthy and function well.
This is because carrots contain Vitamin A. The vitamin helps relieve bladder spasms and soothe irritation. So, the next time your pet gets a bladder infection, give them a carrot to chew on.
Understand crystals in dog urine
Make your dog drink plenty of water to help flush the crystals from the body, and apple cider vinegar helps break down urinary tract infections.
When naturally treating crystals in dog urine, ensure you do not feed your dog anything salty or acidic.
Constantly monitor what your canine eats and drinks. Keep your pup on a healthy diet and monitor its daily water intake.
Emma Rosy has extensive experience writing about pets. She’s been a freelance writer for over three years and runs the Mesdog Lover website with her younger brother. As a dog owner, she wants to share her experience as a responsible dog parent with other dog lovers.
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