Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Urinary Tract Disease Prevention

Urinary tract infections and urolithiasis affect a significant proportion of dogs, causing pain and repeated veterinary interventions, with dietary and lifestyle modifications preventing many cases.

Key Facts

Female dogs are more susceptible to ascending urinary tract infections than males
Struvite stones form in alkaline urine, often secondary to infection
Calcium oxalate stones require dietary management to prevent recurrence
Adequate water intake is the single most important preventive measure for most urinary conditions
Breed predispositions exist for urolithiasis - Dalmatians, Miniature Schnauzers and Bichons are at higher risk

Welfare Considerations

Urinary tract disease causes significant pain and distress in dogs - the dysuria, haematuria and straining of urinary infections and stones cause acute suffering. Many cases are preventable through adequate hydration, appropriate diet and management of underlying conditions like infections. Dogs that develop urolithiasis require specific dietary management to prevent often painful recurrence.

What You Can Do

Encourage high water intake in dogs by providing fresh water in multiple locations
Feed wet food as part of the diet to improve hydration in dogs prone to urinary problems
Follow veterinary dietary recommendations strictly in dogs with urolithiasis history