How to Recognize and Treat Bladder Stones in Dogs

Bladder stones (uroliths) commonly cause blood, straining, and frequent urination in dogs. Learn causes, how vets diagnose and treat them, and steps to reduce recurrence.

Is This an Emergency?

Yes — sometimes. Bladder stones range from a nuisance to a life-threatening problem depending on signs.

Seek immediate emergency veterinary care if your dog is:

• Straining to urinate but producing little or no urine (possible urinary obstruction) — this is an emergency.
• Repeatedly trying and failing to urinate, crying out in pain, collapsing, vomiting, very weak or pale-gummed.
• Showing severe lethargy, fever, or persistent vomiting.

Important note: male cat urinary blockage is a life-threatening emergency (can become fatal within 24–48 hours). If you have a cat showing signs of blockage, go to emergency care now. This article focuses on dogs, but that cat warning must be emphasized.

(References: Merck Veterinary Manual; ACVIM guidelines)

What Are Bladder Stones (Uroliths)?

Bladder stones are mineral deposits that form in the urinary bladder. They vary by mineral type, size, number and whether they are associated with infection. The two most common types in dogs are struvite and calcium oxalate.

Common Causes (ranked by likelihood)

(References: Merck Veterinary Manual)

Which Breeds Are Predisposed?

• Dalmatians and English Bulldogs — higher risk for urate stones.
• Miniature Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers, Bichons — more prone to calcium oxalate and struvite stones.
• Newfoundlands, Dachshunds — can have cystine stones due to inherited defects.

What to Observe (information to gather before calling the vet)

Gathering clear observations helps your vet triage and plan diagnostics. Note:

• Exact signs: straining, frequency, accidents, blood in urine, licking genital area, crying while urinating.
• Urine output: amount produced, presence of any urine when straining, color (pink/red/brown), odor.
• Duration and progression: when signs began and whether they are getting worse.
• Behavior and appetite: activity level, eating/drinking, vomiting, lethargy.
• Recent history: previous UTIs or stones, medications, diet changes, water intake, breeding status.
• Breed, age, sex (intact vs neutered), and any known medical conditions.

Home Monitoring — what owners can safely do while waiting

Do:

• Monitor closely for signs of worsening: inability to urinate, repeated straining with no urine, collapse, vomiting.
• Offer fresh water and encourage drinking; wet food can increase water intake.
• Keep your dog calm and comfortable; restrict vigorous activity.
• Collect a fresh urine sample if your veterinarian asks for one (voided sample collected in a clean container is usually acceptable).
• Record frequency, times, and characteristics of urination and any other symptoms to report.

• Attempt to manipulate or remove stones yourself.
• Give any prescription medication, antibiotics, or urinary alkalinizers/acidifiers without veterinary instruction.
• Force fluids via syringe unless specifically instructed by your vet.

Veterinary Diagnosis — what tests to expect

A veterinarian will usually perform a stepwise workup:

Accurate stone identification (stone analysis plus culture) is key to choosing the correct treatment and prevention plan. (References: Merck Veterinary Manual)

Treatment Options — overview and how they differ by stone type

Treatment depends on the stone type, size, number, clinical signs and whether infection or obstruction is present.

• Struvite stones

• Calcium oxalate stones

• Urate stones

• Cystine stones

• Obstruction

Recovery: After surgical removal (cystotomy), dogs typically need pain control, antibiotics if infection was present, activity restriction and rechecks with urinalysis and imaging. Discuss hospitalization time and expected recovery with your vet.

(References: Merck Veterinary Manual; ACVIM recommendations on urinary infection management)

Prevention — how to reduce risk of recurrence

• Identify the stone type through analysis — prevention is stone-specific.
• Diet

• Increase water intake

• Manage urinary tract infections promptly

• Regular monitoring

• Breed-specific strategies

• Weight management and overall health

Red Flags — Seek Emergency Care Now

• Straining with little or no urine produced.
• Repeated attempts to urinate without success.
• Collapse, severe weakness, pale gums, difficulty breathing.
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep water/food down.
• Sudden severe abdominal pain or distended bladder on palpation.

Key Takeaways

• Bladder stones are common and range from easily managed to life-threatening if they cause obstruction.
• Struvite and calcium oxalate are the most common stones; struvite often forms with infection and can sometimes be dissolved medically, whereas calcium oxalate usually requires removal.
• Collect observations and a fresh urine sample, contact your vet promptly, and avoid home treatments or antibiotics without veterinary guidance.
• Prevention hinges on identifying stone composition, dietary management, treating UTIs, and encouraging water intake.
• Male cats with urinary blockage are a separate, immediate emergency — seek emergency care within 24–48 hours.

(Primary references: Merck Veterinary Manual; American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine [ACVIM])

Frequently Asked Questions