What causes bladder stones in dogs? 4 Causes You Should Watch Out For

If your dog is straining to urinate or you’ve noticed blood in their urine, bladder stones might be the culprit. These painful mineral formations affect thousands of dogs each year, causing discomfort and potentially serious health complications.

Understanding what causes bladder stones in dogs can help you protect your furry friend from this common condition. Don’t wait until symptoms become severe; schedule an appointment with AZ Vet Direct today to ensure your pet’s urinary health stays on track.

What are bladder stones in dogs?

Bladder stones in dogs are hard, rock-like formations that develop when minerals in your pet’s urine crystallize and clump together. These stones, also called urinary calculi, can range from tiny sand-like particles to stones as large as golf balls. They form in the bladder but can also develop in other parts of the urinary tract. Left untreated, these stones can cause severe pain, infections, and even life-threatening blockages.

5 Types of Bladder Stones in Dogs

• Struvite stones – These are the most common type, often associated with urinary tract infections. They form in alkaline urine and can grow rapidly.
• Calcium oxalate stones – The second most common type, these stones form in acidic urine. They’re particularly hard and cannot be dissolved through diet alone.
• Urate stones – These develop due to genetic defects in uric acid metabolism. Dalmatians and English Bulldogs are especially prone to these stones.
• Cystine stones – Rare stones caused by a genetic disorder affecting amino acid absorption. They’re more common in male dogs and certain breeds like Newfoundlands.
• Silicate stones – These uncommon stones may form from consuming soil or foods high in silicates. German Shepherds and Old English Sheepdogs show a higher risk.

4 Signs of Bladder Stones in Dogs

• Difficulty urinating
• Bloody urine
• Licking excessively at the genital area
• Accidents around the house, despite being house-trained

4 Common Causes of Bladder Stones in Dogs

Dietary Factors and Mineral Imbalances

Your dog’s diet plays a crucial role in bladder stone formation. When certain minerals become too concentrated in the urine, they begin to crystallize and form stones. Foods high in specific minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium can tip the balance in your dog’s urinary system. The pH level of your dog’s urine, which diet directly influences, determines which types of stones are more likely to form.

What type of food causes bladder stones in dogs?

• High-mineral commercial foods – Budget dog foods often contain excessive minerals and fillers. These ingredients increase stone-forming substances in your dog’s urine.
• Table scraps and human food – Foods high in oxalates like spinach, sweet potatoes, and nuts can contribute to calcium oxalate stone formation. Processed meats contain high sodium levels that concentrate urine.
• Organ meats – While nutritious in moderation, organ meats are extremely high in purines. These compounds break down into uric acid, increasing urate stone risk.
• High-protein diets – Excessive protein can acidify urine and increase calcium excretion. This creates ideal conditions for certain stone types to develop.
• Foods with artificial additives – Preservatives and artificial colors can alter urine chemistry. Some additives may irritate the bladder lining, promoting stone formation.

Dehydration and Concentrated Urine

When your dog doesn’t drink enough water, their urine becomes highly concentrated with minerals. This concentrated urine provides the perfect environment for crystals to form and grow into stones. Dogs who don’t have constant access to fresh water or those who naturally drink less are at higher risk. Hot weather, increased activity, and certain medications can also lead to dehydration, making regular water intake even more critical for preventing bladder stones in dogs.

Genetic and Metabolic Factors

Some dogs are simply born with a higher risk of developing bladder stones due to their genetic makeup. Certain breeds have metabolic differences that affect how their bodies process minerals and maintain urine pH. These inherited traits can cause minerals to accumulate in the bladder rather than being properly eliminated. Even with the best diet and care, dogs with genetic predispositions may still develop stones, though proper management can reduce their frequency and severity.

4 Common Inherited Metabolic Disorders

• Hyperuricosuria – This genetic mutation affects uric acid metabolism, causing excessive uric acid in urine. It’s common in Dalmatians, Bulldogs, and Black Russian Terriers.
• Cystinuria – A hereditary defect preventing proper amino acid reabsorption in the kidneys. Affected dogs excrete excess cystine, leading to stone formation.
• Primary hyperparathyroidism – This hormonal disorder increases calcium levels in blood and urine. The excess calcium promotes calcium-based stone development.
• Portosystemic shunts – Abnormal blood vessels bypass the liver, preventing proper toxin filtration. This condition often leads to urate stone formation in young dogs.

Urinary Tract Infections

When your dog gets a urinary tract infection, it sets the stage for bladder stones to form, especially struvite stones. Bacteria in your dog’s urinary system produce a special enzyme that changes the chemistry of their urine. This makes the urine less acidic, which is exactly what struvite crystals need to start forming. Once stones begin to develop, they create hiding spots for more bacteria. This leads to a frustrating cycle where infections cause stones, and stones cause more infections.

