Bladder stones are unpleasant. These mineral clumps form in urine and cause a lot of discomfort. Here’s what you need to know about them.
Causes
Here are the common causes of canine bladder stones:
1. Diabetes
Dogs with endocrine conditions of any kind, including diabetes, are at higher risk of developing urinary tract infections regularly – and these can lead to bladder stones.
2. Medication
Certain medications can change the pH of a dog’s urine, leading to more calcium. Long-term medications are typically to blame.
3. pH Changes
If the urine of your dog’s blood is lower than 5.5 and higher than 7, there is a pH imbalance that shouldn’t be happening – and this can cause bladder stones.
4. Diet
A dog needs a balanced diet with sufficient minerals and vitamins, which occasionally cannot be found in normal kibble. A lack of or excess of these nutrients can cause bladder stones.
Home Remedies
If your dog has bladder stones, you should see a vet. But after you have the all-clear, you may want to use remedies at home to help reduce the issue. Here are 7 home remedies for bladder stones:
- Apple cider vinegar, preferably organic, raw, and unfiltered, can balance pH levels.
- Mix a dog probiotic into your dog’s usual meals.
- Switch to a homemade diet so you can control your dog’s nutrition thoroughly.
- Add parsley to your dog’s meals or feed some to them directly. (Note that parsley is a diuretic!)
- Cranberry extract can prevent or treat UTIs.
- Make sure your dog drinks more water.
- Buy Rhubarb root from a Chinese medicinal shop and give some to your dog.
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