Bladder Stones in Dogs: Symptoms, Prevention, and More

What Are Bladder Stones in Dogs?

Bladder stones in dogs are small, hard deposits of mineral that form within the urinary bladder.

They begin as tiny crystals that combine and harden to form stones under the right conditions, such as when a dog has a urinary tract infection.

Dogs with bladder stones have changes in urination, may have blood in their urine, and experience pain and discomfort.

While bladder stones themselves are not always an emergency, they can potentially cause an obstruction and prevent urine from exiting the body, which can be life-threatening.

Small bladder stones may pass through the urine on their own, while larger ones may require surgery.

If your dog is showing any signs of urinary issues, it’s important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out bladder stones.

Symptoms of Bladder Stones in Dogs

Sometimes dogs don’t have any symptoms of bladder stones, and a veterinarian finds them incidentally when examining or performing tests on the dog for a different reason.

However, most of the time, dogs will show any of the following symptoms:

• Bloody urine

• Increased frequency of urination

• Passing small amounts of urine

• Straining to urinate

• Not passing urine at all

• Passing of small stones

• Lethargy

• Weight loss

• Fever

• Increased thirst

• Abdominal pain

Causes of Bladder Stones in Dogs

There are several reasons a dog may develop bladder stones, which include:

• Urinary tract infection: The most common reason a dog develops bladder stones is due to bladder infections. These alter the urine pH and make the formation of stones more likely.

• Dietary imbalance: Dogs who are fed diets high in magnesium, phosphorus, and protein are more likely to develop bladder stones.

• Low water intake: If dogs do not drink enough water, their urine becomes highly concentrated. Crystals can form in the urine and eventually lead to bladder stones.

• Underlying disease: Dogs who have underlying health conditions, such as Cushing’s disease, have increased risk of bladder stones.

• Abnormal urine pH: If a dog’s urine pH becomes more acidic or alkaline than it should be, bladder stones are more likely to form.

Dog breeds more likely to develop bladder stones include:

• Dalmatians

• Miniature Schnauzers

• Bulldogs

• Yorkshire Terriers

However, any dog has the potential to be diagnosed with bladder stones.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Bladder Stones in Dogs

To diagnose bladder stones in dogs, a veterinarian will start with a physical exam to identify any obvious abnormalities, such as abdominal pain, fever, or weight loss.

Sometimes, vets can feel bladder stones if the dog is thin or small in stature.

During the exam, pet parents should inform the veterinarian about when symptoms began, their dog’s diet, and any previously diagnosed health conditions.

If the veterinarian suspects the dog may have bladder stones, the following tests may be performed:

• Urinalysis: A small sample of the dog’s urine will be tested for crystals, abnormal pH, blood, and signs of infection.

• Blood work: The dog’s blood can be tested to check overall health and look for high levels of calcium, which could contribute to bladder stones.

• Ultrasound: During this non-invasive test, a veterinarian places gel and a probe on the lower abdomen where the bladder is located. Sound waves help visualize abnormalities in the bladder, such as crystals or stones.

• Radiograph (X-ray): Taking an X-ray of the dog’s bladder can show white circular objects if bladder stones are present. While most bladder stones do show up on X-rays, some are not visible, depending on their composition.

• Surgical exploration: If all other testing is inconclusive, sometimes a veterinarian will perform surgery to explore the bladder and find the underlying cause of the urinary symptoms.

Treatment of Bladder Stones in Dogs

Treatment for bladder stones in dogs depends on the amount and size of the stones present.

Your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your dog, which may include:

• Diet change: Dogs with bladder stones may need a special prescription urinary diet such as Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets UR Urinary Ox/St to dissolve them and prevent recurrence. These diets are low in minerals and protein.

• Cranberry supplements: These supplements are given to normalize urine pH levels to dissolve stones and prevent new ones from forming.  

• Catheterization: If a dog has only small bladder stones, a urinary catheter can be placed to flush the bladder with saline to encourage stones to exit.

• Lithotripsy: A laser is used to break large bladder stones into smaller pieces that can be flushed out of the bladder and passed through the urine.

• Cystotomy: Dogs with bladder stones may need surgery to manually remove them. This is common in dogs who have a large number of stones or very large ones that are unable to pass through the urine.

• Antibiotics: Many dogs with bladder stones have concurrent urinary tract infections and may need antibiotics, such as amoxicillin.

Recovery and Management of Bladder Stones in Dogs

Bladder stones in dogs are curable with the appropriate treatment. However, if the underlying cause is not addressed, they are likely to recur and require repeat treatment.

For dogs who have underlying urinary tract infections alongside bladder stones, antibiotics are usually needed for seven to 10 days.

Dogs who receive medical management to resolve their bladder stones—such as supplements or a diet change—typically need three months or longer for full resolution.

For most cases, surgery will be necessary to remove bladder stones, especially if there is a large number or the stone is too large to pass through the urine.

For dogs who have surgery, they will need to wear a cone and have exercise restrictions for 10 to 14 days following surgery.

Prevention of Bladder Stones in Dogs

The best way to stop bladder stones from forming in dogs is to ensure your pet receives regular preventative veterinary care.

During these visits, your veterinarian can test a sample of your pup's urine to check for abnormalities that may increase the risk of bladder stones. In doing so, the veterinarian can provide early treatment to prevent stone formation.

If a dog has previously had bladder stones, a recurrence can be prevented with a permanent diet change or daily supplements to promote urinary health.

Lastly, ensuring your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times to stay well-hydrated prevents highly concentrated urine that is susceptible to crystals and stones.