It's important to give your pet the right food to prevent urinary tract infections from developing and to maintain bladder health. Urinary tract infections can occur in all breeds and are more commonly seen in females. Males are more likely to suffer from obstructions in the urinary tract when they develop uroliths. Pets are also at risk of developing cystitis or an inflammation of the bladder. Since cystitis is related to urinary tract infections and uroliths, it's important to take measures to prevent the formation of uroliths by feeding the pet an appropriate diet.
Uroliths
Uroliths are stones that form in the dog's urinary passage. There are different types of stones that can form in the urinary tract. Some of them include struvite stones, ammonium urate stones, calcium oxalate stones and cystine calculi. Pets suffering from these stones strain to urinate, experience pain and discomfort in the abdomen and urinate in unusual places. Although uroliths can be treated with medication, surgical intervention is necessary when they give rise to an obstruction in the urinary tract. Pets suffering from uroliths are also given a special prescription diet like the Hills Prescription Diet Canine Urinary Tract Health, to dissolve the stones.
Diets for Bladder Health
An ideal diet for pets suffering from bladder problems and urinary tract infections is one that's rich in complex carbohydrates and low in fats. The food should also contain a small amount of high quality proteins. Since several commercial dry food products contain fillers, additives and preservatives, you need to carefully read the label of the product before purchasing it.
Dogs suffering from renal failure associated with urinary tract infections and bladder problems also benefit from diets that are low in salt and phosphorous. Although you may choose to feed your pet home cooked meals, it's best to give him high quality commercial dog food products that contain his recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals.
Acidic Urine
To prevent struvite stones from recurring, the pet should be fed a diet that promotes acidic urine. Since struvite stones are soluble in urine that's acidic, the vet may also recommend the use of urinary acidifiers. A diet that has a combination of high quality sources of protein and vegetables helps to attain the right urine pH balance of 6.4.
Dos and Don'ts:
- Do give your pet a good supply of fresh water so that the urine doesn't become overly concentrated.
- Don't buy commercial foods that contain artificial colors, fillers and high amounts of sugar or salt.
- Consider using homeopathic remedies to treat chronic urinary infections so that they don't spread to the bladder.
- Take your dog outside more often so that he doesn't have to hold urine in his bladder for a long period of time.
- Consider administering supplements that contain Cantharis or Uva Ursi if the dog suffers from bladder stones.
It's important to incorporate small amounts of the prescription diet to the dog's meal so that he doesn't develop food intolerance. You should also follow up with periodic vet checks and watch for any abnormalities like blood in the urine or foul smelling urine.