When dogs experience urinary health issues, it usually means there is something amiss with how they urinate. Sometimes this means their urinary tract is infected and requires medication or antibiotics; other times there may be conditions causing stones to form which need dissolving through diet changes or medication; but in rare instances stones cannot be dislodged completely and must be surgically extracted instead.
Change your dog’s diet is key to improving urinary health. Choose foods rich in antioxidants and avoid starchy carbohydrates; this will strengthen their immune system so it can better fight infections both inside and outside their urinary tract.
Foods rich in dietary fiber also promote good urinary health. Fiber helps prevent UTIs by keeping bowels moving regularly and flushing away waste and toxins; additionally, this type of food may prevent diarrhea – one of the main causes of urinary tract infections in canines.
Cranberry juice or extract supplements may also help. Other helpful ingredients include nettle, horsetail, marshmallow herb and Echinacea which have all been proven to reduce inflammation caused by urinary tract infections.
If your dog has a urinary tract infection, it’s essential that it’s addressed quickly in order to limit bacteria spread and relieve their discomfort. You should also make sure he or she gets plenty of fluids in order to dilute urine production and decrease bladder stone risk.
Some bladder stones can be dissolvable with special food; others, however, cannot and must be surgically extracted by your vet. Your veterinarian can advise on which is the most suitable approach depending on the specifics of your dog’s case.
Diets designed to reduce urinary tract infections typically include foods with a low calcium content to limit mineral excretion from urine, high levels of protein to limit calcium build-up in the urinary tract, and moderate sodium levels to help balance pH balance in urine. Such diets may be found both as dry kibble and wet canned food products; some require a veterinarian’s prescription prior to purchase.
Hill’s Prescription Diet for Urinary Care is a high-protein diet packed with the right mix of minerals that helps prevent struvite crystal formation in the kidney and urinary tract, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to strengthen immunity and build immunity. Ideal for small breeds such as toy breeds. Other foods specifically tailored towards urinary health include Royal Canin Urinary SO, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Urinary Urinary, and Rayne Clinical Nutrition Adult Health-RSS.
