Kidney stones (nephroliths) in dogs and cats are rare and usually cause no symptoms. Complications such as infections and urinary obstructions can potentially put kidney health at risk. When symptoms are present, they can include frequent urination, abdominal pain, blood in urine, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you have a dog or a cat, read on to learn:
Not all kidney stones require veterinary care. The treatment for kidney stones in cats and dogs will vary depending on the location and size of the stones, the type of stones, and if there is an infection or obstruction present. Struvite and calcium oxalate stones are the most common nephroliths in dogs and cats. Struvites can sometimes be dissolved with a special diet, but calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved and require different treatment methods.
As a dog owner seeing your furry friend in pain is heart-wrenching. When your pup starts showing signs of discomfort while peeing or has blood in their urine kidney stones might be the culprit. One of the most common questions we get at our pet health blog is can dogs pass kidney stones naturally? The short answer is yes, sometimes they can – but it’s not always that simple.
I’ve seen my fair share of doggy kidney problems over the years, and trust me, understanding this condition can make all the difference for your four-legged companion. So let’s dive into everything you need to know about kidney stones in dogs and whether they can pass them without medical intervention.
What Are Kidney Stones in Dogs?
Kidney stones (renal calculi) are hard mineral deposits that form in your dog’s kidneys. These pesky little stones vary in size and composition, with the most common types being calcium oxalate and struvite stones.
The formation of these stones can happen due to several factors:
- Diet (especially those high in certain minerals)
- Genetics
- Inadequate hydration
- Underlying medical conditions
- Urinary tract infections
Unlike humans who can verbalize their pain, our furry friends can’t tell us when something’s wrong. That’s why it’s super important to recognize the symptoms early on.
Can Dogs Pass Kidney Stones Naturally?
Yes, dogs can sometimes pass small kidney stones on their own. Just like in humans, smaller stones may travel through the ureters (the tubes connecting kidneys to the bladder) and be eliminated through urination.
According to veterinary experts at PetMD, small kidney stones in dogs can pass through into the urine without requiring treatment. Your dog might experience mild discomfort during this process, showing signs like:
- Restlessness
- Frequently trying to urinate
- General uneasiness
But here’s the catch – not all stones can pass naturally. Larger stones or multiple stones often require medical intervention, sometimes even surgery. That’s why it’s crucial to get your pup to the vet if you suspect kidney stones.
5 Common Symptoms of Dog Kidney Stones
Knowing the signs of kidney stones can help you catch them early. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for:
1. Frequent Urination and Changes in Urine
If your pup is suddenly asking to go outside more often or having accidents indoors, this could be a sign You might also notice changes in their urine – it might look cloudy, have a strong smell, or appear different than usual
2. Painful Urination or Difficulty Urinating
Does your dog whine or yelp while trying to pee? Maybe they strain or seem unable to go despite trying repeatedly? These are classic signs of kidney stones causing discomfort during urination.
3. Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
This is a major red flag! If you notice pink, red, or brown discoloration in your dog’s urine, get them to a vet ASAP. Bloody urine can indicate kidney stones that are scratching the urinary tract as they move.
4. Lethargy and Decreased Activity
Is your usually energetic pooch suddenly acting like a couch potato? Kidney stones can cause pain that makes dogs less interested in their normal activities. If Fido isn’t excited about walks or playtime anymore, something might be wrong.
5. Changes in Appetite and Weight Loss
Kidney stones can make dogs feel nauseous or uncomfortable, leading to decreased appetite. You might notice your dog eating less or losing weight despite no changes in their diet.
Diagnosing Kidney Stones in Dogs
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to visit your vet. They’ll likely perform several tests to confirm a diagnosis:
- Blood work to check kidney function and look for signs of infection
- Urinalysis to check for crystals, bacteria, or unusual pH levels
- X-rays to spot stones (they appear as bright white areas)
- Ultrasound to get a detailed look at the kidneys and stones
Treatment Options for Dog Kidney Stones
Treatment depends on the size, number, and location of the stones. Here are the common approaches:
Conservative Management
For small stones that might pass naturally, your vet may recommend:
- Increased water intake
- Special diets
- Medications to help dissolve the stones
- Pain management
Surgical Intervention
For larger stones or when conservative methods aren’t working, surgical options include:
- Traditional surgery to remove the stones
- Lithotripsy (using sound waves to break up stones)
- Minimally invasive procedures
According to PetMD, the cost for surgery to remove kidney stones varies depending on location, but pet parents can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Yikes!
20 Home Remedies for Dog Kidney Stones
While medical treatment is often necessary, there are some home remedies that may help with small stones or prevent new ones from forming. Always check with your vet before trying these:
1. Hydration is Key
Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. The more they drink, the more diluted their urine becomes, which can help small stones pass.
2. Dietary Changes
Avoid low-quality dog foods that contain excessive minerals. Look for foods specifically formulated for urinary health.
3. Avoid People Food
Most human food isn’t great for dogs and can contribute to kidney stones. As much as those puppy eyes beg, resist giving them your leftovers!
4. Wet Dog Food
Adding wet dog food to their diet increases moisture intake, which helps prevent stone formation.
5. Exercise
Regular exercise keeps everything moving, including potential kidney stones. Plus, active dogs tend to drink more water.
