Canine Bladder Stones Natural Remedies
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Overview
Bladder stones cause a lot of discomfort and pain to dogs, not to mention urinary problems, such as dribbling urine, straining, and frequent urination.
If the stones are large enough, they can lead to blockage of the urethra and the dog cannot urinate at all.
The most common types of canine bladder stones are struvite bladder stones and calcium oxalate bladder stones.
Conventional treatment of bladder stones in dogs depends on the type, size, and location of the stones, and may involve feeding the dog a special diet or surgical removal of the stones.
Natural Home Remedies for Bladder Stones in Dogs
Natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathic remedies, and other supplements can be used to:
- assist the body to get rid of the stones
- moderate the urine pH
- reduce inflammation/infection
Herbs for Canine Bladder Stones
The herbs below are helpful for dogs with bladder stones:
- Marshmallow: The mucilaginous (lubricating) properties of marshmallow not only help to protect and soothe inflamed tissues in the urinary tract, but may also help with the passage of stones.
Marshmallow also has slight astringent and antimicrobial properties that can reduce inflammation and inhibit bacterial growth.
- Couchgrass Root: Couchgrass is an excellent urinary tract tonic, with disinfectant, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help eliminate kidney stones and crystals, and can be used where minor urinary bleeding is present.
- Uva Ursi: If there is significant bleeding but no inflammation of the kidney, this herb is effective. It contains a high percentage of tannins, providing powerful astringent effects to help tone the mucous membranes and help stop bleeding.
- Dandelion: Dandelion is a diuretic herb and can assist the body to eliminate the stones and bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Juniper Berry: Like dandelion, juniper is diuretic and can stimulate the kidneys to increase the flow of urine to assist in the elimination of waste materials, and it may be useful as a urinary antiseptic.
- Goldenseal: Antimicrobial herbs such as Goldenseal can be used to fight bacteria and to reduce or prevent infection in the urinary tract. Other similar herbs that can be used include Echinacea and Oregon grape.
Natural herbal Products for Dogs with Bladder Stones
Here are two effective herbal products that you may want to consider if your dog has bladder stones:
This herbal formula contains numerous herbs effective for treating canine bladder stones, such as marshmallow, goldenseal, couchgrass, uva ursi, and juniper.
Not only can it protect, soothe, strengthen and rebuild the entire urinary tract, but it can also help eliminate stones and crystals from the kidneys and bladder.
This herbal formula contains herbs such as couchgrass, echinacea, marshmallow, dandelion, and horsetail, and can disinfect, soothe, and protect the urinary tract without irritating the kidneys.
Supplements for Dogs with Bladder Stones
Natural supplements are also good remedies for dog bladder stones. In particular:
- Fish Oil: Fish oil, such as cod liver oil, is rich in vitamins A and D. These vitamins are important because they help maintain and support urinary tract health.
- Vitamin B-complex: B-complex (in particular B2 and B6) is also essential for the prevention of bladder stone formation in dogs.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C can acidify the urine, so that stones formed as a result of bacterial infections are kept to a minimum. Cranberry is a good source of vitamin C.
Check Out This Natural Product
This is a good product that you can consider feeding your dog if she is prone to struvite crystals and bladder infections. The acidity of the berries helps to balance the urinary tract pH and dissolve struvite crystals. These crystals and stones tend to form in alkaline urine.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies can be effective in treating dog bladder stones as well.
But the most appropriate remedy cannot be prescribed until a thorough examination by a holistic vet is carried out.
This is important because to accurately prescribe a remedy, the vet needs to know the size, the type, and the location of the stones, amongst other things.
Examples of homeopathic remedies that can be used for bladder stones include Urtica urens, Nux vomica, and Coccus cacti.
Dog Bladder Stones and Diet
In addition to the above natural home remedies, it is extremely important to look at the dog's diet. In fact, the holistic approach to treat bladder stones in dogs is to first change the diet. A well-balanced, organic diet is important in the effective treatment and prevention of stones in dogs.
Depending on the type of stones, a change in the urine chemical compositions resulting from a diet change can actually dissolve some bladder stones. If your dog has bladder stones, therefore, be sure to discuss his diet with your holistic vet.
Eldredge, et al. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook 4th edition (Wiley Publishing, 2007).
C.J. Puotinen, Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats (Keats Publishing, 1999).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
R.H. Pitcairn, The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
For more detailed information on the causes, symptoms, and conventional treatment of canine bladder stones, please visit this page.
