Calcium oxalate stones, or uroliths, form in your dog's urinary tract and will produce symptoms depending on their size, number and location. These stones most frequently affect middle-aged dogs, but can strike at any age.
Dogs with only a few small calcium oxalate stones may not have any symptoms. While the cause of these stones is seldom uncovered, one of the widely suspected causes is a diet high in calcium and protein.
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Dietary Changes
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Start your dog on wet food if he has been eating kibble. The water content of the canned food will dilute his urine, says UC Davis' Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. This is the primary way of lowering the stone-forming compounds in his urine. If he's already eating wet food, simply add water to it.
Adding salt to your dog's food will make him thirsty, but do it only with your veterinarian's approval. Too much sodium can be a problem for a dog with existing kidney, liver or heart disease. Putting a few drops of meat flavoring in his water will also entice him to drink more.
Reduce the amount of calcium and oxalate your dog is getting. This means no dairy foods like milk and cheese. Reduce his calcium intake slowly, though, because as his calcium level drops his oxalate level will rise.
High oxalate foods include commercial dog treats. Replace doggie's customary treats and calcium-based foods with cooked chicken or turkey; eggs; potatoes, pasta or rice; cabbage, cauliflower or peas; and banana or melon. Limit the chicken, turkey and eggs, however, because high amounts of protein will acidify your dog's urine.
Urine that is more alkaline will discourage the growth of stones, says the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine. Opt for a commercial diet for dogs with kidney problems or one formulated to limit your dog's urinary salts. Your veterinarian will recommend the best therapeutic diet.
If you've been supplementing your dog's diet with Vitamin C or D, stop. Vitamin C promotes oxalic acid formation, and vitamin D increases doggie's intestinal calcium absorption.
You may be tempted to prepare a homemade diet for your dog. Dr. Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, of Veterinarypartner.com says that except for changing your dog's treats, home-prepared foods usually won't prevent calcium oxalate stones. If you want to try, consult a veterinary nutritionist.
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