What Causes Kidney Stones in Dogs?

Kidney stones can appear in middle-aged dogs and can be associated with heredity, the particular breed, and diet. Female dogs are slightly more likely to develop kidney stones than males.

Features

Symptoms of kidney stones include frequent urination with only a small amount of urine being dispelled. Blood in the urine is also a symptom.

Causes

Kidney stones in dogs are not common and some breeds are more susceptible to their development. Miniature Schnauzers and Dalmatians are the breeds that seem to be diagnosed with kidney stones the most.

Significance

Dalmatians have a gene that is responsible for creating high levels of uric acid, which causes them to be more susceptible to developing kidney stones, reported the American Veterinarian Medical Association in 2009.

Considerations

Grain-free dog food with moderate levels of protein can help to stop the formation of kidney stones in the first place.

Warning

When a dog displays any of the symptoms of possible kidney stones regardless of their breed, it needs to be examined thoroughly by a veterinarian so that treatment may begin.

References

• The Dog Health Guide
• Kidney Stones in Dogs
• Grain-Free Dog Food

Resources

• American Veterinary Medical Association