If your dog has suffered from kidney stones - painful mineral deposits often excreted with urine - you understand how scary and unpleasant the ordeal can be. As a loving pet owner, you will want to do everything in your power to make sure that the condition does not come back. Fortunately, you can reduce the likelihood of recurrence simply by meeting a few specific needs and making some slight adjustments to your dog's dietary habits.
Things You'll Need
- Salt
- Water
- Commercially prepared dog food
Instructions
Feed your dog commercially prepared, meat-based dog food. Excess grain and vegetables can produce alkaline urine in dogs, which serves as a breeding ground for certain types of stones, according to Ron Hines DVM.
Avoid giving your dog table scraps. This will further impact the concentration of the dog's urine, increasing the likelihood that stones will develop.
Take your dog for frequent walks or allow him access to a yard or other area where he can urinate freely. Never force your dog to go more than four hours without urinating, as the buildup can lead to additional kidney stones.
Ensure that your dog has a constant supply of water. Never let her water bowl remain empty, and encourage her to drink as much as possible.
Add a quarter teaspoon of salt to each pint of water you give to your dog. This will naturally encourage him to drink more water, further reducing the likelihood of kidney-stone recurrence, according to Ron Hines DVM.
Make sure your dog gets regular exercise. A lack of exercise may contribute to kidney stones, according to the website Canine Kidney Stones and Allergic Dermatitis.