Did you know that bladder stones are very common in dogs? You read that right. In fact, some breeds are more susceptible to them, like Yorkshire terriers, miniature poodles, and Shih Tzus. Additionally, bladder stones are most common in male dogs.

What are Bladder Stones?

Bladder stones (uroliths or cystic calculi) are rock-like minerals that are formed inside the urinary bladder of a dog. It can be a collection of stones that range in size from sand-like grains to gravel. Or it can be a single-mass stone but larger. 

Hematuria (blood in the urine) and dysuria (straining to urinate) are two of the most typical symptoms of bladder stones in dogs. Hematuria develops when the stones rub against the bladder wall, producing pain, tissue damage, and bleeding.

Dysuria can be brought on by muscle spasms, physical obstruction of urine flow, or inflammation and swelling of the bladder wall or urethra.

It's important to note that bladder stones can be asymptomatic. The only person who can detect if your dogs have bladder stones is your vet. After all the examinations and confirmation about the bladder stones, your vet will recommend treatments.

The most common treatment for bladder stones in dogs is surgery.

Surgery is done to remove and flush all the bladder stones. After surgery, the bladder stone can grow back. Pet parents can prevent this by being strict on their dogs' diet.

What Should You Give Your Dogs?

The recommended food for dogs after surgery or for those with bladder stones is Royal Canin SO. This type of urinary dog food encourages an unfavorable environment for calcium oxalate crystals and struvite.

Meaning it helps to dissolve crystals in the bladder. It also increases your dog's urine output.

For dog treats avoid rawhide, pig ears, bully sticks, and other collagen-rich treats because they are not moist enough and can give your dogs compounds that can be converted to oxalate by the body. These oxalates are the cause of bladder stones.

You should also avoid treats that contain high oxalates, such as spinach, sweet potatoes, organ meat, and brown rice. Include foods with lower oxalate levels, like apples (peeled), white rice, and meats and fish in their diet.

The most important thing to do is to ask your vet for the most appropriate treats for your dogs before giving any treats. Bladder stones can come back and can cause secondary bladder stone surgery.

Pawsome Treats for Your Awesome Dogs

Paws Food Express understands that pet parents want to give only the best to their pets. It is why we only provide high-quality, organic, and healthiest treats for your dogs. Check our “pawsome” shop now. We are located in Houston, Texas. Contact us if you need help!