Urolithiasis is a condition in which 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.

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.

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.

If your vet suspects urolithiasis, diagnostic imaging techniques such as x-rays and ultrasound will be used to locate the stones.

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.

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.

No, you cannot contract urolithiasis from your dog.