How Do You Prevent Bladder Stones in Dogs

1. Provide constant access to fresh, clean water – Keep multiple water bowls around your home and refresh them daily. Consider a water fountain to encourage drinking, as many dogs prefer moving water.
2. Schedule regular bathroom breaks – Take your dog out every 4-6 hours to prevent urine from sitting in the bladder too long. The more frequently your dog urinates, the less time minerals have to crystallize.
3. Feed a high-quality, balanced diet – Choose dog food appropriate for your pet’s age, size, and health needs. Avoid foods with excessive minerals or low-quality fillers that can contribute to stone formation.
4. Monitor your dog’s urine – Watch for changes in color, frequency, or your dog’s behavior while urinating. Early detection of problems can prevent stones from developing or growing larger.
5. Maintain regular veterinary checkups – Annual or bi-annual urine tests can detect crystal formation before stones develop. Your vet can recommend dietary changes or medications if needed.
6. Consider prescription diets if recommended – Dogs with a history of bladder stones often benefit from therapeutic diets. These foods are formulated to maintain proper urine pH and mineral balance.
7. Treat urinary tract infections promptly – If your dog shows signs of a UTI, seek veterinary care immediately. Quick treatment prevents the infection from creating conditions favorable for stone formation.
8. Keep your dog at a healthy weight – Overweight dogs are more prone to various health issues, including bladder stones. Regular exercise also encourages frequent urination and water consumption.

5 Risks of Bladder Stones in Dogs

Complete Urinary Blockage

The most dangerous complication occurs when bladder stones in dogs block their ability to urinate completely. This life-threatening emergency happens when stones lodge in the urethra, preventing any urine from passing through. Male dogs face higher risk due to their narrower urethras. Without immediate treatment, toxins build up in the bloodstream within 24-48 hours, potentially causing kidney failure or death.

Chronic Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder stones in dogs create rough surfaces where bacteria love to hide and multiply. These persistent infections don’t respond well to antibiotics because the bacteria shelter within tiny crevices in the stones. Your dog might seem to improve with medication, only to have symptoms return once treatment stops. This ongoing cycle of infection causes inflammation, pain, and can eventually damage the bladder walls.

Bladder Wall Damage and Scarring

As bladder stones in dogs rub against the delicate bladder lining, they cause irritation, inflammation, and bleeding. Over time, this constant friction leads to thickening and scarring of the bladder walls. The damaged tissue becomes less flexible, reducing your dog’s bladder capacity and causing frequent urination. In severe cases, stones can actually puncture through the bladder wall, leading to a medical emergency.

Kidney Damage

When bladder stones in dogs interfere with normal urine flow, pressure backs up into the kidneys. This condition, called hydronephrosis, gradually damages the delicate kidney tissues responsible for filtering waste from your dog’s blood. Early kidney damage might not show obvious symptoms, but blood tests reveal declining kidney function. If both kidneys become affected, your dog could develop chronic kidney disease. Unfortunately, kidney damage is often irreversible, making early detection and treatment of bladder stones in dogs crucial.

Chronic Pain and Reduced Quality of Life

Living with bladder stones means your dog experiences ongoing discomfort that affects every aspect of their daily life. Simple activities like playing, walking, or even sleeping become difficult when every bathroom break causes pain. Dogs may become irritable, lose their appetite, or withdraw from family activities they once enjoyed. This constant stress weakens their immune system, making them vulnerable to other health problems.

Can bladder stones in dogs be treated?

Yes, bladder stones in dogs can definitely be treated, and most dogs make a full recovery with proper veterinary care. Treatment options range from dietary dissolution for certain stone types to surgical removal for more stubborn cases. Your veterinarian will determine the best approach based on the stone’s size, type, and location, as well as your dog’s overall health. The key is catching the problem early, the sooner you seek treatment, the better the outcome and the lower the risk of complications.

How are bladder stones in dogs treated?

1. Diagnostic imaging and stone analysis – Your veterinarian will perform X-rays or an ultrasound to visualize the stones and assess their size and location. Urinalysis and stone composition testing guide the treatment approach by identifying the specific mineral type.
2. Dietary dissolution therapy – Struvite stones can often be dissolved through prescription therapeutic diets that modify urine pH. This non-invasive treatment typically requires 2-3 months but eliminates the need for surgical intervention in appropriate cases.
3. Surgical removal (cystotomy) – Calcium oxalate stones and large obstructive stones require surgical extraction. This procedure involves opening the bladder to remove all stones, providing immediate relief and allowing for comprehensive stone analysis.
4. Urohydropropulsion for small stones – Stones smaller than 5mm may be flushed from the bladder using catheter-guided saline irrigation. This minimally invasive technique effectively removes small stones without surgical intervention.
5. Lithotripsy in specialized facilities – Select veterinary centers offer extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to fragment stones non-invasively. While not universally available, this technology provides an alternative to surgery for specific stone types.
6. Antimicrobial therapy – Concurrent urinary tract infections require appropriate antibiotic treatment based on culture and sensitivity results. Eliminating bacterial infections is essential for preventing struvite stone recurrence.
7. Long-term management protocols – Post-treatment care includes therapeutic diets, increased water consumption, and regular monitoring. Most dogs with bladder stones require lifelong dietary management to prevent recurrence.
8. Routine follow-up monitoring – Schedule veterinary examinations every 3-6 months for urinalysis and imaging studies. Early detection of crystal formation or stone recurrence allows for prompt intervention and prevents complications.

Conclusion

Bladder stones in dogs develop from multiple factors working together; diet, hydration, genetics, and infections all play important roles. By understanding these causes and taking preventive steps, you can significantly reduce your dog’s risk of developing these painful formations.

Don’t let bladder stones compromise your pet’s quality of life. Schedule an appointment with AZ Vet Direct for comprehensive urinary health screening and personalized prevention strategies. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more expert pet health tips and updates on keeping your furry family members healthy and happy.