What are urinary stones?
Urinary stones are technically referred to as urolithiasis. With this condition, your dog’s urinary tract contains small deposits commonly called stones. The stones are generally made up of different minerals or compounds such as calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, cystine, silicate, struvite or urate. These stones may form anywhere in your dog’s urinary tract which is composed of the kidneys, the bladder, the ureters which link the kidneys to the bladder and the urethra which forms the passageway for urine to travel from the bladder to outside of your dog’s body. However, most commonly these stones are found in your dog’s bladder in which case they are called bladder stones.    

What will urinary stones look like in my dog?
Symptoms will vary depending on the location and type of stone and sometimes your dog will not show any symptoms.  However, common symptoms include pain when urinating, straining to urinate, frequent urination, urinary accidents in the house, bloody urine or smelly urine. Sometimes abdominal pain is also associated with this condition.

How does my dog get urinary stones?
Stones may form due to bacterial infections in your dog’s urinary tract or congenital defects such as portosystemic shunt. Certain breeds also have a predisposition to forming these stones. For example, Dalmatians and Bulldogs tend to get urate stones, and Newfoundlands are prone to getting cystine stones.

How are urinary stones diagnosed?
If your vet suspects urinary stones, diagnostic imaging techniques such as x-rays and ultrasound will be used to locate the stones.

How are urinary stones treated?
Treatment depends on the location, size and amount of stones present. Surgical removal of the stones is possible, or your dog may be put on prescription food that sometimes helps to break up the stones. Any infections will be treated with antibiotics.

How are urinary stones prevented?
Some causes of urolithiasis can be prevented by promptly treating any infections your dog may have or correcting any congenital conditions which may predispose your dog to developing urolithiasis. In addition, ensuring your dog drinks a healthy amount of water each day can prevent the formation of stones. Special prescription diets can also be fed to prevent development of specific stones.

Can I get urinary stones from my dog?
No, you cannot contract urinary stones from your dog.