Subscribe To
This Site
Canine Bladder Stones -
|
The holistic approach to treat canine bladder stones is to first change the diet. A well-balanced, organic diet is important in the effective treatment and prevention of bladder 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. |
Besides diet change, natural remedies such as herbs can be used to:
Herbal Remedies for Canine 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 as 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.
A very effective commercial natural herbal formula for canine bladder stones is:
Only Natural Pet Tract-Ease Herbal Formula
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.
Another effective commercial natural herbal formula for canine bladder stones and urinary tract problem is:
Animals' Apawthecary Tinkle Tonic
This herbal formula can disinfect, soothe, and protect the urinary tract without irritating the kidneys. This formula is an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and tonifying combination of couchgrass, echinacea, marshmallow, dandelion, and horsetail.
Homeopathic Remedies for Canine Bladder Stones
Homeopathic remedies can be effective in treating dog bladder stones as well; however, 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
This remedy is for large stones in the bladder with bloody urine due to irritation of the bladder wall.
Nux vomica
This remedy is suitable particularly for male dogs that have stones in the urethra, resulting in frequent but small-quantity urination.
Coccus cacti
This remedy is also for obstruction of the urethra with a stone. The dog needing this remedy also suffers from severe crampy pains in the bladder.
Supplements for Canine Bladder Stones
Fish OilFish oil, such as cod liver oil, is rich in vitamins A and D which are essential in keeping the lining of the bladder and urinary tract in good condition.
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.
Here is a good product that you can consider feeding your dog if she is prone to struvite crystals and bladder infections:
Solid Gold Berry Balance
This product helps to balance the urinary tract pH and dissolve struvite crystals, which may develop in urine if it is too alkaline.
References
Pitcairn & Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
TOP of Canine Bladder Stones - Natural Remedies
GO TO Dog Bladder Stones
RETURN TO Home Page
