Dogs, just like people, can build up uric acid in their urinary tracts and suffer from urinary stones. These can be painful, difficult to pass and can lead to serious health complications. Due to a genetic anomaly, Dalmatians in particular, especially males, suffer a disproportionately high incidence of urinary stones, but it can happen to any breed. There are several things a dog owner can do to lower uric acid levels, make it easier for their dogs to pass clear urine and keep it that way.
Things You'll Need
- Veterinarian
- Chicken wings or necks
- Cheese
- Butter
- Eggs
- Whole-grain cereals such as corn
- Allopurinol prescription
- Water
Instructions
The simplest thing you can do for your dog to develop and maintain clear urine is to encourage it to drink lots of water. This helps the dog's liver and kidneys to convert uric acid to a compound called allantoin, which is easier to pass. Significant water consumption and frequent urination can help prevent the formation of urinary stones.
Change your dog's diet. Hill's makes a prescription diet designed to control the purines that cause uric acid build-up. Follow your veterinarian's instructions with this new diet.
Avoid high-protein foods like red meats, organ meats (heart, kidneys, liver), seafood, and anything containing yeast. Foods that are moderately high in proteins include pork, whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils, peas), and meat soups and broths.
For a homemade natural diet, you can include minced chicken wings, chicken necks, chicken backs, and turkey necks including the bones and skin. Dogs love to crunch their food. Use plenty of pureed leafy greens. Eggs, cheese, yogurt, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and peanut butter are all good. Add a cup of water to your dog's mixture if your dog will eat it that way. Supplement with a vitamin B complex, Vitamin E, and cod liver oil.
Your veterinarian may prescribe a medicine called allopurinol to lower your dog's uric acid level. Follow your vet's instructions exactly.