6. Vitamin C Supplements
Some vets recommend vitamin C to help break down certain types of stones. But NEVER give human supplements without veterinary approval.
7. Avoid Fish Oil
Surprisingly, fish oil can actually make kidney stones worse in some cases, so avoid it unless specifically recommended by your vet.
8. Cranberry Supplements
Products like VetClassics Cranberry Comfort can help normalize urine pH, creating an environment less favorable for stone formation.
9. Probiotics
Foods like plain Greek yogurt (in small amounts) can provide healthy probiotics that support urinary tract health.
10. Turmeric
This spice has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling associated with kidney stones. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog’s weight mixed into their food.
Prevention of Kidney Stones in Dogs
The best treatment is prevention! Here’s how to reduce the risk of kidney stones:
- Regular vet check-ups to catch potential issues early
- Keep them hydrated with fresh, clean water always available
- Feed a balanced diet appropriate for your dog’s specific needs
- Consider urinary supplements if your dog is prone to stones
- Maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise
When to Call Your Veterinarian
Don’t wait to seek veterinary care if you notice:
- Blood in the urine
- Excessive straining to urinate
- Complete inability to urinate (THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!)
- Severe lethargy or collapse
- Vomiting or extreme discomfort
Remember, kidney stones can be life-threatening if they completely block the urinary tract. If your dog can’t pee at all, this is a true emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention!
Final Thoughts
So, can dogs pass kidney stones? Yes, they can, but it depends on the size and number of stones. Small stones might pass naturally with the right support, while larger ones typically require veterinary intervention.
The most important thing we can do as pet parents is stay vigilant about our dog’s urinary habits and overall wellbeing. Early detection and treatment of kidney stones gives our furry friends the best chance at a quick recovery.
I remember when my neighbor’s Pomeranian, Coco, had kidney stones last year. The poor thing was in such discomfort until they got her proper treatment. Now they’re super careful about her diet and make sure she drinks plenty of water. Preventive measures really do make all the difference!
Have you dealt with kidney stones in your dog? What treatments worked best for your furry friend? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any treatment regimen for your pet.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones, or nephroliths, are clumps of minerals that form rocklike formations in the kidneys large enough to see with the naked eye. Minerals can separate out of urine under specific conditions. These minerals cluster together over time to form microscopic crystals and larger stones, more commonly in the lower urinary tract. There are many contributing factors for stone formation in dogs and cats, such as:
- pH of urine
- Nutritional factors
- Urinary tract infection
- Urine concentration
- Individual metabolic abnormalities
- Genetics
Some kidney stones are small enough to easily pass through the urinary tract, while others stay in the kidneys without affecting an animal’s health. Stones can become lodged in the ureters, the small tubes that transfer urine from the kidneys to the bladder, and cause a urinary blockage. Urinary blockages stop the normal flow of urine through the urinary tract and quickly lead to kidney damage.
Clinical signs of kidney stones in cats and dogs
Symptoms of kidney stones in dogs and cats vary depending on size, location, number of stones in the kidneys, and the presence of infection or ureteral obstruction. Urinary stones in the kidneys are usually asymptomatic unless the kidneys become irritated and inflamed or stones get lodged in a ureter and block the flow of urine. Many stones in the kidneys are incidental findings, meaning they are not causing symptoms and are discovered unintentionally when a vet is testing for something else. Urinary tract stones can almost always be seen on abdominal radiographs and ultrasounds.
If a dog or a cat has kidney stones, their symptoms may include:
Struvite kidney stones are more likely to form when there is a bacterial infection that alters the pH of the urine. A bacterial kidney infection (pyelonephritis) often causes appetite loss, vomiting, and pain in the abdomen. In addition, stones can damage the lining of the urinary tract and lead to urinary tract infections. Stones that become lodged in the ureters often cause significant abdominal or back pain. When a ureter is blocked, urine backs up in the connected kidney, leading to kidney damage. Signs of kidney dysfunction are generally not obvious until at least two-thirds of the kidney is destroyed. As a result, clinical signs of a ureteral obstruction may not be seen until:
- Both ureters are obstructed
- The patient has chronic kidney disease
- A kidney infection develops
If only one ureter is blocked, there may not be any detectable symptoms as the other kidney could be working properly.
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FAQ
How do I know if my dog has a kidney stone?
Signs and symptoms manifested during the kidney stones condition in a pet include kidney colic signalled by abdominal pain, discomfort and even vomiting, kidney damage, blood in urine, increased or decreased urination, fever, inappetence, weight loss, inability to urinate, straining while urinating.
How do I help my dog pass a kidney stone?
If kidney stones are causing pain, recurrent infections, or kidney damage, surgical removal may be necessary, which can be performed by a surgeon. Alternatively, placing the dog on a prescription diet (such as Hill’s C/D or S/D) may help dissolve the stones naturally.
How do you know if a kidney stone has passed out?
You can tell you’ve passed a kidney stone when the intense, wave-like pain (renal colic) suddenly subsides, especially after feeling a strong urge to urinate. You might then have the sensation of “pushing” the stone out, followed by immediate relief, even with potential sharp pain during the final expulsion. Observing your urine for blood or debris and confirming the stone’s passage with a doctor are the best ways to be sure.
Can dogs pee out stones?