Causes and Prevention of Canine Urinary Tract Stones

UrinaryQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Canine urinary stones are a condition caused by the accumulation of minerals in the urine. We have compiled the causes and symptoms for each type of stone, as well as dietary and hydration management strategies for prevention, based on veterinary textbooks.

Canine Urinary Tract Stones: Why Do They Form and How Can They Be Prevented?

An illustration of a puppy sitting next to a water bowl

Canine urinary tract stones are a urological condition in which mineral components become supersaturated and crystallize, forming stones anywhere along the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Depending on the stone's location, clinical signs can vary and may include hematuria (blood in the urine), frequent urination, and difficulty urinating. The main causes are insufficient water intake, specific dietary factors, and urinary tract infections. However, these stones can be largely prevented through adequate hydration and proper dietary management.

Why Do Urinary Tract Stones Form?

According to veterinary internal medicine textbooks, urinary tract stones result from a combination of several factors.

Insufficient water intake: When pets don’t drink enough water, their urine becomes concentrated, making it easier for minerals to crystallize.

Urinary tract infections: Struvite stones, in particular, are closely linked to urinary tract infections. Bacteria that produce urease can make the urine more alkaline, creating an environment where stones form more easily.

Dietary factors: Foods that are high in minerals or lack proper balance can increase the risk of stone formation.

Genetic predisposition: Certain breeds are more prone to developing stones due to metabolic abnormalities.

Comparison of Characteristics by Stone Type

Dog urinary tract stones are broadly categorized into four types based on their composition, according to standard veterinary internal medicine textbooks.

Type	Common Age Range	Sex Predilection	Primary Cause
Struvite	1–8 years	>80% in females	Urinary tract infection
Calcium oxalate	5–12 years	More common in males	Metabolic disorders, hypercalciuria
Urate	1–4 years	More common in males	Genetic metabolic disorder
Cystine	Varies by source	More common in males	Amino acid metabolism disorder

Suspect Urinary Tract Stones If You Notice These Symptoms

These are the hallmark signs of urinary tract stones. If you notice even one of these symptoms, please have your pet examined by a veterinarian.

Frequent urination: Your pet passes small amounts of urine frequently, with a noticeable increase in the number of times they urinate compared to their usual routine.

Hematuria: Blood is present in the urine. If you see pink or red-tinged urine, be sure to have it checked.

Pain during urination: Your pet may whine, groan, or cry out in pain while trying to urinate.

Accidental urination: A previously house-trained pet suddenly starts having accidents indoors.

Excessive licking of the genital area: Due to discomfort, your pet repeatedly licks around their genitals.

Illustration of a puppy showing signs of discomfort while urinating

Inability to Urinate at All Is an Emergency

If a stone completely blocks the urethra, urine will not pass at all. If your pet assumes a urination posture but produces no urine, shows severe pain when the abdomen is touched, or experiences vomiting and lethargy, seek veterinary care immediately. Urethral obstruction is a life-threatening emergency that can lead to acute kidney failure and electrolyte imbalances. Without prompt treatment, the condition can deteriorate rapidly, so do not delay. Male pets are at higher risk of obstruction due to their narrower urethral diameter.

How Are Diagnosis and Treatment Performed?

Veterinarians diagnose urinary tract stones through urinalysis, X-rays, and ultrasound. The presence of crystals in a urinalysis is a strong indicator of a high risk for stone formation. Treatment depends on the type of stone.

Dietary Dissolution: Struvite stones can often be dissolved using prescription diets and antibiotic therapy. Veterinary internal medicine textbooks also recommend dietary dissolution for infectious struvite stones.

Surgical Removal: Stones that cannot be dissolved through diet, such as calcium oxalate and cystine stones, require surgical removal.

Emergency Care: If a urethral obstruction is present, a catheter must be inserted immediately to allow urine to drain.

Illustration of a puppy undergoing an ultrasound examination by a veterinarian

Lifestyle Management for Prevention

Urinary tract stones are a condition with a high risk of recurrence. Here are the key management strategies for prevention and avoiding relapse.

Adequate water intake: This is the most important preventive measure. Placing multiple water bowls around the house and mixing in wet food can naturally increase your pet’s water consumption.

Maintaining a prescription diet: If your pet has a history of stones, your veterinarian will recommend a prescription diet tailored to the specific type of stone. Do not switch back to regular food without consulting your vet.

Regular urinalysis: By consulting with your veterinarian for periodic urinalysis, you can detect the early formation of new crystals.

Sufficient opportunities to urinate: The longer urine remains in the bladder, the more concentrated it becomes, increasing the likelihood of stone formation. Provide ample opportunities for urination through regular walks.

Illustration of a healthy puppy drinking water

Certain Breeds Are More Prone

According to veterinary internal medicine textbooks, urinary tract stones are more common in certain breeds.

Struvite stones: These are frequently seen in Miniature Schnauzers, Miniature Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Cocker Spaniels.

Calcium oxalate stones: These are common in Miniature Schnauzers, Lhasa Apsos, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises.

Urate stones: Dalmatians have a genetic abnormality in uric acid metabolism, putting them at very high risk for urate stones. They are also frequently seen in English Bulldogs.

If you own one of these breeds, we recommend regular urine testing even if your pet shows no symptoms.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dog urinary stones caused by their food?

While diet isn't the sole cause, food with an imbalanced mineral profile can increase the risk of stone formation. If your pet has a history of stones, it's important to feed a prescription diet recommended by your veterinarian.

Once a pet develops urinary tract stones, can they recur?

This condition can recur. The risk of recurrence increases significantly if you don’t pay close attention to your pet’s diet and hydration. Regular urine tests are the best way to catch any issues early.

How can I encourage my dog, who doesn’t drink much water, to increase their water intake?

You can try mixing wet food into their diet or adding a little water to their dry kibble. Place multiple water bowls around the house, or if your pet prefers running water, consider using a pet water fountain.

Are urinary stones and cystitis different conditions?

Although they are distinct conditions, they are closely linked. Cystitis (a urinary tract infection) is a major cause of struvite stones, and conversely, the stones can irritate the bladder and trigger cystitis.

Is it possible to dissolve stones without surgery?

Struvite stones can often be dissolved with prescription diet and antibiotic treatment. However, calcium oxalate and cystine stones cannot be dissolved through diet and typically require surgery. Since treatment varies depending on the type of stone, a veterinary diagnosis is essential first.

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References

[1] Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat, 4th Ed — Chapter 13: Nephrology/Urology

[2] Notes on Canine Internal Medicine, 4th Ed — Urolithiasis

[3] Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 3rd Edition — Urinalysis and Urolithiasis

[4] Urinalysis in the Dog and Cat — Chapter 6, 8: Crystalluria and Uroliths