How to Prevent Struvite Crystals

Struvite crystals start out as an uncomfortable annoyance for your pet, but can grow into a serious problem that might require surgery. Causes of struvite buildup are obesity, dehydration and poor diet. You can take steps to prevent your dog or cat from having problems from struvite crystals. Struvite buildup in your pet is the equivalent of bladder or kidney stones in humans. These can be painful and, if the underlying cause is not addressed, can develop into more serious conditions.

Things You'll Need

  • Water bowls
  • Pet food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Notice if your pet has any symptoms of struvite buildup. These may include straining while urinating, blood in the urine, loss of appetite, lethargy or pain when being petted or lifted. If any of these occur, consult your veterinarian.

    • 2

      Make sure that your pet has a diet rich in protein. Some cheaper pet foods have high carbohydrates and very little protein. Read the labels before buying food for your pet. However, do not feed your pet only protein because this can make the pH level too low.

    • 3

      Keep litter boxes clean and walk your dog in areas not used frequently by other dogs, if possible.

    • 4

      Ensure that your pet is drinking fresh clean water changed daily. Clean water will help flush out mineral buildup in your pet and flushes out the urinary system.

    • 5

      Give your pets the chance to run around each day and climb. If they are indoor cats, make sure they have a place they can exercise, jump and run. Walk dogs at least twice a day and make sure it is a brisk walk for at least the distance of a city block.

    • 6

      Monitor your pet̵7;s weight. Obesity is not just the leading cause of struvite buildup; it can cause a variety of other illnesses throughout your pet̵7;s life. This will ultimately cause your pet̵7;s life to be shortened. So avoid giving your pet too many table scraps and never sweets.

    • 7

      Take your pet to the veterinarian for regular checkups and make sure that a full blood workup and urinary screening is part of that checkup.