Urinary Stones in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

What are urinary stones in dogs?

Urinary stones (uroliths, urolithiasis) are mineral deposits that form in a dog’s urinary tract—the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. They develop when certain minerals in the urine become supersaturated and crystallize. The most common types of stones in dogs are struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate), calcium oxalate, urate, and cystine.

Urinary stones become clinically significant when they cause urinary obstruction, irritation of the mucous membranes, or infections. Urethral obstruction in male dogs is a medical emergency.

Background + Scientific Context

Lulich et al. (2016, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, PubMed 27507098) published the ACVIM consensus recommendations for the treatment and prevention of urinary stones: Treatment strategy depends on the type of stone—struvite stones can be dissolved non-surgically using a dissolution diet (low-phosphate and low-magnesium diet + urinary acidification). Calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved through diet alone—surgical or endoscopic removal is required. Genetic predisposition plays a key role in urate and cystine stones.

Bartges and Callens (2015, Veterinary Clinics of North America, PubMed 25732712) described the pathophysiology and diagnosis: Stone formation is multifactorial—diet, hydration, urine pH, infections, and genetics all interact. Ultrasound and X-rays are standard diagnostic tools; stone analysis (after removal) is essential for targeted therapy and prevention. Without stone analysis, dietary prevention is ineffective or counterproductive.

Houston et al. (2004, Canadian Veterinary Journal, PubMed 15108694) analyzed Canadian urolith submissions over several years: Struvite stones in female dogs (often associated with infection) and calcium oxalate stones in middle-aged male dogs predominate. Breed predispositions exist: Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frisés, and Lhasa Apsos for calcium oxalate; Dalmatians and English Bulldogs for urate stones.

Vitomalia-Position

Urinary stones are not a dietary problem that can be solved by simply drinking “more water”—they require a medical diagnosis. Without analyzing the stones and identifying their type, prevention is just a matter of guesswork. Anyone who fails to address the underlying cause of recurrent urinary stones is wasting their time on ineffective diets.

When do urinary stones become a concern in dogs?

• If you experience any of the following symptoms: blood in the urine, pain when urinating, frequent urge to urinate without being able to do so
• For male dogs with urinary obstruction: medical emergency—see a veterinarian immediately
• For breeds with a known predisposition (Dalmatians, Miniature Schnauzers, English Bulldogs)
• For recurrent urinary tract infections: Rule out kidney stones as the cause
• After surgical stone removal: dietary measures to prevent recurrence

Practical application

Common Types of Bladder Stones in Dogs — Overview:

Management: 1. Diagnosis: Ultrasound + X-ray for localization 2. Stone removal: Dissolving diet (struvite), cystoscopy, urethrotomy, or cystotomy 3. Stone analysis: essential for prevention 4. Prevention of recurrence: a diet tailored to the type of stone, increased water intake, and regular checkups

Common Mistakes & Myths

• “Drinking more water helps prevent all types of kidney stones.” Increasing your water intake lowers the concentration of minerals and is a useful preventive measure—but it is not a treatment for existing stones.
• “A kidney diet is sufficient for prevention.” Without a stone analysis, the correct diet cannot be determined. A struvite diet can promote the formation of calcium oxalate stones, and vice versa.
• “Urinary stones only in older dogs.” Stone formation can occur at any age. Genetic forms (urate in Dalmatians, cystine in Newfoundlands) often appear at a young age.

State of the Art in 2026

Endoscopic stone removal (urethroscopy, cystoscopy) has expanded the range of minimally invasive options. Laser lithotripsy for calcium oxalate stones is available at specialized clinics. Genetic testing for dogs with a predisposition (e.g., the SLC2A9 mutation in Dalmatians for urate stones) enables targeted early prevention. Commercial dissolution diets for struvite are well standardized.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my dog has urinary stones?

Common signs: blood in the urine, difficulty or pain when urinating, frequent urination of small amounts, licking of the genital area, restlessness. Urethral obstruction in male dogs (inability to urinate despite a strong urge): immediate emergency. Diagnosis via ultrasound and X-ray at the veterinarian’s office.

Can I prevent urinary stones in dogs?

Prevention depends on the type of stone—which is why stone analysis is important after every stone episode. Generally helpful measures include: high water intake (wet food, water fountains), a diet tailored to the specific type of stone, and regular urine tests for breeds at high risk. Without stone analysis, targeted prevention is not possible.

Do kidney stones always require surgery?

No. Struvite stones (infection-related) in dogs can often be dissolved using a special diet and antibiotics—without surgery. Calcium oxalate, cystine, and larger urate stones usually need to be removed endoscopically or surgically. Small stones can sometimes pass on their own.

Related terms

• Urinary tract infection in dogs
• Urinary tract infection in dogs
• Kidney Disease in Dogs
• Dietary food for dogs
• Dog Nutrition

Sources & Further Reading

1. Lulich, J. P., Berent, A. C., Adams, L. G., Westropp, J. L., Bartges, J. W., & Osborne, C. A. (2016). ACVIM Small Animal Consensus Recommendations on the Treatment and Prevention of Uroliths in Dogs and Cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 30(5), 1564–1574. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27507098/

2. Bartges, J. W., & Callens, A. J. (2015). Urolithiasis. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 45(4), 747–768. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25732712/

3. Houston, D. M., Moore, A. E. P., Favrin, M. G., & Hoff, B. (2004). Canine urolithiasis: a look at over 16 000 urolith submissions to the Canadian Veterinary Urolith Centre from February 1998 to April 2003. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 45(3), 225–230. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15108694/